Curtain Headings

Curtains can come in a wide variety of styles and can influence the design and feel of your home.  The curtain heading you choose will give your room individuality and create an atmosphere of formality or informality.  These design distinctions can be made whether you are buying ready made curtains or made to measure curtains. If you are interested in buying curtains you should give careful consideration to which headings to choose.

Standard Pleats

Many headings can be created using different types of header tape that is sewn at the top edge of the curtain and can be used to create different effects, like pleats and folds, by pulling a cord which runs through the tapes.  When using this type of tape, the pleats are sharpest when the cord is drawn up tightly.  There can be several cords in each tape for drawing up the pleats in the curtain and a good quality tape will also have several rows of pockets for hooks which will allow you to adjust the height of the heading.

Box Pleats

This effect can be created using box pleat heading tape.  It gives a more formal and tailored look as the curtain falls into deep pleats down its full length.  The pleats have no spacing between them but fall one after the other.

Cased Headings

Simple cased headings are used largely for net curtains or lightweight fabrics that are not constantly being opened and closed. The casing sewn across the top is left open at the ends. A narrow curtain rod or plastic covered spring wire slides through the channel and fits onto hooks at the side of the window. 

Eyelet/Slot Headings

Used to create a simple, modern look a narrow rod, pole or wire is threaded through eyelets that are positioned close to the top edge creating deep folds. 

Goblet/Cartridge Pleated Headings

Goblet pleats are ideal for longer more elegant curtains as the pleats fall from each goblet and can be filled with tissue paper or cotton wool to retain their shape.

Pencil Pleats

This finish is created using stiffening tape which allows the narrow pleated heading to stand up concealing the curtain track.

Tab Top Headings

An informal heading with where fabric is looped around a curtain pole and no heading tape is necessary.

Which Curtains? Where?

When you are considering buying curtains, whether they are ready made curtains or made to measure curtains, it’s important to think about which room in the house they are for and what effect you are trying to create.

Living Room Curtains

This is usually the main reception room and the curtains will be more formal and designed to make a bigger impact than in other rooms in the house.

Bedroom Curtains

Curtains in bedrooms tend to be more feminine and prettier but they need to be heavy enough to block out early morning sunshine.  Often blackout treatments or fabrics are used.

Kitchen curtains

Curtains in the kitchen need to be simple and practical.  They should not hang over areas where they may easily get dirty.

Bathroom Curtains

Curtains in the bathroom should be made of light, fine fabric so that if the get wet they dry off quickly. Again practicality is important consideration.  There are a variety of moisture resistant fabrics available.