When it comes to choosing a curtain heading, there are a lot of aspects to consider. The first is deciding if you want a rod-pocket or tab-top heading. Rod-pocket headings are the most common and easiest to install, while tab-top headings provide a more finished look. Further, you will also need to consider the weight of your curtains - lighter fabrics will require a different heading than heavier ones.
So, it is essential to know the different types of curtain headings available out there. This article will surely help you decide which curtain heading could work the best for you.
Grommet | Eyelet Curtains
Grommet Eyelet curtains are a type of curtain that hangs using grommets. They are often made of heavy fabric like denim or canvas. They can be used to add a decorative touch to any window.
Grommet eyelet curtains are easy to put up and take down. They can also be a great way to change the look of your home décor.
When choosing grommets for curtains, it is essential to consider how much weight the fabric can withstand and how often the curtain will be opened and closed.
Heavier fabrics will require stronger grommets, while those that will be opened and closed frequently should be reinforced with additional grommets or another type of fastener.
Pros
1) Eyelets are a terrific way to add headings to your pattern designs. They don't distort the material in any way, allowing you to highlight the design beautifully.
2) A nautical theme would be a good choice if you want to incorporate eyelets into your design.
3) No curtain rings are required as the curtains are straight across the pole.
Cons
1) Not good for blackout because light can come through the eyelets themselves.
2) Cannot use embroidered fabric. The embroidery can rub against the eyelets and fray.
3) Can be hung from a pole only.
4) Bay windows are unsuitable as the eyelets cannot move past the brackets.
5) This is not suitable for single curtain windows taller than 180cm as you need a center bracket to support the pole.
6) Eyelets will scratch poles over time than curtain rings.
Pencil Pleat Heading
Pencil pleat headings are a popular choice for both curtains and blinds. They create a tailored look that can be adjusted to suit the fullness required. Pencil pleats are easy to hang and provide a neat, finished appearance. In addition, the heading can be released, allowing the fabric to hang naturally or pulled up to create a more formal look.
Compared to grommet eyelet curtains, pencil pleat curtains are typically more formal than grommet eyelet curtains. On the other hand, the grommet eyelet curtains are easier to hang because there is a hole in the middle of the fabric that you can put a rod through. This makes it easier to hang because you don't have to gather the fabric evenly before sewing or clipping it in place.
Pros
1) This is the cheapest heading method for labor costs as it takes up the least time.
2) This heading is great for smaller spaces or rooms and looks beautiful when hung correctly.
3) You can hang curtain hooks on uneven floors using these curtains. They come in different lengths, so it's up to you if you want them to be short or full-length curtains.
4) You can make a table runner at an angle for it to fit the window.
5) It is possible to fix these curtains either to a pole or mounted onto a vertical surface, like a wall. There is also the option to have it mounted onto the ceiling using tracks.
6) When fitted floor to ceiling or close to the wall on a track, these curtains have a good blackout effect.
Cons
The worst curtain heading for stack back when the fabric is bunching up against itself. This will cause the curtains to take up more room than other headings.
Pinch Pleat Heading
Pinch pleat heading is a type of window treatment heading that uses pinch pleats to gather the fabric. Pinch pleats are created by folding the fabric at evenly spaced intervals and then pinching or gathering the material together. This type of heading is typically used with heavier fabrics and can be hung using drapery pins or hooks.
There are different types of pinch pleat headings. You can use single, double, or triple pinch pleats, depending on how full the fabric is and the size of the window. For example, a single pinch pleat might be good for a small window, while a double or triple pinch pleat might be necessary for a larger window.
Pros
1) Pinch pleat heading is an easy option to install, which makes it a good choice for people who are not experienced in sewing or working with fabric.
2) As each pleat is stitched in so when these curtains are opened, they stack back to a small space.
Cons
1) Pinch pleat curtains can be more expensive than other types of window treatments.
2) Where Pinch pleat headings are easy to install, they are not ideal for a modern look. For that modern look and feel, you can consider Inverted pleats.
Double Pinch Pleated Curtains
As the name indicates, the double pinch pleats have double folds as they are made of two pieces of cloth. These curtains can be made from different types of fabric. However, they use less fabric compared to some other kinds of curtains.
If installed correctly, these curtains usually hang with uniform folds. So, they enhance the overall aesthetics of the given place where they are installed. Moreover, these curtains look best when installed beneath a curtain pole.
Double pinch pleated curtains are also known as Dutch Pleat.
Pros
1) You can use double pinch pleats on both tracks and poles. However, they look best when used on poles. Rest the choice is yours!
2) Equally suitable for traditional as well modern styled homes.
3) These curtains are quite versatile as you can use them with a range of fabric types.
Cons
1) The use of additional fabric may increase the labor charges, affecting the overall cost.
2) These curtain headings also require a bit more space in the back so that they can be used properly.
Triple Pinch Pleated Curtains
If you want to give a bit rich feel to your living room, you can go with triple pinch pleated curtains. The triple pinch pleated curtains are the most commonly used ones out of all pinch pleated curtain types. These curtains give a unique and luxurious feel to the room where they are installed.
It is recommended to install these curtains in living rooms where they can be fully admired. Unlike double pinch pleated curtains, these have a triple layer of triple folds and require more fabric.
Triple pinch pleated curtains are also known as French Pleat.
Pros
1) Because of triple folds, these curtains are good when it comes to stopping unwanted light from getting into the room.
2) Because of their styling, these curtains easily get noticed. So, if you want to enhance the beauty of your living room, these are the ones to consider.
3) When pulled back, they don't take much space. So, despite their extra fabric, these curtains don't take up much space when stacked back.
Cons
Triple pinch pleated curtains require more fabric, which may boost the cost. Further, their installation process is lengthy.
Tab Top Curtains
A tab-top heading is a contemporary solution. The pole runs through the tabs with soft folds. They are not appropriate in rooms where you need to exclude light and keep the space dark- keep this in mind when considering a tab top heading for your home or business.
Pros
1) Tabletop curtains are easy on the pocket. This is because these curtains have been there for a while and do not offer much styling.
2) Despite their price, they do have a unique look to them. To some users, the informal and casual look does look good.
3) As we mentioned, these curtains get the job is done which means they may not be ideal for blocking light but at least provide decent enough protection and are cheap too.
Cons
1) If you want a formal and a modern look, then these curtains are not for you.
2) Tabletop curtains are also not known for good privacy and blocking out UV rays.
Back Tab Curtains
Back tab curtains are best if you want that clean look. These curtains have tabs that are sewn back to the curtain. Further, these curtains are usually installed on rods, and this rod passes through the tabs. This whole fit and finish give these curtains a different look.
So, back tab curtains offer good privacy and also look good. Therefore, these curtains are good for modern-themed homes.
Back tab curtains are also known as hidden tab curtains because they have tabs sewn to the back of the curtain.
Pros
1) Back tab curtains are considered good for modern homes. They also add a luxurious feel when fitted correctly.
2) Offers a clean look as it does not have any hooks, pins, or clips used for installation.
3) You can use a wide range of fabrics for back tab curtains.
Cons
Back tab curtains are not the best pick if you want to open and close them frequently.
Rod Pocket Curtains
If we have to define rod pocket curtains in a single line, it would be "A classy way to hang drapery". Yes, red pocket curtains are the most unique type of curtains. These curtains simply fold over on the curtain rod. Therefore, if you have curtains rods already installed at your property, simply buy these curtains. You won't need any clips to hang them.
Pros
1) Very easy to install. You can even install them on your own, saving some extra bucks on their installation.
2) Overall a cost-effective option considering how easy it is to set them.
3) Perfect to add a sense of luxury and romance to a room.
4) Offer good privacy and light control.
Cons
Rod pocket curtains can be challenging to clean because the fabric is trapped in the casing. This makes it hard to reach and clean.
Inverted Box Pleated Curtains
Inverted box pleats are created by folding the fabric of the curtain inwards, creating a pleat that points downwards. This type of pleat is then sewn into place at the top of the curtain, creating a sleek and sophisticated look.
The inverted box pleat design is suitable for longer windows than they are wide. This design makes it look like the window is taller. The inverted box pleat design also works well in rooms with high ceilings. This will help bring the eye down to the window level.
There are many ways to hang inverted box pleated curtains. The most important thing is to make sure the window's height is considered. You want to make sure that the window's height is complementary to both the window and the other d écor in the room.
Pros
1) Inverted box pleats create a sleek and elegant look. Box pleats tend to add bulk to a curtain.
2) These curtain pleats are easier to open and close than box pleats. When you want to let in light or air, simply pull.
3) Turned-back pleats stay neater than box pleats. This is because the fabric is stretched tight across the top of the curtain.
Cons
1) Because they are pleated, they require more fabric than other types of curtains, which can also add to the cost.
2) Inverted Box Pleated Curtains can be difficult to clean because the pleats trap dust and dirt. This makes it difficult to vacuum or dust them.
Flat Panel Top
Flat Panel Top curtains are a type of window treatment that hangs down from a rod that goes across the top of the window. The panels are usually made of a lightweight fabric, and they hang down evenly on both sides of the window.
Flat Panel Top curtains are a popular choice for many people because they are easy to install and look clean and simple. Additionally, these types of curtains can be easily adjusted to let in more or less light as needed.
Pros
1) Flat Panel Top curtains are good for people who want easy-care window treatments. These curtains have a flat top, which makes them easy to clean and maintain.
2) The sleek design of Flat Panel Top curtains can give any room a modern look.
3) Flat Panel Top curtains can help to insulate a room from outside noise and heat. By sealing off the top of the window, they prevent hot or cold air from entering the room.
Cons
Flat-panel top curtains can be even more expensive. That's because they require a lot more fabric than other types of curtains.
Final Words
So, there are many factors to consider when choosing a curtain heading. The above tips will help you choose the best type of heading for your curtains.
If your room has a more formal decor, you will want to choose a heading that reflects that. For example, pinch pleat or rod pocket curtains would be a good choice. On the other hand, if your room has a more casual feel, you may want to go with a simpler heading like grommet or tab top curtains.
Another factor to consider is how much light you want to let in. If you want the room to be darker, you'll want to choose a heavier fabric and a fuller heading. Sheer fabrics will let more light in.
Pinch pleat and rod pocket curtains are the most formal curtain heading types. However, if you want a more casual look, go with grommet or tab top curtains. Sheer fabrics will let more light in and are easier to open and close. You should now have a better idea of the type of curtain heading that will work best for your space.