Curtain Headings

The heading is the top of the curtain, and it shapes the whole look: how the folds fall, how the curtain stacks and whether it hangs from a track or a pole.

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Curtain Headings

Why the heading matters

Two curtains in the same fabric can look completely different with a different heading. The heading decides the shape and depth of the folds, how much fabric is needed, how much space the curtain takes up when open, and which hardware it can hang from. It is one of the first decisions in any curtain scheme.

Pencil pleat

Pencil pleat is a gathered heading made with a tape stitched along the top of the curtain. Pulling the cords in the tape gathers the fabric into narrow, pencil-like pleats. It gives a soft, familiar look and works with many domestic tracks and poles, which makes it a practical choice when you are keeping existing hardware.

The finished look depends heavily on fullness. Too little fabric and the curtain looks sparse when closed; too much and it becomes bulky. We calculate the fullness as part of the specification rather than choosing it arbitrarily.

Eyelet

Eyelet curtains have large rings set into the top of the fabric, which thread directly onto a visible pole. They form broad, informal folds and put the pole itself on show, so the finish and finials matter.

Eyelets need a compatible pole with a suitable diameter, enough space above the window for the heading to sit, and careful stack planning because the folds are wide. They are not suited to hidden tracks, and they are not normally motorised.

Pinch pleat

Stitched groups of pleats give a structured, tailored heading that holds its shape. Pinch pleats hang from rings on a pole or hooks on a track. Read more about pinch pleat curtains.

Wave

Wave curtains clip onto carriers in a dedicated track, which space the fabric into even, flowing folds. Clean and contemporary, and a natural partner for motorised tracks. Read more about wave curtains.

Choosing a heading

A few questions help narrow it down:

  • Do you want the hardware on show, or discreet?
  • Is the window straight, or does the curtain need to follow a bay?
  • How much wall space is there for the curtain to stack?
  • Would you like the option of motorisation, now or later?
  • Is the look you want tailored, relaxed or contemporary?

We bring heading samples to your free home survey, so you can see how each one folds before deciding.

Honest suitability

Is it right for your window?

Every recommendation comes with a reason. Where something else would serve you better, we say so — and suggest what to consider instead.

Where this works well

  • Keeping an existing track

    Pencil pleat tape works with many domestic tracks and poles.

    Worth knowing: We check the existing track is sound and suits the new curtain weight.

  • A visible decorative pole Recommended

    Eyelet and pinch pleat headings make the pole part of the design.

  • Bay windows With conditions

    Pencil pleat, pinch pleat and wave can all run on a bent track.

    Worth knowing: Eyelets need a suitable bay pole and planning at the joints; confirmed at survey.

  • Motorised operation

    Wave and pleated headings can run on motorised tracks on selected systems.

    Worth knowing: Compatibility depends on the track and motor chosen.

Where we’d suggest something else

  • Eyelets on a hidden or motorised track

    Why: Eyelets thread onto a pole, so they cannot run in a concealed track or normal motorised system.

    The limitation: The heading and the hardware are not compatible.

    Consider instead: Wave curtains

  • Little wall space either side

    Why: Broad eyelet or gathered folds need room to stack clear of the glass.

    The limitation: In a tight space the curtain stack can cover part of the window.

    Consider instead: Roman blinds

Fabrics and linings

Most headings work with a wide range of fabrics, but weight and stiffness affect how each heading folds. Eyelets and wave suit fabrics that drape softly; pinch pleats can carry heavier, interlined constructions.

Standard lining is a separate backing layer sewn behind the face fabric. It protects the fabric from direct sun, adds body and helps the curtain hang and fold consistently.

Blackout lining is designed to stop light passing through the curtain itself. It does not make a room completely dark: light can still find its way around the edges, above the track or pole, beneath the hem and where the curtains meet.

Interlining is a soft layer placed between the face fabric and the lining. It adds weight, fullness and a more insulating construction, and gives many fabrics a richer drape.

The exact fabrics and linings available, and how they behave together, depend on the fabric you choose. We confirm the construction at your consultation.

Tracks, poles and operation

The heading decides the hardware: eyelets need a pole, wave needs a dedicated track, and pencil and pinch pleats can use either. The main ways to operate curtains:

  • Hand-drawn: the simplest option, and quiet in use. Suits most headings on poles and tracks.
  • Wands: a slim rod clipped to the leading edge, so you draw the curtain without handling the fabric. No cords involved.
  • Cord-drawn tracks: a continuous cord opens and closes the curtains. Any looped cord must be held taut by a tensioner or safety device fixed to the wall.
  • Motorised tracks: available on selected track systems, with control options that depend on the system chosen. Motorisation removes operating cords altogether.

Child safety

Where a curtain track is operated by a looped cord, the loop must be held taut by a cord tensioner or safety device fitted to the wall, so it cannot form a hanging loop within reach of children. We fit any required safety devices as part of installation.

Hand-drawn curtains and wands have no looped cords, and motorised tracks remove operating cords altogether, which makes them sensible choices for children's rooms and family homes. See our guide to child-safe window coverings.

Compared with the alternatives

Wave curtains

The most regular, contemporary fold, on a dedicated track. Choose wave for wide glazing and motorisation.

Pinch pleat curtains

A structured, tailored heading on poles or tracks. Choose pinch pleat for a classic, finished look.

Roman blinds

Soft fabric folds that sit at the window rather than beside it, useful where there is no space for curtains to stack.

Related options

Related advice

Questions we get asked

Which curtain heading is best for a bay window?

Headings that run on a bending track, such as pencil pleat, pinch pleat or wave, are usually easiest. Eyelets need a suitable bay pole.

Which headings can be motorised?

Wave and pleated headings can run on motorised tracks on selected systems. Eyelets thread onto a pole, so they are not normally motorised.

Can I reuse my existing track with new curtains?

Often, with pencil pleat or pinch pleat on hooks. We check the track is in good condition and suits the new curtain weight.

Do eyelet curtains need a special pole?

They need a pole with a diameter that suits the eyelet size, and enough space above the window for the heading to sit.

Do you make separate pencil pleat or eyelet pages?

Everything about those headings is covered on this page, alongside wave and pinch pleat, so you can compare them in one place.

More curtain options

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