Wave Curtains

Wave curtains fall in regular, flowing folds from top to bottom. The heading clips onto a compatible track that controls the spacing of the fabric, giving a clean, contemporary look open or closed.

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How the wave heading works

A wave curtain is made with a heading tape that attaches to carriers running inside a compatible track. The spacing between those carriers sets the depth and rhythm of each fold, so the curtain keeps the same soft S-shape whether it is drawn or stacked back. That is why wave is best thought of as a system rather than a style: the fabric, the heading tape and the track are specified together.

Fullness and fabric

Fullness is how much fabric goes into the finished width. With wave it is set by the carrier spacing and the depth of fold you want. Too little and the folds look flat and thin; too much and the curtain becomes bulky when stacked. We calculate it as part of the specification rather than choosing a figure at random.

Wave suits a wide range of plain, textured and sheer fabrics. Very stiff or boldly patterned fabrics can behave differently in the fold, so we check how a fabric drapes before recommending it.

Lining, light and privacy

Wave curtains can be unlined for a light, airy look, lined for body and evening privacy, or blackout-lined for bedrooms. Because the folds stand slightly away from the wall, light can escape at the sides and top; returns and a ceiling-fixed track help reduce this. Our page on blackout curtains explains edge light in more detail.

A popular scheme pairs a sheer wave curtain for daytime with a lined wave curtain for the evening, each on its own run of a double track.

Tracks and stacking

Wave needs a track designed for it, fixed to the wall or ceiling and run straight or bent to suit the window. The track length, stack allowance and return depth decide whether the curtains clear the glass when open. On wide doors, a one-way draw or several panels can keep the opening clear and the traffic route free. Read more about curtain tracks and poles.

Operation and motorisation

Wave curtains glide easily by hand, often with a discreet wand so the fabric stays clean. Motorised versions of wave tracks are available on selected systems, which suits tall glazing and wide doors; see motorised curtains.

Measuring and fitting

We measure the window, the fixing surface above it, the ceiling height and any obstacles such as radiators, sills and door handles, then confirm the track position, stack space and finished length. The details are checked at your free home survey before anything is made.

Motorisation: Available on selected ranges

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

Bifold and patio doors Recommended
Regular folds stack neatly and the track can run the full width of the opening.
Worth knowing: Stack space beside the doors needs planning so the curtains clear the opening.
Large and full-height windows Recommended
The consistent fold looks tidy across wide spans and at full height.
Contemporary living spaces
Clean lines suit modern interiors and open-plan rooms.
Motorised schemes
Wave tracks are widely offered with motorised options for tall or wide curtains.
Worth knowing: Motor compatibility depends on the track system, confirmed at survey.
Bay windows With conditions
A bent wave track can follow many bays.
Worth knowing: Tight angles may limit track options; confirmed at survey.

Where we’d suggest something else

A traditional look on a decorative pole
Why: Wave runs on a track, so it does not hang from a traditional pole with rings and finials.
The limitation: If the pole itself is part of the design, wave is not the natural fit.
Consider instead: Pinch pleat curtains
Windows over a sink or worktop
Why: Curtain fabric close to a sink or hob picks up splashes and gets in the way.
The limitation: Long curtains are impractical where the sill is used every day.
Consider instead: Roller blinds

Fabrics and linings

Wave curtains work with plain, textured and sheer fabrics. The heading tape and fold depth are matched to the fabric weight, and the lining is chosen for the job the curtain needs to do.

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

Wave curtains run on a dedicated track rather than a pole. The main ways to operate them:

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

Pinch pleat curtains

A more tailored, structured heading that works on decorative poles as well as tracks. Choose it for a classic or formal look; choose wave for cleaner, more regular folds.

Pencil pleat and eyelet headings

Pencil pleat gives a softer gathered top on many domestic tracks, and eyelets run directly along a visible pole. Both are less uniform than wave.

Vertical blinds

For very wide glazing where you want to angle the light as well as draw back the treatment, vertical blinds offer tilt control that curtains cannot.

Related options

Related advice

Questions we get asked

Can wave curtains hang from a pole?

Wave is designed around a compatible track with carriers that set the fold spacing. If you want a visible decorative pole, pinch pleat or eyelet curtains are usually the better choice.

Do wave curtains suit traditional rooms?

They lean contemporary, but in a soft fabric on a discreet ceiling track they can sit comfortably in older homes. For a more classic look, compare pinch pleat.

Can wave curtains be blackout lined?

Yes, wave curtains can be lined or blackout lined depending on the fabric. Light can still show at the edges and top, so for very dark rooms we may suggest a blind behind.

Can I have a sheer and a lined wave curtain together?

Yes. A double track lets the sheer and the heavier curtain move independently, which is one of the most popular wave schemes.

Can wave curtains be motorised?

Motorised wave tracks are available on selected systems. We confirm the track, power and control options at survey.

More curtain options

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