Curtain Headers: A Style Guide

Let us help you bring your vision to life. As window furnishing experts, we’re here to support you on your decorating journey, helping you make confident, informed choices that enhance the beauty and functionality of your home.

Curtains are more than just window coverings; they’re an essential design element that sets the tone for your space. Whether you’re after a tailored finish, a soft flowing look, or something in between, this curtain heading guide will walk you through the most popular options and help you decide which is best suited to your decor, lifestyle, and personal taste.

Let’s explore the details that make a difference - because when it comes to curtains, the right style can transform your home. Inspiration starts here.

Pencil Pleat 75mm

75mm Pencil pleat curtains are a versatile, elegant option featuring gathered fabric. Pencil pleat works well with most fabrics and can be hung on either rods or tracks, offering a stylish, tidy finish.

75cm Pencil Pleat Close v3
75cm Pencil Pleat Plain
75 Pencil Pleat Striped v2

Pencil Pleat 150cm

150mm Pencil pleat curtain style has a wider heading tape which offers a stylish gather along the top, creating a clean and elegant look. Ideal for most fabrics, it’s a great choice that complements various interior design styles, suiting both traditional and contemporary homes with a touch of sophisticated charm.

150cm Pencil Pleat Close
150cm Pencil Pleat Plain
150cm Pencil Pleat Stripe

Single Pleat

The modern, sleek appearance is created with a single pinch of fabric spaced evenly across the heading. An economical choice. Single pleat requires less fabric than other pleat styles. Ideal for patterned fabrics as less of the pattern disappears into the folds.

Single Pleat Close v2
Single Pleat Plain v2

Single Pleat - Pleat to Stripe

Pleating with striped or patterned fabric requires more fabric fullness than using plain fabric. This extra fullness ensures the curtains align perfectly with the stripe or pattern, resulting in a clean, visually appealing look where each fold matches the design, preventing a messy appearance.

Single Pleat Close Stripe
Single Pleat Stripe

Double Pleat

With a double pinch of fabric spaced evenly across the heading. This classic heading style creates a full, elegant look. Ideal for both character homes and contemporary spaces.

Double Pleat Close
Double Pleat Plain

Double Pleat Stripe

Vertical stripes guide the eye upward, creating a sense of taller ceilings—an ideal solution for rooms with limited vertical space. Select one color from the stripe or pattern to create a striking feature wall with paint or wallpaper.

Double Pleat Close Stripe
Double Pleat Stripe

Triple Pleat

A sumptuous, full curtain with plenty of body is created by triple pinches of fabric evenly spaced across the heading. Lush and opulent, this style is ideal for expansive rooms where it can be fully admired. Offering an elegant, tailored appearance, triple pleats create a fuller, more refined look that adds depth to any room, requiring slightly more fabric for that extra richness and volume.

Triple Pleat Close
Triple Pleat Plain

Triple Pleat Stripe

Choosing a rod to complete your look is aesthetically appealing, rods add a decorative touch with various finishes and finials that enhance your interior design.

Triple Pleat Close Stripe
Triple Pleat Stripe

Inverted Pleat

One of our most popular styles, the inverted pleat curtain provides a sleek and contemporary look. The pleats are folded inward and hidden at the back, creating a minimalist finish. This structured style is ideal for full-length curtains. They stack well and work beautifully in modern, clean spaces.

Inverted Pleat Close Up
Inverted Pleat Close Up Stripe
Inverted Pleat Stripe

Wave

Wave pleat curtains create a modern look with an elegant ‘S’ shape. This minimalist style offers a soft, flowing appearance, making it perfect for contemporary interiors. Suitable for various fabrics. S fold wave curtains provide a relaxed yet sophisticated look.

Wave Close
Wave Plain v2

Wave Stripe

Stripes are timeless and won’t go out of style. They pair beautifully with florals, polka dots, or checks when the colors complement each other.

Wave Close Stripe
Wave Stripe

Double Track System

Double track curtain systems give you the flexibility to hang different curtain styles on one window, typically a sheer curtain on the front for daytime privacy and soft light, and a block out or lined curtain behind for insulation and full privacy at night. This system enhances the look of your space but also offers complete control over light and temperature. 

Track vs. Rod

A track is mostly concealed, becoming visible only when the curtains are open, as the curtain header covers it when closed. In contrast, a rod always remains visible, as the curtains are underhung.

Double Track
Track
Rod

Puddle & Curtain Return

Puddle

Puddling curtains offers a luxurious look, with the fabric gently pooling on the floor. By extending the curtain length up to 100mm beyond the floor-to-ceiling height, you create a flowing, elegant puddle effect. We recommend that any natural fibre fabric is puddled due to shrinkage and growth with humidity. This allows the fabric to subtly shift over time without compromising the look. Puddle curtains add drama and bring a sophistication to any space.

Curtain Return 

Curtain returns are optional. The purpose of a return is to conceal the end of the track by wrapping the curtain around and finishing it close to the wall. Returns are also helpful to reduce outside light around the edges of the curtain.

Puddling
Return

Roman Layered

A luxurious Roman blind, featuring folds that form an elegant waterfall effect when pulled up. Each fold adds texture and depth, enhancing the window with a tailored appearance. These blinds allow for light control while draping beautifully, softening and elevating any room’s decor.

Roman plain
Roman Plain Up

Roman Flat

Flat Roman blinds offer a sleek, structured look with a continuous piece of fabric that hangs flat against the window. When lifted the folds sit in a flat stack, creating a smooth, streamlined appearance. Perfect for showcasing patterned fabrics, these blinds help maintain a clean, uncluttered aesthetic in any space.

Roman Stripe
Roman Stripe Up