Discover different types of curtains, curtain styles, pleats and more
Curtain styles: The basics for homeowners
With so many types of curtains available, choosing the right ones can be complicated. Between the right curtain hems, headings, plain or decorative fabrics, manual or motorised tracks, we simplify the process for you and reveal the basics of picking curtains and drapes for Melbourne properties.
Curtain headings
A curtain heading refers to how the top of the curtain is finished and attached to a track, influencing the way it hangs or ‘drapes’. Different heading types create distinctive looks and impact the room’s design and functionality.
Some factors to be mindful of when choosing your curtains include the fabric weight, ease of use and maintenance requirements. Consider the fabric’s density, especially when choosing heavier curtains for winter, as they can help maintain warmth and minimise light while providing insulation.
How do you choose which style of heading to use? Take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of these seven popular curtain headings to help you decide.
1. S-fold and wave header curtains
A wave or S-fold curtain hangs in smooth, even folds that create a flowing, even ripple-like effect. Their appearance has widespread appeal.
Pros of S-folds:
- S-folds provide a clean sleek look from the inside and out
- Uniform, structured appearance, best suited to modern homes or spaces
- Ideal for sheer fabrics
- Synthetic fabrics are perfect for s-folds as they are more stable than some natural fibres which are better suited to more relaxed headings
- S-fold tracks are easy to motorise
Cons of S-folds:
- Require a specific type of track and heading tape
- Not recommended for ‘puddling’ as the elegant wave folds are lost when extra fabric is pooled on the floor
- S-folds create a larger stack, which can be up to 30% of the curtain width depending on your fabric
- More space is required—this is an important consideration if installing into a concealed pelmet
- No overlap arm available for centre open s-fold blockout curtains
2. Pencil pleat and gathered header curtains
Upsides of pencil pleats:
- The relaxed appearance works equally well in casual and some formal settings
- Good heading option for pooling, where the curtain drapes onto the ground
- Can stack well (depending on the fabric)
- Ideal for concealed pelmets where heading isn’t visible
- Add an overlap for center opening curtains to keep rooms darker
- Can determine the fullness of the gather
Downsides of pencil pleats:
- Not ideal for thick fabrics, but suitable for heavy curtains
- Avoid on windows where heading tape will be visible from the outside, ie floor to ceiling windows
- May require more fabric than other styles
3. Single, double and triple pinch pleats
Single pinch pleats
Single pinch pleats, also called New York Pleats, are created by pinching the fabric once at regular intervals, forming a fan-like fold.
Upsides of single pinch pleats:
- Works well in more modern formal settings
- They stack well, ideal for small spaces
- Ideal for heavier fabrics
Downsides of single pinch pleats:
- Decreased privacy due to less fullness if the fabric is sheer
Double and triple pinch pleats
Double pleats, also called Dutch pleats, have two folds per pleat for a more sophisticated feel. Triple pleats or French pleats have three folds for a fuller, more traditional appearance.
Upsides of double and triple pinch pleats:
- Fuller, structured appearance
- Works well in more formal settings
- Great option to be used with decorative tracks
- Easy to dress when opened
- Neat, compact stack when fully opened
Downsides of double and triple pinch pleats:
- Less suited for casual spaces
- Require more fabric than other styles
- Not recommended for recessed pelmets
4. Inverted pleat and box pleat curtains
Inverted box pleats create a smooth flat front by folding fabric edges to the back for a contemporary look.
Benefits of inverted box pleats:
- Uncluttered look, ideal for heavier fabrics
- Pleats are customisable according to fabric
- Symmetrical design enhances the overall look
- Fabric joins can be hidden within the fold of the pleat
Drawbacks of inverted box pleats:
- Require more fabric and are labour-intensive
- Not ideal for highly patterned fabric
- Less suitable for sheer fabrics
- Not recommended to use in concealed pelmets
5. Tab top and cafe curtains
Tab top headings feature fabric loops sewn at the top of the panel for easy hanging that works well in kitchens and restaurant settings.
Pros of tab tops and cafe curtains:
- Simple to hang—slide the loops onto the curtain pole
- Suitable for relaxed spaces
- Provides some privacy, if used as a cafe curtain
Cons of tab tops and cafe curtains:
- Light bleed through the tabs and above the curtain
- May need regular adjusting to keep neat
- Sliding along the rod may be difficult and can wear the fabric
6. Flat panel curtains
Flat panel curtains hang straight down from the rod, unlike gathered curtains.
Upsides of flat panel curtains:
- Modern, minimalist look
- Minimises the amount of fabric required
Downsides of flat panel curtains:
- Regular adjustments are needed to keep neat
7. Eyelet curtains
Eyelet curtains feature evenly spaced metal rings punched directly into the fabric and threaded through a curtain rod.
Benefits of eyelets:
- Modern, contemporary look
- No separate curtain rings are required
- Simple to install
- Smooth to operate
- Can often be found in ready-made curtain outlets
Disadvantages of eyelets:
- Not suited to heavy fabrics
- Limited light-blocking ability
- Embroidered fabrics may fray over time
- Metal rings may scratch the rod
Which curtain heading is best for my home?
We’re often asked which curtain heading is best. There is no definitive answer—it depends on your preference, the curtain weight and the aesthetic you want to achieve in your room. For instance, if you want a modern elegant look, consider s-folds, whereas flat panel headings work better for a neater, more minimalist appearance.
It’s also worth considering how much room you have available for curtain stacks, whether you want your curtains to be behind pelmets, do you want automation and your priorities when it comes to privacy and light control.
Curtain hems
A curtain hem finishes the lower edge by folding and sewing the fabric, ensuring it hangs properly. Hems improve appearance and durability and affect the curtain’s drape.
There are several types of curtain hems. The two most common ones are:
Double-fold hem
Weighted hem
Curtain hem length options
Whether your curtains skim the floor or puddle in folds, hem length plays a key role in setting the tone of your space. Three common options include:
Off the floor curtain length
Just touching the floor
Pooling and puddling
Curtain trims
Four popular trims include:
Tape trims
Tassel trim
Fringe trim
Tassel fringe trim
Curtain operating styles
Drapery operating styles control how curtains are opened and closed, ensuring smooth and easy adjustment.
The most commonly used styles include:
Motorised control
Hand traverse
Curtain cord
A pull string that opens and closes curtains by moving them along a track when pulled in either direction.
Curtain wands
Tips to child-proof your curtains
- Use cordless drapery: Systems such as motorised curtains make using cords unnecessary, reducing the risk of strangulation and other hazards.
- Install cord cleats: If your curtains have cords, it is legally required to use cord cleats or tensioners in Australian homes to keep them out of children’s reach.
- Room layout: Position furniture, beds and cots away from the curtains to prevent little children from climbing onto them or getting tangled.
Select the ideal curtains with guidance from the experts
Are you ready to choose the perfect curtains for your home? As one of Melbourne’s leading curtain and blind specialists, the SOM Blinds team—including our in-house interior design consultant—can guide you through the process of selecting the ideal headings, hems, trims and operating style best suited to your lifestyle. Send us an enquiry to book an appointment at our showroom in Burwood, where you can browse the latest locally-made and imported fabrics, colour swatches, trendy trims and so much more.
