Pinch pleats
The classic, timeless choice. Fabric is gathered into evenly spaced pinches along the top, giving a tailored, elegant finish that suits traditional and modern rooms alike.
- Come in double and triple pinch (also called French pleat) versions, with the triple giving a fuller, more formal look.
- Hang from hooks sewn into the back, so they work with both rods and tracks.
- Suit medium to heavy fabrics such as linen blends, velvet and lined cotton.
Goblet pleats
Think of voluminous folds shaped like wine goblets. They're plush, formal and a little dramatic, which makes them a great fit for dining rooms, formal lounges and main bedrooms.
- The top of each goblet is padded or stiffened to hold its shape.
- Best for curtains that stay put or are drawn only occasionally.
- Show off rich fabrics like velvet, silk and heavy jacquard.
Wave pleats (S-fold)
For a relaxed, modern look, wave pleats create soft, continuous S-shaped curves along the full width of the curtain. The folds stay consistent whether the curtains are open or closed.
- Run on a track rather than a rod, so they glide smoothly.
- Stack back neatly when open, leaving more of the window clear.
- Suit contemporary interiors and large windows or sliding doors.
Pencil pleats
If you're after a cosy, homely feel, pencil pleats are a dependable pick. A heading tape is pulled tight to gather the fabric into narrow, upright folds that resemble a row of pencils (hence the name).
- Work with a wide range of fabrics, from sheers to mid-weight cottons.
- Give a casual, lived-in look.
- Usually need fabric roughly one and a half to two times the width of the window.
Box pleats
Box pleats are structured, flat-fronted folds with a neat gap between each one. The result is a polished, tailored look that gives a room a sense of grandeur.
- Work best with heavier, firmer fabrics that hold crisp lines.
- Use more fabric than most other headers, so budget accordingly.
- Suit traditional, formal and period-style rooms.
Inverted pleats (reverse pleats)
Inverted pleats are the mirror image of box pleats, with the folds tucked to the back of the curtain. The front stays smooth and uncluttered, and the fabric falls in soft, relaxed lines.
- A good fit for minimalist and understated spaces.
- Look neat from the street as well as from inside.
- Suit both light and heavy fabrics.
Cartridge pleats
Cartridge pleats form round, tube-like folds that stand upright across the top of the curtain. They sit between casual and formal, with a soft, sculpted look.
- Hold their shape thanks to light stiffening inside each fold.
- Suit lined curtains and mid to heavy fabrics.
- A lovely option if you like pinch pleats but want a rounder finish.
Eyelet pleats
Metal rings are set directly into the fabric and slide over a rod, so the curtain falls in deep, even folds. It's a clean, contemporary look with plenty of practicality.
- Easy to open and close with no hooks or rings to fiddle with.
- Simple to hang, take down and wash.
- Suit modern spaces, kids' rooms and windows used every day.
Tab top
Loops of fabric across the top slide over the rod, giving a laid-back, relaxed look. The rod stays on show, so it's worth choosing one you like.
- Suit lightweight and medium fabrics.
- Best for curtains that don't need to be drawn often, as the loops can drag along the rod.
- Work well in casual living areas, studies and cottage-style rooms.
Back tab
Back tab curtains have concealed loops stitched to the rear of the heading. From the front, you see a smooth, simple top edge with soft folds below.
- Give a tidy, modern finish without visible rings or hooks.
- Hang close to the rod, with the rod mostly hidden from view.
- Better suited to curtains that stay in place than to ones opened daily.
Rod pocket
A channel is stitched across the top of the curtain, and the rod is threaded straight through. The fabric gathers into a soft, ruffled heading above the pocket.
- A simple, budget-friendly option for sheers and light fabrics.
- Ideal for café curtains, bathrooms and smaller windows.
- Not the easiest to slide, so best for curtains that are rarely moved.
How to choose
A few practical questions can narrow the options quickly.
- How often will you open and close them? Eyelet, wave and pinch pleats move most easily.
- Do you have a rod or a track? Wave pleats need a track, while tab top, back tab and rod pocket styles need a rod.
- How heavy is your fabric? Structured headers like box, goblet and cartridge pleats suit heavier fabrics, while pencil and rod pocket styles suit lighter ones.
- How much stack space do you have beside the window? Fuller pleats take up more room when the curtains are open.
- What's the mood of the room? Formal headers suit traditional spaces, and simpler ones suit relaxed, modern homes.
Most headers need fabric at least one and a half to two and a half times the width of your window, so ask your curtain maker or supplier for the right fullness before you order.
