Curtain Heading Types: How to choose the right one for your interior

Choosing the right curtain heading can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your living space. From the graceful waves of the modern Wave heading to the timeless style of Pencil Pleat, each style brings its unique charm. In this guide, we'll explore the 6 most popular curtain heading types—Wave, Pencil Pleat, Double Pinch, Triple Pinch, 6 Inch Pencil Pleat, and Eyelets—and help you discover the perfect fit for your home.

1. Wave Heading: Sleek Elegance

   The Wave heading offers a modern and sleek appearance. Known for its uniform, continuous wave-like folds, this style is perfect for contemporary interiors. The fabric drapes effortlessly, creating a minimalist and sophisticated look. The curtain stacks back tight and neatly, which is perfect if you want uniformity or have a smaller space for your curtain stack back. Wave depths are available in 80mm or 60mm, but 80mm is the usual.

wave curtain heading

2. Pencil Pleat: Classic Timeless Style

Pencil Pleat is a classic heading style that never goes out of fashion and is suitable for a wide range of interiors. Characterised by tightly gathered folds, this traditional look suits various interior styles. The usual standard choice for curtain headings, it's a versatile choice that adds a touch of timeless elegance to any room. Many of our clients choose this heading as it can adapt if your style changes, and suits a wide range of architectural styles.

pencil pleat curtain heading

3. 6 Inch Pencil Pleat: Contemporary Classic 

A modern twist on the traditional Pencil Pleat, the 6 Inch Pencil Pleat offers a wider, more relaxed gathering with a longer pleat heading. This style strikes the perfect balance between classic and contemporary, providing a fresh and updated look. We recommend this if you like the style of the puffiness and gathered look of the pencil pleat, but want a more slender and elegant look created by the elongated heading tape.

6 inch pencil pleat heading

4. Double Pinch: Dimensional Drama

For those seeking a more traditional, textured and detailed look, the Double Pinch heading is an excellent choice. With two pleats gathered closely together, this style adds depth and dimension to your curtains, creating a visually appealing focal point. It can look great in the right setting for Georgian style houses or houses with high ceilings/floor length curtains or more traditional interiors with lustrous curtain fabric. This style is a bit kinder on your wallet compared to the triple pleat, as the double pinch uses less fabric and lining for a made-to-measure curtain.

double pinch pleat curtain heading

5. Triple Pinch: Opulent Sophistication

Elevate your decor with the opulence of Triple Pinch heading. Featuring three closely spaced pleats, this style exudes sophistication and grandeur. Ideal for formal spaces, Triple Pinch adds a touch of luxury to your windows. Bear in mind that triple pinch headings require more fabric so this will add on a bit extra to your made to measure curtain price. This style of heading is also puffier with a fuller stack back, so is less suitable where space either side of the curtain is limited. Triple Pinch looks particularly good in more traditional interiors such as Georgian or Victorian style homes. We have also seen a re-emergence of this heading in 2026 of the triple pleat in styles with a French twist or modern luxury.

triple pinch pleat curtain heading

6. Eyelets: Effortless Chic

Eyelet curtains are defined by the metal rings punched into the fabric. This contemporary heading type offers a clean and uncluttered appearance, making it an excellent choice for a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Eyelets stack back neatly like the wave heading type and are particularly popular for modern children's bedrooms or modern lounges. They can be a cheaper alternative to the wave heading, so one to bear in mind if you are looking for something with a similar look but more budget friendly.

eyelets curtain heading

These are not the only heading styles to choose from, but these are the most popular styles. More recently the Swiss Pleat heading has become more popular for voiles and sheers for a minimal and clean look. Goblet headings also have their charm, but are usually favoured for very traditional style curtains and need a stiffer fabric to create the goblet so it holds its shape.

The curtain heading you choose can transform your space, reflecting your personal style and enhancing the overall ambiance. We always recommend you consider the period of your home first, then the architectural features, decor theme, and your desired atmosphere when selecting the perfect heading type. Whether you opt for the timeless tradition of Pencil Pleat or the modern allure of Wave, each heading type brings its own unique character to your home, making every room a reflection of your style and taste.