Curtain Headings

When choosing a new pair of curtains for your home, you have a variety of things to think about – from colour and material to the type of lining. There are also different types of headings available. This refers to the top of the curtain and how it is attached to the pole or track. The heading you choose will affect how your curtains hang so it is important to understand the differences between each type.

Pencil Pleat

PENCIL PLEAT

Pencil pleats are a neat and elegant type of curtain heading. The name comes from the tightly packed folds at the top of the curtain that resemble a row of pencils. This effect is achieved by adjusting the heading tape attached to the back of the curtain. This tape has three cords running through it that can be pulled to create the pleats. The fabric concertinas until the curtain is the desired width, then the cords are knotted to retain the look. The heading tape also has three rows of small pockets running along it. These can be used to adjust the height of the curtain when it’s hung.

Pencil pleats are the most popular choice of curtain heading, and can be used with either a track or a pole. As the pleats are achieved by pulling the cords, you can alter the look of your curtains by creating tighter or looser folds. The curtains can also be flattened out when they need cleaning.


Double Pleat

DOUBLE PLEAT

Double pleat curtains are full, smart & elegant. The pleats are created by making folded creases in the stiff buckram that gives the heading its shape. Hooks are then inserted directly into the back of the heading. Double pleats are suitable for both tracks and poles.


Eyelet

EYELET

Eyelet curtains are characterised by metal-edged holes running along the top edge of the panel. These curtains are simple to hang as a curtain pole can be run through the holes. This saves a lot of time as you don’t have to attach individual hooks to a track. 

Unlike pleat curtains that are gathered at the top, the even-spacing of the metal holes means that eyelet curtains hang down in soft, loose folds. This is a more contemporary look and looks great in modern interiors. For a more decorative effect, opt for an ornate curtain pole and turn the top of your curtains into a design feature. 

Here at Loom & Last, we sell a wide range of eyelet curtains in a variety colours and patterns – browse our ready made eyelet curtains or our made to measure curtains, all available with eyelet headings. Please note, our eyelets are 40mm and we recommend hanging them on a pole with a maximum diameter of 35mm. Larger eyelet sizes are available on request.

Other heading types - triple pleat, Euro pleat, tab top & wave

The heading types above are our most popular but other headings such as triple pleat, Euro pleat, tab top & wave are available on request. Please email us at contact@loomandlast.com with your measurements, fabric and lining choices and we can discuss your heading requirements with our experienced workroom team and provide you with a quotation.