Which curtain heading style should I choose?

Curtain heading styles help define spaces. We offer the following heading styles. 

Ripple Fold

• Creates a modern, sleek look. 
• Ripples always stay in shape when sliding
• Only works with ripple fold tracks and carriers. Tracks and hardware can be purchased in our ripple fold ordering page here loftcurtains.com/ripplefold.
• Popular in commercial projects and it has been seen more in residential projects these years. 
• For more details, click here for our "all about ripple fold curtains" blog.
• To order ripple fold curtains, please go to loftcurtains.com/ripplefold
• To calculate the stack back width for ripple fold curtains, please go toloftcurtains.com/calculator

Grommet 

• It is a popular choice for contemporary space
• Grommets come in silver, antique bronze, gunmetal and black. The inner diameter of all the Grommets is 1.5", which will fit on a rod with a diameter of 1.3" or less. If you need a 2" diameter Grommet, we only have it in the Silver color and it is not available all the time, please email us for availability.
• No other accessories needed. Easy to install on curtain rods. 
• It only works with curtain rods, not for tracks.
• Grommet panels have the least stack back out of all the heading styles.
• It is constructed without added fullness, meaning the width you are ordering is the width of a flat panel. Multiple your window width by 1.5-2.5 to create the fullness you desire, we recommend 2x fullness.

Tailored Pleat

Double Tailored Pleat Triple Tailored Pleat

• A modern, casual take on the traditional French pleat
• Double Tailored Pleat is constructed with two times the fabric of the panel width. Triple Tailored Pleat is constructed with two-and-a-half times the fabric of the panel width. The panel width should be the same as the coverage width.
• Default 2" return and 2" overlap, contact us if you would like a custom return or overlap width.
• Hooks are attached to the back of the panel before shipping
• Hook rings in 1.7" or 2" Diameter in multiple colors can be purchasedhere
• Hook rings in 2.5" Diameter in multiple colors can be purchasedhere

French pleat

Double French Pleat Triple French Pleat

• It creates a formal and elegant look.
• We offer double ( 2-fold ) and triple ( 3-fold ) French pleat style options.
• Double French Pleat is constructed with two times the fabric of the panel width. Triple French Pleat is constructed with two-and-a-half times the fabric of the panel width. The panel width should be the same as the coverage width.
• Default 2" return and 2" overlap, contact us if you would like a custom return or overlap width.
• Hooks are attached to the back of the panel before shipping
• Hook rings in 1.7" or 2" Diameter in multiple colors can be purchasedhere
• Hook rings in 2.5" Diameter in multiple colors can be purchasedhere

Inverted Box Pleat

• Creates a uniform refined look
• Inverted Box Pleat is constructed with 2x fullness built-in, the panel width should be the same as the coverage width
• Default 2" return and 2" overlap, contact us if you would like a custom return or overlap width.
• Hooks are attached to the back of the panel before shipping
• Hook rings in 1.7" or 2" Diameter in multiple colors can be purchasedhere
• Hook rings in 2.5" Diameter in multiple colors can be purchasedhere

Rod pocket - Tape / Flat ring top

• It offers a casual, simplistic, and versatile look.
• It can be clipped or hooked into rings, the tape is 3" in height
• If you would like to slip curtains over the rod, we recommend the Rod pocket - Fold Over style.
• It can be hung flat or made into pleats
• It is lined on top to create a clean tailored look
• It is designed without added fullness. Multiply your window width by 1.5-2.5 to create the fullness you desire.
• The clipped style is not recommended for heavy/tall drapes or drapes that open frequently. 
• Hooks or rings are NOT included. Rings are usually purchased with the curtain rod to match the color, hooks can be purchased on Amazon with the following links: Pin-on hooks and Prong hooks (Even though Ikea doesn't call it Prong hooks)
• Hook rings in 1.7" or 2" Diameter in multiple colors can be purchasedhere
• Hook rings in 2.5" Diameter in multiple colors can be purchasedhere
• Clip rings in black that can be purchased on Amazon: here

Rod pocket - Fold Over

The fold-over style rod pocket is simply folding the same fabric over to create the pocket, available in 3", 4" and 5" opening options. Rod pocket fold-over style offers a casual look. It is a perfect choice for the sheer layer in a double layer curtain setup. It is not recommended for every day sliding, especially for non-sheer thicker fabrics. 

• For a rod 1.5" in diameter, we recommend a 4" pocket opening.
• For a rod 2" in diameter, we recommend a 5" pocket opening.

When searching for window treatments for the home or office, you'll often see the terms "curtains" and "draperies" used interchangeably. Both serve the purpose of providing style and privacy to windows. But curtains are typically more casual and made with a single layer of fabric while draperies are more formal and made with heavier fabric and a liner (think a high-end hotel or restaurant). Regardless of the look you're going for, Blinds.com has a wide range of drapery and curtain styles in various materials, sizes, colors, and style options.

Different Curtain Styles to Consider

When thinking about which curtain style to choose, ask yourself a few questions, like:

• How large is the window?
• Do I want room-darkening coverings or sheer curtains that let in more light?
• What are the weather conditions? Do I need to keep out cold or heat?
• What is the style of the room the window treatments will be part of?

You also want to consider what length you want the drapes to be. Curtains sold in stores typically come in 63", 84," 96" and 108" lengths. However, custom curtains can be made to the 1/8” to accommodate the precise size of the window and the aesthetic you're looking to achieve.

With so many options available — from single and double panel styles to pinch-pleat and grommet looks — it mainly depends on your personal taste and the look you're going for. Let's look at some of the most popular styles.

Grommet Curtains

Curtains with a grommet top have feature metal open rings punched into the fabric at the top of the panels that allow them to slide along the rod easily.

Their easy operation makes Grommet Curtains the perfect fit choice for draperies you want to open and close regularly. They're especially good for wide windows or sliding glass doors where heavy fabric can be difficult to open.

The grommet rings allow parts of the rod to show for a striking look and create a rippled effect fold when you feed them on to the rod, so they forming uniform pleats without training your drapes.

Grommet drapes look great with solid fabrics or geometric patterns. They have tend to be more a contemporary look modern in style, so they may not be the best choice if your décor is very traditional, you may want to consider a rod pocket or pinch pleat curtain. They look great with solid fabrics or geometric patterns.

Rod Pocket Curtains

Rod pocket curtains are one of the most common styles types of window treatment. you'll see when shopping for curtains. The top of the panel has features a fabric pocket that slides onto the curtain rod. But unlike a grommet curtain, the rod pocket style covers the entire rod.

The pocket is designed to fit tightly on the curtain rod, so it's not meant to be opened and closed. However, it does create folds in the fabric that you can adjust to your liking. If you want a style you can open and close, try a grommet or pinch pleat look instead.so it can be scrunched to create folds and volume.

Because of the flexibility in the fabric, rod pocket curtains are easy to arrange and require little to no styling or steaming.

Pinch Pleat Curtains

Pinch pleat curtains are typically paired with more traditional or upscale décor. But at Blinds.com, you can get a professional look at an affordable price. Pleats give your curtains uniform volume and folds without fussy arranging.

Pleated draperies have drapery pins or hooks on the back that attach to drapery rings and let you adjust the height. This style creates a uniform look that allows you to arrange the folds for as much volume as you want.

Rings The rings slide easily across the drapery rod, so pleated drapes are a perfect choice for windows that get opened and closed daily.

Need Help Choosing?

With so many different curtain styles available, finding the best match for your décor can be daunting. If you're unsure about which style, or fabric material, or color is right for your space, the expert designers at Blinds.com designers are ready to help with free decorating advice. You can call 800-505-1905.

Learn more about how to measure for draperies and find inspiration from the hundreds of ideas pinned to our Draperies Board on Pinterest.