Curtain Heading Types Explained

Eyelets give a contemporary modern look to the room and are more suited to modern environments.

Eyelet curtains hang off a curtain pole with the pole running through metal-edged holes (eyelets) and fall in neat and even pleats. When open they stack back neatly without the need for a curtain tieback.

This heading type is not suitable for bay windows.

Pencil pleat curtains are a neat and elegant heading type and give a contemporary/traditional look. The name pencil pleat comes from the way the tightly packed folds resemble a row of pencils.

Pencil pleat curtains are typically on a track, but they are also suitable for putting on a pole by using pole rings.

Pinch pleat curtains are full and luxurious and are suited to modern or traditional environments. Pleats stack neatly back but due to their fullness ensure there is enough room on either side of the window opening to ensure light is not blocked when the curtains are open.

This heading style is suitable for use on both a track and a pole.

Wave headed curtains are a contemporary heading type and look similar to eyelet curtains but without a pole and eyelets. Wave headed curtains use a specialist track and are designed to stack back very neatly maximising light into the room when open.

Wave headed curtains are particularly impactful when used in rooms with a large window like a French window or bifold doors. They are also suitable for use in bay windows where you are looking for an eyelet curtain look.