How to choose the right curtain heading

I am very glad to say that curtains are definitely on trend again.  We did go through a pretty bleak phase a few years ago when all that was really on offer for window dressings were roller blinds.  Plantation shutters then became the go-to choice, and they are certainly still very on trend as they offer such a classic look.  Then commenced our love affair with sheers.  However, curtains, in all their guises are now firmly an option when it comes to selecting window dressings for your home.  I thought it was timely therefore to give you a run down on how to choose the right curtain heading.

This selection can be a little daunting, but there is the right choice for each look that you want to achieve and I have all the details below.

S Wave curtain heading

There is no doubt that S Wave curtain headings are seen as the optimum look for a contemporary home.  Hung from a track fixed to the ceiling, this heading is perfect for sheers, particularly when you want them to cover the window and stay in place.  The wave like effect means that the spacing is even and the fabric falls evenly.

As you can see, the look is very elegant and certainly gives a luxurious hotel vibe.

I really like this heading for sheers and for unlined linen curtains.  The one downside that I find though is that they don't always stay in place.  So if you intend to push them back towards the wall, a breeze can push them back across the window.  Because of the S Wave heading, they don't push back all the way to the wall.  Therefore if you have a view that you don't want to miss out on, the S Wave heading may not be the best solution for you.

Inverted box pleat heading

An inverted box pleat heading is an absolute classic look.  This gives a very elegant and timeless look.  This curtain heading is also the one to use if you want to maximise your view as they can be pushed right back out of the way.  When pulled across the window, you see the simple box heading, but when pushed back, the heading concertinas into simple folds which makes the fabric hang perfectly.

You can hang inverted box pleat headed curtains from a track fixed to the ceiling or from a rod.

If you want to hang sheers from a curtain rod on the wall, rather than from the ceiling, then this heading is also worth considering to achieve a simple pleat.

This is my absolute favourite curtain heading style to use for linen drapes or whenever you need a timeless and elegant look.

Pinch pleat curtain heading

If you like a little more formality and prettiness to your curtain heading, you can opt for the more detailed pinch pleat heading.  This heading gives you a scrunched look along the top of the curtain, but then falls into a elegant drape.

For more detailing again, you can opt for a triple pleat heading.

Tab head curtain heading

A very effective, but affordable solution is to opt for a tab head.  Generally you would only need 1.5 to 2 times fabric width for this look and this therefore keeps costs lower.  Look on Etsy for some lovely ideas which are usually inexpensive and a good solution for smaller windows or guest bedrooms that you want to makeover on a budget.

I always recommend using a pole that is slippery to assist with moving the curtains across the window.

Eyelet curtain heading

Another inexpensive solution is to opt for eyelet curtain headings.  These are usually sold ready-made and offer a more formal look than the tab top heading.

Combining curtain headings

Always consider the look that you want, but also the practicality of your window dressing solution.  S Wave curtain headings are perfect for sheers that stay across a window.  However if you are also adding drapes for blockout and privacy purposes, you should use an inverted box pleat heading that allows you to push the curtains all the way back.  Installed on a double ceiling track, this combination below not only looks very elegant, but it is also the most practical approach.

You may also be interested in these related posts:

How to complete a room with sheer curtains

Don't design your curtains without this one thing

I hope that you have found this quick review of how to choose the right curtain heading useful.  I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.