When it comes to selecting the perfect curtains for your space, the type of heading you choose can make all the difference. Curtain headings not only influence how the fabric falls but also set the overall tone and style of the room. From classic to contemporary, each heading offers a unique look and feel, complementing different interiors and fabric designs.

While there’s no "right" or "wrong" choice, some headings will suit specific rooms or materials better than others.

To help you decide, here’s a guide to some of the most popular curtain headings and their distinct characteristics.

 

Pencil Pleat Headings

Pencil pleat curtains are a timeless and versatile option, offering a simple yet stylish look for a variety of spaces. Gathered evenly across the top using a drawstring tape, this heading is both budget-friendly and adaptable, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. Its versatility allows pencil pleat curtains to be used on tracks or poles, either under pelmets and valances or as standalone features. With multiple rows of pockets, the hanging height can be easily adjusted by inserting hooks at different levels. For instance, the top pocket of a standard 3-inch tape is ideal for poles, while lower pockets work well with tracks. At The Millshop Online, we offer a Made to Measure curtain service and you can choose Pencil pleat headings in 3" or 6" depth providing you with curtains pre-pleated to your specifications, with metal hooks in place for effortless hanging.

See our Pencil Pleat Heading Tapes here. 

 

Pinch Pleat Headings

Pinch pleat curtains offer a refined, formal look with clusters of structured pleats, creating uniform, elegant folds. Hooks are inserted at each pleat, giving the curtains a polished appearance perfect for traditional or more formal settings. Available in both triple and double pleat styles, double pleats are a great option for heavier fabrics where a triple pleat might be too bulky. Unlike pencil pleats, pinch pleats are best suited for curtain poles rather than tracks and require more fabric—typically 2.5 times the width of the window. At The Millshop Online, we offer a Made to Measure curtain service and you can choose Pinch pleat headings in a double or triple option providing you with curtains that are pre hooked with Multiflex hooks that allow you to make length alterations to your finished curtain for effortless hanging. Our Made to Measure Pinch pleat curtains are crafted with a buckram stiffener to maintain their structured shape. For an at home option, choose our 4" Triple Pinch pleat heading tape with cords that pull your heading into the required pleats. For a slight variation, euro pleats offer a modern twist, with pleats pinched at the top rather than the bottom for a different style.

See our Pinch Pleat Heading Tape here.

 

Eyelet Headings

Eyelet, or "ring top," curtains offer a sleek and contemporary look, making them a popular choice for modern interiors. Featuring metal eyelets threaded through the curtain pole, they create neat, uniform folds. With various sizes and finishes of eyelets available, they can be customized to match any pole or decor. To ensure smooth movement, the eyelets should be at least 1 cm larger than the pole diameter. Eyelet curtains are designed specifically for poles and are not ideal for bay windows, as the eyelets won’t pass over supporting brackets at the corners. While they can work with slightly less than double fullness, it's recommended to use double fullness to achieve an elegant "wave" effect when the curtains are drawn.  This style of curtain is ideal for spaces with limited room, as they stack back neatly and take up minimal space when opened. At The Millshop Online, we offer a Made to Measure curtain service and you can choose Eyelet headings in various sizes and finishes made up to your specifications.

See our Eyelet Heading Tape here.

See how to use our Eyelet Heading Tape here.

 

 

Wave Headings

Wave heading offers the clean, contemporary look of eyelet curtains, but with the flexibility to be used on a track instead of a pole, making it perfect for bay windows or situations where ceiling fixing is necessary. The signature wave effect is created by carefully spacing the hooks and using a specialized track where the gliders are connected by a cord to maintain consistent, even folds. For the best results, it's important to choose a light or medium-weight fabric, as heavier materials may not create the neat, flowing waves that define this style throughout the full length of the curtain.