Curtain Pleats Explained

Our guide to the pros & cons of each curtain pleat

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Should you go for Wave curtains, pinch pleat curtains, or something else? It can maybe feel like a bit of a minefield with all the different styles and understanding what works best in your home is imperitive before going ahead with any curtain project.

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Wave curtains and double pinch pleat curtains are our most popular curtain heading, but there are a whole host more, each with their own merit from classic, relaxed, to neat and polished; it really depends on the look and feel you want in your home.

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With Wave curtains being neat, stylish and minimalist, you can see why it's extremely popular, especially among more modern properties with large windows.

• Pros:
  
  • Wave curtains are great for large, wide windows
  • The minimal stacking allows for maximum window when the curtains are open
  • There's no pleat, making it perfect for a modern look
• Cons:
  
  • No overlap when the curtains are closed, leading to slightly less darkness in bedrooms
  • The curtains hang under the track, once again this wouldn't be best suited for those who are light sensitive

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Pinch pleat curtains (either double pinch pleat, or triple pinch pleat) are more traditional, and offer a more tailored look.

• Pros:
  
  • Can cover the track, so better for blackout
  • Offers a more 'formal' and 'tailored' look
  • Can install on tracks and poles
• Cons:
  
  • Takes up more space than Wave curtains
  • Can be seen to be a bit too 'traditional' for some people's style

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European pleat curtains are a modern take on the traditional pinch pleat, and becoming increasingly popular

• Pros:
  
  • Offers a mix between a tailored style and modern
  • Not so common, so quite unique for anyone who selects this style
  • Perfectly suited to straight and bay windows
• Cons:
  
  • Hangs under the track so offers a little less blackout than the traditional pinch pleat

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Pencil/casual pleat curtains are a relaxed and gathered curtain made from 3" tape

• Pros:
  
  • Uses less material than other pleated curtains
  • More cost effective as it doesn't require a hand-pleated finish
  • Can be installed on tracks, poles and all types of windows
• Cons:
  
  • Doesn't offer a 'tailored' look
  • Takes up more space when stacked than Wave

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As you can see, there's no right or wrong; each style of home, and individual room can be better suited to different types of curtain heading.

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We are always here to help, advice and explain on site how each pleat would work, and be best suited to your property.

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