Choose Curtain Header Styles Guide
Curtain header styles influence both the look and functionality of your space. Before you begin, consider the function your drapes will serve in your space.
Explore the elegant VIEWTAILOR header styles with our Measurement Finder for a visual insight of their look and size.
Pleated Curtain Header Styles
Classic elegance with adjustable pleats for a tailored look
1. Pinch Pleat
Double Pinch Pleat and Triple Pinch Pleat
- Come with adjustable plastic pin hooks (3.5 inches)
- Headband Height: 3.2 inches
- Works for track, traverse rod, channel rod, and pole with rings
Panel Width: From left pleat end to right pleat end (2-inch side tucks not included)
- Pinch Pleat (Double Pinch Pleat): Default Fabric width 200%
- Triple Pleat (Triple Pinch Pleat): Default Fabric width 230%
Suitable for: Medium to heavyweight fabrics, simplicity and elegance spaces
Note: Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor
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2. Pinch Pleat with Back Tab
Classic pleat style with back tab
- Come with adjustable plastic pin hooks (3.5 inches)
- Default Fabric width: 200%
- Tab height: 3.1 inches, fitting for rods with diameter 1.5 inches and below
Hanging Method:
- Can be hung on rings or rods directly
- Pay attention to height measurement due to 2 different ways of hanging
Suitable for: Light to medium weight fabrics, modern homes or commercial spaces
Note: Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor. Back tab style cannot be hung on tracks.
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3. Tailor Pleat
Double Tailor Pleat and Triple Tailor Pleat
Similar to pinch pleat but have a larger opening in the pleat bottom
- Come with plastic pin hooks (3.5 inches)
- Headband Height: 3.2 inches
- Works for track, traverse rod, channel rod, and pole with rings
Tailor Pleat (Double Tailor Pleat):
- Default Fabric width: 200%
- Pleat space apart: 5.5-6.5 inches
Triple Tailor Pleat:
- Default Fabric width: 230%
- Pleat space apart: 5.5 inches
Suitable for: Medium to heavyweight fabrics, high-end or formal spaces
Note: Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor
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4. Goblet
More gathered than other heads
- Come with S-shaped metal pin hooks
- Works for track, traverse rod, channel rod, and pole with rings
Size:
- Default Fabric width: 200%
- Pleat space apart: 5.5 inches
- Goblet height: 3.5 inches
Suitable for: Heavyweight or thick fabrics, elegant and refined spaces
Note: Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor
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5. Inverted Box Pleat
Two equal pieces of fabric folded over each other, with the centers of the folds converging on the front and back in the shape of a box pleat
- Come with S-shaped metal pin hooks
- Works for rods with rings and track
Size:
- Default Fabric Width: 200%
- Pleat space apart: 5 inches
Suitable for: Medium to heavyweight fabrics with good drape, modern homes or commercial spaces
Note: Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor
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6. French Pleat
Double French Pleat and Triple French Pleat
Pleats are strategically positioned slightly lower than traditional pinch pleats. Rear hooks offer flexibility, allowing for easy customization and rearrangement.
- Come with adjustable plastic pin hooks (4 inches) and S-shaped metal pin hooks
- Headband Height: 3.9 inches
French Pleat (Double French Pleat):
- Default Fabric width: 200%
Triple French Pleat:
- Default Fabric width: 230%
Suitable for: Heavyweight fabrics, noble and refined spaces
Note: Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor
Explore Pleated Curtains →Pleats Space & Numbers for Various Width
For pinch pleat, tailor pleat, inverted pleat, and goblet style (Dimension in inches)
| Finish Width | Fullness | Side Hem | Pleats Numbers | Pleat Depth | Side Tuck | Pleats Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5" |
| 30 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5" |
| 40 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 3/4" |
| 50 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 5/8" |
| 60 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 1/2" |
| 70 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 3/8" |
| 80 | 2 | 1 | 16 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 1/4" |
| 90 | 2 | 1 | 17 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 5/8" |
| 100 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 5/8" |
| 110 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 1/2" |
| 120 | 2 | 1 | 23 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 1/2" |
For triple pleat and triple tailor pleat style (Dimension in inches)
| Finish Width | Fullness | Side Hem | Pleats Numbers | Pleat Depth | Side Tuck | Pleats Space |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 2.3 | 1 | 6 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5" |
| 30 | 2.3 | 1 | 7 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5" |
| 40 | 2.3 | 1 | 8 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 3/4" |
| 50 | 2.3 | 1 | 10 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 5/8" |
| 60 | 2.3 | 1 | 12 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 1/2" |
| 70 | 2.3 | 1 | 14 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 3/8" |
| 80 | 2.3 | 1 | 15 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 3/4" |
| 90 | 2.3 | 1 | 17 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 5/8" |
| 100 | 2.3 | 1 | 19 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 5/8" |
| 110 | 2.3 | 1 | 20 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 3/4" |
| 120 | 2.3 | 1 | 22 | 1 1/4" | 2'' | 5 3/4" |
*For reference only, the actual measurement shall prevail.
Order Correct Width & Length
Panel width is the width that pleats already set. 200%-230% fabric width is used for pleats and folds to create finished width you order.
Length is measured from the eyelet ring where the curtain hooks are attached to floor.
If rod or track length is 100 inches, add possible overlap and gap privacy, then order 1 panel 100 inches width or 2 panels each 50 inches width.
Stacked Width
You might want window to show up completely when drapery is opened; in this case, you need consider stack width to determine rod length.
Normally stacking width accounts for 20% of drapery width.
Adjustable Pin Hook
Specifications:
- Adjustable pin hook has a ratchet system to make them adjustable within 3 inches for height
- Pin hooks are included, but drapery rod rings are not included
- Pin hook height: 3.5 inches
- Pleat depth: 1 inch
- White back tape width: 3-1/8 inches
- Side hem: 1 inch, bottom hem: 3-1/8 inches
Soft Top Curtain Header Styles
Versatile and casual styles for easy installation
1. 4-in-1
Versatile 4-in-1 construction:
- Hook Belt: Hang with metal pin hooks (included)
- Clip Ring: Hang with clip rings (not included)
- Rod Pocket: Hang with a rod pocket for a bunched-like look
- Back Tab: Hang with the back tab for pleated-like look
- Come with hooks
- Works for rods with rings, rods with clip rings and poles
- Hook belt metal pin hook size: 3 inches
- Side hem: 1 inch, bottom hem: 4 inches
Suitable for: Light to medium weight fabrics, and spaces with diverse decorative needs
Note: 6 pin hooks per 40 inches width. Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor.
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2. Flat Hooks
- Come with adjustable plastic hooks (3 inches)
- Side hem: 1 inch, bottom hem: 4 inches
- Works for rods with rings
Suitable for: Light to medium weight fabrics, and spaces with frequent curtain usage
Note: 6 pin hooks per 40 inches width. Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor.
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3. Tab Top
Designed with hanging loop fabric straps that allow the curtains to pass right through the rod for easy installation and gliding
- Works for rod
- Tab height: 4 inches
- Tab width: 2 inches
- Curtain length is measured from the top of the pole to floor
- Side hem: 1 inch, bottom hem: 4 inches
Suitable for: Light to medium weight fabrics, relaxed or casual spaces
Note: Measured from top of rod to floor.
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4. Rod Pocket
- Pocket: 3 inches
- Top flange is optional
- Side hem: 1 inch, bottom hem: 3-1/8 inches
- Suitable for a 1.5-inch diameter rod
- Works for rods or rods with clip rings
Suitable for: Light to medium weight fabrics, relaxed or cozy spaces
Note: Measured from top of rod to floor.
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5. Back Tab
- Suitable for a 1.5-inch diameter rod
- Side hem: 1 inch, bottom hem: 3-1/8 inches
- Works for rods or rods with clip rings
- Tab height: 4 inches
- Pocket size: 3 inches
Suitable for: Medium to heavyweight long curtains, elegant or tidy spaces
Note: Measured from top of rod to floor. Cannot be hung on tracks.
Explore Soft Top Curtains →Grommet Curtain Header Style
Grommet
- Inside diameter: 1.6 inches
- Outside diameter: 2.25 inches
- Grommet panels have the least stack back out of all the heading styles
- Works for curtain rods or tracks with hooks
Number of grommets:
- 6 grommets for 42 in wide
- 8 for 50 in
- 10 for 72 in
- 12 for 84 in
- 14 for 100 in
- 16 for 120 in
- 22 for 150 in
- 26 for 180 in
Suitable for: Light to medium weight fabrics, and clean modern spaces
Note: Measured from top of rod to floor.
Available grommet colors: Antique Bronze, Aluminum, Nickel, Black
Explore Grommet Curtains →Ripple Fold Curtain Header Styles
Modern and elegant continuous wave folds for a sleek look
1. Ripple Fold Curtains with Belt Hook
The belt hook system uses a series of small hooks attached to a belt or strap sewn onto the curtain fabric
- Hook space adjustable
- Come with pin hooks
- Default Fabric width: 200% (Lora Track)
Specifications:
- Hook spacing: About 3.5 inches / 8 grids
- Carrier spacing: About 3 inches
- Track height: 2 inches from track top to carrier bottom
Suitable for: Medium to heavyweight fabrics, and rooms with large windows or high ceilings
Note: Measured from track bottom to floor.
Explore Ripple Fold Curtains →
2. Ripple Fold Curtains with Tape Buckle
Tape buckle system uses fabric tapes that are sewn into the top of the curtain panels
- Fits specific carriers on tracks provided by VIEWTAILOR to ensure smooth movement in window or door openings
- Default Fabric width: 200% (Lora Track)
Specifications:
- Tape buckle spacing: About 5 inches
- Track height: 2 inches from top of track to bottom of carriers
Suitable for: Heavyweight fabrics, spaces that require a translucent or soft effect
Note: Measured from track bottom to floor.
Explore Ripple Fold Curtains →
3. Ripple Fold Curtains with Nolan Track
Made from a single piece of fabric with a belt, specially fixed and pleated to create a smooth wave shape
- Come with pin hooks
- Default Fabric width: 200%
Specifications:
- Tape snap spacing: 80 mm
- Track height: 2 inches from top of track to bottom of carriers
Suitable for: Light to medium weight fabrics, floor-to-ceiling curtains
Note: Suitable for ceiling mounting only. Measured from track bottom to floor.
Explore Ripple Fold Curtains →Header Style Match Rod Track
Consider Fullness to Determine Width
| Header Category | Pleated | Soft Top | Grommet | Ripple Fold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Header Style | Pinch Pleat, Pinch Pleat With Back Tab, Tailor Pleat, Pencil Pleat, French Pleat, Goblet, Inverted Box Pleat | 4-IN-1, Flat Hooks, Tab Top, Back Tab, Rod Pocket | Grommet | Ripple Fold |
| Window Frame Overall Width (inches) | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Order more Width for Fullness | 1x | 2x | 1x | 2x |
| Individual Panel Width (inch) | 50 | 100 | 50 | 50 |
| Panel Quantity | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Length (inch) | Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor | Measured from top of rod to floor | Measured from top of rod to floor | Measured from track bottom to floor |
| Included | 3.5 inches Plastic pin hooks | Metal pin hooks | 3 inches Plastic pin hooks Pin hooks / Endcaps |
/ |
Notes:
- Does not come with rod/rings, must be purchased separately.
- Drapery side hem 1 inch, bottom hem 4 inches.
- The Rod or Track length in this example is 100 inches, and the size suggestions are offered based on the rod length rather than window width. You can refer to the fullness to order the quantity of panels you need.
Pleated hooks quantity: If rod or track length is 100 inches, then order 1 panel 100 inches width or 2 panels each 50 inches width.
Number of tabs (4-in-1/Flat Hooks/Tab Top/Back Tab): 6 tabs/hooks or so per 40 in width
Selected Pleated Header Style Distinguish
| Sketch Map | Header Style | Pleat Style | Pleat Position | Permanent Sewn-in Pleats | Fabric Fullness | Pleat Depth (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Pinch Pleat | Double Pleat | Middle | Yes | 200% | 1 1/4 |
 |
Tailor Pleat | Double Pleat | Top | Yes | 200% | 1 1/4 |
 |
French Pleat | Double Pleat | Bottom | Yes | 200% | 1 1/4 |
 |
Triple Pleat | Triple Pleat | Middle | Yes | 230% | 1 1/4 |
 |
Triple Tailor Pleat | Triple Pleat | Top | Yes | 230% | 1 1/4 |
 |
Triple French Pleat | Triple Pleat | Bottom | Yes | 230% | 1 1/4 |
Tips for Pleated Curtains Hang with Lora Track
Note: The pleated curtains come with hooks that can be adjusted up and down by about 3 inches. The Track height is about 1 3/4 inches. We can cover the track by adjusting the hook.
When the curtain header covers the track, it may cause the fabric to turn outward slightly, which can compromise both the appearance and the smooth operation of the curtains. For optimal performance and aesthetics, we do not recommend installing the curtains in this manner.
Instead, we suggest hanging the curtains below the track. This approach offers several benefits:
- Smooth Operation: Ensures the curtains open and close effortlessly without obstruction.
- Improved Appearance: Allows the curtains to hang naturally, maintaining a clean and polished look.
- Enhanced Durability: Reduces strain on the curtain mechanism, extending its lifespan.
Additional Resources
Popular Questions
- Measuring Instruction?
- Pleat Number for Rings?
- Understand "Width of Pleated Curtains"?
- Understand "Single Panel Width after Pleats"?
- Double-width Lead in Splice-up with Sewn?
- Curtain Stack Width?
- Calculate Panel Weight?
- Return Size for Curtains?
- Order Blackout Curtains?
- Hooks Equipped with Orders?
- Memory Shaping/Training?
- Smallest Grommet Drapery Width?
Need Help Choosing the Right Header Style?
Our design consultants are ready to assist you in selecting the perfect curtain header style for your space. Get personalized recommendations based on your window measurements and décor preferences.
