Understanding Curtain Header Styles
Curtain header styles influence both the look and functionality of your space. The right heading style can transform your room's appearance while providing the functionality you need.
Before selecting a header style, consider the function your drapes will serve, the type of window treatment hardware you have, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve.
Pleated Header Styles
Classic Elegance with Permanent Folds
Pinch Pleat
- Adjustable Hooks: 3.5 inches plastic pin hooks
- Headband Height: 3.2 inches
- Fabric Width: 200% (Double) / 230% (Triple)
- Works With: Track, traverse rod, channel rod, pole with rings
Suitable for medium to heavyweight fabrics, simplicity and elegance spaces.
Note: Measured from eyelet ring hook to floor.
Pinch Pleat with Back Tab
- Adjustable Hooks: 3.5 inches plastic pin hooks
- Default Fabric: 200% width
- Tab Height: 3.1 inches
- Works With: Rings or rods directly
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics, modern homes or commercial spaces.
Note: Cannot be hung on tracks.
Tailor Pleat
- Hook Size: 3.5 inches
- Headband Height: 3.2 inches
- Pleat Space: 5.5-6.5 inches
- Works With: Track, traverse rod, channel rod
Suitable for medium to heavyweight fabrics, high-end or formal spaces.
Note: Larger opening in pleat bottom than pinch pleat.
Triple Tailor Pleat
- Hook Size: 3.5 inches
- Headband Height: 3.2 inches
- Pleat Space: 5.5-6.5 inches
- Works With: Track, traverse rod, channel rod
Suitable for medium to heavyweight fabrics, high-end or formal spaces.
Note: Larger opening in pleat bottom than pinch pleat.
French Pleat
- Hook Options: 4" plastic or metal
- Headband Height: 3.9 inches
- Fabric Width: 200% (Double) / 230% (Triple)
- Works With: Track, traverse rod, poles
Suitable for heavyweight fabrics, noble and refined spaces.
Note: Pleats positioned slightly lower than traditional pinch pleats.
Soft Top Header Styles
Versatile and Casual Elegance
4-in-1 Versatile
- Construction: Hook Belt, Clip Ring, Rod Pocket, Back Tab
- Hook Size: 3 inches
- Included: Metal pin hooks
- Side Hem: 1 inch
- Bottom Hem: 4 inches
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics with diverse decorative needs.
Flat Hooks
- Hook Type: Adjustable plastic hooks
- Hook Size: 3 inches
- Side Hem: 1 inch
- Bottom Hem: 4 inches
- Works With: Rods with rings
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics, spaces with frequent curtain usage.
Tab Top
- Tab Height: 4 inches
- Tab Width: 2 inches
- Side Hem: 1 inch
- Bottom Hem: 4 inches
- Works With: Rod
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics, relaxed or casual spaces.
Note: Curtain length measured from top of pole to floor.
Rod Pocket
- Pocket Size: 3 inches
- Top Flange: Optional
- Side Hem: 1 inch
- Bottom Hem: 3-1/8 inches
- Rod Diameter: 1.5 inches
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics, relaxed or cozy spaces.
Back Tab
- Tab Height: 4 inches
- Pocket Size: 3 inches
- Side Hem: 1 inch
- Bottom Hem: 3-1/8 inches
- Rod Diameter: 1.5 inches
Suitable for medium to heavyweight long curtains, elegant or tidy spaces.
Note: Cannot be hung on tracks.
Grommet Header Style
Modern and Minimal
Grommet
- Inside Diameter: 1.6 inches
- Outside Diameter: 2.25 inches
- Grommet Spacing: 6 grommets per 42" width
- Available Colors: Antique Bronze, Aluminum, Nickel, Black
- Stack: Least stack of all heading styles
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics, clean modern spaces.
Note: Measured from top of rod to floor. Works for curtain rods or tracks with hooks.
Ripple Fold Header Styles
Smooth and Contemporary
Ripple Fold with Belt Hook
- Fabric Width: 200%
- Hook Spacing: ~3.5 inches
- Carrier Spacing: ~3 inches
- Track Height: 2 inches
- Included: Pin hooks
Suitable for medium to heavyweight fabrics, rooms with large windows or high ceilings.
Note: Measured from track bottom to floor.
Ripple Fold with Tape Buckle
- Fabric Width: 200%
- Tape Spacing: ~5 inches
- Track Height: 2 inches
- System: Fabric tapes with buckle
Suitable for heavyweight fabrics requiring soft effect.
Note: Fits specific carriers from VIEWTAILOR.
Ripple Fold with Nolan Track
- Fabric Width: 200%
- Tape Spacing: 80mm
- Track Height: 2 inches
- Construction: Single piece with belt
Suitable for light to medium weight fabrics, floor-to-ceiling curtains.
Note: Ceiling mounting only.
Header Style & Hardware Guide
Choose the right header style based on your window hardware for the best results.
| Header Style | Fullness | Window Frame Width | Individual Panel | Measurement From | Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pleated | 200% | 80 inches | 50 inches | Eyelet hook to floor | 3.5" Plastic pin hooks |
| Soft Top | 200% | 80 inches | 100 inches | Top of rod to floor | Metal pin hooks |
| Grommet | 100% | 80 inches | 50 inches | Top of rod to floor | 3" Plastic pin hooks |
| Ripple Fold | 200% | 80 inches | 50 inches | Track bottom to floor | Pin hooks / Endcaps |
Note: Rod/rings must be purchased separately. Drapery side hem is 1 inch, bottom hem is 4 inches.
Measurement Tips
Panel Width
Panel width includes pleats already set. 200%-230% fabric width is used for pleats and folds. If rod length is 100 inches, order 1 panel at 100 inches width or 2 panels at 50 inches each.
Stacked Width
To show window completely when drapery is opened, consider stacked width to determine rod length. Normally stacking width accounts for 20% of drapery width.
Adjustable Hooks
Adjustable pin hooks have a ratchet system, adjustable within 3 inches for height. Pin hooks are included; rod rings are NOT included.
Need Help Choosing?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect header style for your space.
