Choosing the Right Curtain Heading: Which Style is Best for Your Home?
Updated: Aug 13
One of the most common questions I'm asked is, "Which curtain heading should I choose?"
The heading is the way the top of the curtain is made and attached to the track or pole. It has a huge impact on the overall look of the room, often just as much as the fabric itself.
With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there isn't a right or wrong choice—it's simply about finding the style that best suits your home.
Wave Heading
Wave curtain full length lined wave curtain Wave heading
Wave curtains have become one of the most popular choices in modern homes.
The fabric hangs in soft, even folds that create a clean, contemporary appearance. Rather than forming pleats at the top, the curtain flows in a gentle wave from one end of the track to the other.
They're ideal if you love uncluttered interiors and work beautifully in large windows, bi-fold doors and open-plan spaces.
Pinch Pleat
Triple pleat Triple pleat heading Triple pleat on pole
Pinch pleat curtains are a timeless classic.
Each pleat is hand sewn into place, giving the curtains a structured and elegant appearance. They suit both traditional and contemporary homes and always look beautifully tailored.
If you're investing in high-quality curtains that you want to last for many years, pinch pleats are often my recommendation.
Pencil Pleat Curtain Heading
pencil pleat heading cottage pleat heading pencil pleat
Pencil pleats are one of the most versatile options.
The heading is gathered using cords, creating neat rows of small pleats that resemble pencils standing side by side.
They're suitable for both poles and tracks and are a great choice if you already have existing hardware.
Eyelet Curtains
eyelet heading eyelets eyelet curtain when open
Eyelet curtains have large metal rings along the top which slide directly onto a curtain pole.
They create large, even folds and are easy to open and close.
Eyelets are generally best suited to modern interiors but they're only suitable with curtain poles rather than tracks.
Which heading is right for you?
When helping clients choose a heading, I usually consider:
The style of your home.
The type of window.
Whether you're using a track or a pole.
The fabric you've chosen.
How formal or relaxed you'd like the room to feel.
Sometimes the fabric itself will naturally lend itself to one heading more than another.
Final thoughts
There's no one-size-fits-all answer.
The best heading is the one that complements both your home and your lifestyle. During a consultation, I'll always explain the options so you can feel confident you're making the right choice.
Not sure which curtain heading would work best in your room? I can help you choose the right style as part of my bespoke curtain-making service.
Published 16/07/2026
Written by Kate Weakley owner of Indiana Rose Interiors
Kate is the owner of Indiana Rose Interiors and has many years of experience designing and creating bespoke curtains, Roman blinds and soft furnishings for homes across Berkshire and the surrounding counties.
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