Ripple-fold, pinch-pleat or sheer: curtain styles
Ripple-fold, pinch-pleat or sheer? How each curtain heading hangs, stacks and moves, plus simple tips for mounting and measuring drapery.
The top of a curtain, called the heading, decides how the fabric folds when it is closed and how much space it takes up when it is open.
Ripple-fold
Ripple-fold curtains hang in smooth, even waves on a track. They look modern, stack neatly to the side, and glide easily, which makes them the best choice for motorized curtains.
Pinch-pleat
Pinch-pleat curtains are gathered into tailored pleats at the top. They look more traditional and formal, and suit dining rooms and bedrooms with classic decor.
Sheers and layering
Sheer curtains soften daylight and give daytime privacy while keeping the view. Paired with a blackout curtain or roller shade behind, you get soft light by day and full darkness at night.
Measuring tips
- Mount the track or rod higher than the frame to make ceilings feel taller.
- Extend it past the frame on both sides so open curtains stack off the glass.
- Let floor-length curtains just touch or float slightly above the floor.
