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A pencil pleat heading is a traditional curtain style. They come supplied un-gathered so that you can adjust to the width of your window, as well as decide on the “fullness” you prefer. Because the curtain tape generally has three hook positions, they offer a versatile option as they can be used with both tracks and poles.
A more contemporary option for use with curtain poles. Eyelets are available in a range of diameters and finishes but do check they are wide enough to easily draw over your pole.
Another more contemporary option for use with poles only. Loops of the same or contrasting fabric are sown to the top of the curtain through which the pole is threaded. As there will be a gap between the pole and the bottom of the loops, not suitable for rooms where you need to exclude light.
Voiles are very lightweight curtains which will give a soft diffused light when hung at a window, while maintaining privacy. They are available in several header styles including standard / pencil pleat, tab top and eyelet.
Blinds offer a great alternative to curtains, especially when space is more limited or when a simpler look is desired. There are a number of popular styles including:
- Vertical: fabric louvers which concertina to open and close
- Roman: soft folds of fabric which gather on a cord mechanism
- Roller: a single layer of fabric which folds neatly onto roller at top of the blind
- Venetian: horizontal slats often made from wood or metal
- Skylight: a flat piece of fabric which retracts back into its frame
Pelmets are used to cover the curtain track and headings. Depending on the style, they can soften the overall look of the window dressing, or add a sense of grandeur and opulence. More structured pelmets are made from fabric-covered firm materials, while fabric versions offer a softer, more draped effect.
Scarves are a great way to add softness and drama to your window. Essentially they are formed from a single piece of fabric which is gathered and looped over a decorative rod to create a draped swag effect at the top of the window. The length of the sides is a matter of taste, ranging from just a few inches to floor length.
Ensure the track is in place before measuring up for your curtains. The track should be about 15-20 cm wider than the window itself on each side to allow the curtains to be fully drawn back, and approximately 15 cm above the window to minimise light exposure
To ensure the correct curtain width, use a metal tape to measure the full length of the track, including any overlap in the centre
To ensure the correct length, measure the drop from the top edge of the track to ensure that it will be covered by the curtain. Then measure as follows:
- 1cm above the sill for a sill length finish
- The desired length for a specific below sill length finish
- 1cm above the floor for a floor length product - or longer if a "puddle" effect is desired
Ensure the pole is in place before measuring up for your curtains. The pole should be about 15-20cm wider than the window itself on each side to allow the curtains to be fully drawn back, and approximately 15 cm above the window to minimise light exposure
To ensure the correct curtain width, use a metal tape to measure the full length of the pole but do not include the finials
To ensure the correct length: for pencil pleat curtains, measure from the small ring on the bottom of the curtain ring on the curtain pole; for tab top and eyelet curtains, measure from the top of the curtain pole. Then measure as follows:
- 1cm above the sill for a sill length finish
- The desired length for a specific below sill length finish
- 1cm above the floor for a floor length product - or longer if a "puddle"
The fullness of your curtains will have a big impact on the overall look you are trying to achieve. Full curtains can give an opulent and luxurious effect, where as a flatter look can give a cleaner and more contemporary result.
To get a soft gathered look when your curtains are closed, use your pole or track measurements to establish the curtain width required. Multiply your pole width as follows:
- For Standard /Pencil Pleat: pole or track width x 2
- For Eyelet: pole or track width x 2
- For Tab Top: pole or track width x 1.5
Adding another 2.5cm to the width will allow your curtains to overlap in the middle when closed
- Before gathering, knot the draw cords at both ends of the curtain to ensure that you don’t inadvertently push the fabric off the drawstring
- Holding the cord firmly, gently push the curtain along until you have the desired gather width. Try to apply pressure as evenly as possible to ensure the pleats are the same size. Remember to make the curtain width an inch or so wider than the exact measurement so that they slightly overlap in the middle when drawn
- Now tie the excess cord string, but don’t cut off or knot too tightly as you will need to reverse the pleating process back along the drawstring when you take the curtains down for cleaning
- Divide the rings or glider hooks evenly to each side of the pole or track. Count how many there are, and then evenly space the corresponding number of hooks on the curtain header tape (not forgetting to add an additional hook on the outer edge to match up with the fixed end stop if you’re using track)
- If you’re using track, make sure you attach the hooks into the lower row on the tape so that the curtain top covers the track. If you have poles, place the hooks on the top row so that the curtains sit below the pole
- Finally, hang your curtains by attaching the hooks to the rings or gliders and adjust the pleating to ensure a neat and even finish
- Eyelet curtains are designed to be used with poles only so remove any hooks or rings
- Holding the curtain with the front of the fabric towards you, fold the first eyelet away from you and thread it onto the curtain pole
- To stop the whole curtain sliding into the middle of the window when you close the curtains, position the end eyelet on the outside edge of the pole bracket
- Continue folding the eyelets towards and away from you in a concertina style until the entire curtain has been added to the pole
- Repeat the process with the second curtain
- New curtains may be creased when you unpack them, but the fold marks will soon drop out once the curtains have been hung in a warm room for a day or two. Remove any stubborn creases by lightly ironing with a warm, dry iron on the reverse. Do not use steam as this may cause the fabric to distort or shrink
- Curtains trap dust and dirt particles, so it would be beneficial to fully clean annually
- Most curtains will require dry-cleaning rather than washing. But please note that the dry-cleaning process can cause a small degree of shrinkage, so take this into account when buying your curtains to ensure you have a slightly longer drop than actually required
- Never iron hems or curtain edges as the heat can cause the fabric to distort, damaging the overall shape and hang of the curtain
