Pencil Pleat, Eyelet or Wave: Which Curtain Heading to Choose
The heading system is the top part of the curtain that attaches to the rod or track. It determines the drape, the fullness of the pleats and how easily the curtain opens. Eyelets, pencil pleat, wave or tabs: each has a different look and its own constraints.
This guide compares the main curtain heading systems and helps you choose based on your style, your mounting support, the fullness you want and the weight of the fabric.
What is a curtain heading
The curtain heading is the finish at the top, where the fabric is pleated, gathered or punched to hang. It has two effects: aesthetic, through the style of the pleats, and practical, through the way the curtain slides and opens. Four families dominate: eyelets, pencil pleat, wave and tab-style finishes.
Eyelets
Eyelets are metal rings set into the top of the curtain, often 40 mm in inner diameter. The curtain slides onto the rod and glides easily. The look: large, regular, modern pleats. It is a sturdy system that handles heavy fabrics well. It mounts on an exposed rod, not on a track.
Pencil pleat (heading tape)
The pencil pleat, or heading tape, is a tape sewn into the top of the curtain. By pulling its cords, you gather the fabric to the fullness you want. It is the classic: a soft, adjustable gather that suits many styles. It mounts on a rod, with hooks, or on a track, and works with heavy fabrics.
Wave finish (wave pleats)
Wave creates a regular, continuous undulation at the top of the curtain, a contemporary, flowing look. It relies on a specific tape and gliders that run inside a track: it is not a system for an exposed rod. The fullness is constant and crisp. With a very heavy fabric, the track must be robust.
Rod pocket, tabs and ties
The rod pocket is a hem through which the rod passes directly: simple, but the curtain slides poorly, best kept for curtains you do not move. Tabs and ties are fabric loops placed over the rod, for a relaxed or natural style. These finishes are decorative and suit mostly light fabrics.
How to choose: the 4 criteria
| System | Look | Support | Heavy fabrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eyelets | wide pleats, modern | rod | yes |
| Pencil pleat | classic adjustable gather | rod or track | yes |
| Wave | regular wave, contemporary | track | moderate, sturdy track |
| Rod pocket / tabs | decorative, relaxed | rod | no |
In practice, choose based on the style you want, your mounting support (exposed rod or track), the fullness of the pleats and above all the weight of the fabric. A heavy curtain, blackout or thermal, calls for a sturdy system (eyelets or pencil pleat) and solid fixing, as we explain in our article on the rod for heavy curtains. The mounting details are in the fixings guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which curtain heading for a heavy fabric?
Eyelets or pencil pleat, with solid fixing. They support the weight of a dense curtain, unlike tabs or the rod pocket.
What is the difference between pencil pleat and wave?
The pencil pleat gives an adjustable gather and mounts on a rod or track. Wave gives a regular wave and mounts on a track only, with gliders.
Do eyelets work on a track?
No. Eyelets slide onto an exposed rod. For a track, use a pencil pleat or wave instead.
Which system opens and slides best?
Eyelets and wave slide most easily. The rod pocket slides poorly and suits curtains you leave in place.
Which heading for a modern style?
Eyelets for a graphic look, wave for a contemporary, flowing undulation.
Can you choose the heading on a made-to-measure curtain?
Yes. Kurtens makes its curtains to measure with several heading finishes to choose from.
To choose the right heading for your windows, explore the Kurtens made-to-measure curtains, with several heading finishes to choose from.
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