Most certainly, the choice of the heading style will be one of the most important decisions you’ll make after selecting your drapery fabric. Every style has its own distinct visual appeal and choosing the right one requires careful consideration. Some heading styles look highly tailored and classical like the pinch pleats; others look relaxed and contemporary like the flat panel tops. Some shed a country charm like the rod pockets; others look modern and chic like the grommet tops.
However, the overall visual appeal is only one aspect; the heading or pleat style also directly impacts the functional efficiency of the curtains. From how well they glide on the pole to how effectively they block light, the heading style will determine several functional aspects of the drapery.
Therefore, the decision on the heading style should be taken with much forethought. You need to find one that will serve both your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements on one platter. Given over two dozen heading/pleat choices at The White Window, finding one that serves your home right is assured, but you may wonder how to make this crucial choice. Worry not, we provide all the help you need along the way.
Begin by defining your aesthetic vision and prioritising the functional requirements of the curtains. For example, some clients want their bedrooms to be dressed with light-blocking curtains that look relaxed and operate easily on the pole. Once you have such a mandate ready, look for the styles that fit the bill. We have put together all the factors to consider when evaluating whether a particular heading style will satisfy your requirements. Take a look-
CONSIDER THE HARDWARE CHOICE
Heading style and hardware decisions have to go hand in hand. Some curtains - like the pinch pleat drapes - can be hung on both poles and tracks, offering flexibility with the choice. But others, like the rod pocket tops and the tab tops go only on poles. Hence, determine the heading style alongside the hardware preferences. If your hardware is already installed, make sure the heading style you choose is compatible with your existing hardware.
CONSIDER OPERATIONAL EASE
The heading style, amongst other factors, can impact the functional ease of operating the curtains. Curtains with lightweight fabrics typically operate easily with any heading style. Whereas, when you choose heavier fabrics and get them stitched in large sizes, you may choose from among heading styles that employ rings or grommets as these tend to glide easily, and can bear that weight and size effortlessly. Therefore, we recommend considering these for rooms where you anticipate frequent operation of the curtains or considering large-sized, or heavy draperies.
DISCERN THE NATURE OF THE SPACE
Besides the drapery fabric itself, one of the ways to relay the laidback aesthetics of a casual space or the elaborate stylish looks of a formal space is the heading style of the curtains.
Informal spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, casual lounges, etc. can be dressed with curtains that have a relaxed, unconstructed feel. Hence, less architectural styles like flat panel tops and grommet tops are suitable here. Their headers are quite minimalist - just the right bit of elegance served with class.
Formal spaces, on the other hand, may call for more tailored styles such as pinch pleat curtains that express the flair most suited to dressier spaces. With sumptuous folds and a rich uniform gather, these drapes stylize the space fittingly for formal occasions and entertaining.
GO BY THE OVERARCHING STYLE OF THE DECOR
The choice of the heading style also hinges on your aesthetic leanings and can voice your decor style loud and clear. Styles with streamlined construction and simple silhouettes like the flat panel tops echo the refinement of modern decor. Whereas ornately detailed styles like the triple pinch pleats and goblet pleats instantly manifest the excesses of maximalist spaces or classical rooms. Tie tops and frilly rod pocket curtains relay the simple elegance of a country-style home. On the polar opposite, grommet tops and back tab tops with their architectural finesse offer the finishing touch to a modern home.
CONSIDER LIGHT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS
While heading style is not the only factor that determines the ability of the curtains to block light, certain heading styles are better than others at minimising light leaks. Rod pocket curtains, for example, completely cover the drapery rod, leaving no gap for light to sneak in. The tab tops, on the other hand, have fabric loops through which light can pass.
Choose styles that offer the highest degree of light control in bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms. Whereas, in other spaces where rigorous room-darkening is not called for, you can be at ease with any style that works best for that space.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE MEASURING TECHNIQUE
The method of taking measurements differs from one heading style to the other. For example, grommet tops stand four centimetres above the drapery pole. Hence, you must add that excess to the length before placing the order. Whereas for rod pockets, you get the final length by simply measuring from the top of the drapery pole to the desired endpoint.
Similarly, when measuring the width for pinch pleats, you need to measure the pole/track and add a few inches to that figure to get the final width of the panel. But for most other styles, you must double or triple that figure to arrive at the final panel width.
Our Drapery Measurement Guide details these steps in a very simple manner. So, don’t be anxious about the maths, just be aware that you need to follow the steps given in it carefully, based on the heading style you choose.
All heading styles are perfect in themselves - a marvellous mix of form and function - but some are more suitable than others for certain decor styles, spaces and windows. You may consider different heading styles for different rooms even when using the same drapery fabric. Explore the nuances of each heading style as we detail them ahead and make note of those that strike you for their appeal or functionality as you delve deeper into each of them.
