Pleats Aplenty: How to Choose the Best Pleat Style for Your Drapes

You have to make a lot of decisions when you are choosing the style of your custom drapes in Dallas. Not only do you have to think about color, fabric, and length, but you also have to think about pleats. How the curtain or drape is sewn at the top can have a big impact on the way it affects a room’s overall atmosphere and appearance. Let’s take a moment to talk about some popular pleat styles and how you can determine which one is best for your space.

Pinch Pleats

Pinch pleats are exactly what they sound like; the fabric looks like it is “pinched” at the top at regular intervals. You can opt for a single, double, or even a triple pinch pleat. A triple pinch pleat, wherein the pleats come together in a three-finger “flute” is an option that works well with traditional décor schemes. For a modern twist on a classic style, you could even choose an inverted pleat, which lends a particularly tidy and tailored feel to a custom drapery in Dallas.

Box Pleats

A box pleat has two parallel creases that are sown in opposite directions. Between them is a slightly raised section of fabric. Box pleats provide a formal look and may be perfect for the curtains in your formal dining area or formal sitting room.

Pencil Pleats

A pencil pleat curtain has pencil-width pleats running across its entire top. It’s a versatile style that can work well with almost any type of drapery hardware, but they’re most often used with curtain rings that let the fabric hang slightly below the rod. Pencil pleats are the most popular pleat choice and work well with traditional décor.

Hook-Free Styles

Most types of curtains require hooks to hang on their rod. However, there are a few types of hook-free styles. For example, a grommet-pleat panel has metal grommets at the top that you simply slide the drapery rod through. Grommet pleats add a dash of contemporary flair to any décor. If contemporary and casual is your style, consider tab-top curtains, which have fabric loops at the top that hang from the rod.

Another hook-free style is a simple rod-pocket panel, which has a long pocket at the top for the drapery rod. Rod pocket panels are great for layering window treatments, especially if you have a valence that is going to hide the top of the main curtain.

The above pleat styles are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to curtain heading options. Browse the internet for photos to inspire you, and consider enlisting the help of a design expert who can guide you through the process of outfitting your windows. Hopefully, you will love the look of your new draperies for years to come.

About the Author

Rita Tayefeh is an interior design expert who pecializes in custom window treatments. She can help you consider every little detail when you are deciding how to outfit your windows. To learn more about her services, contact her at 214-533-0843