Box Pleated Headings
Box pleated heading looks chic and formal at the same time. The pleats have no gaps between them. Often made by hand, box pleats are used in drapes which have a fixed position. The fabric used should fold well. It is better to use linen or cotton as they crease well without much effort. It is better to estimate the width of the pleats beforehand, as the length of the fabric depends on it. Box pleats are an ideal heading for curtains.
Cartridge Pleated heading tape
Tubular in shape without a pinched section. A small piece of lining is used to pad the shape of the heading. Cartridge pleats is an elegant alternative to the pinched pleats. Works better with drapes than the curtains. Gives a simple yet modern look to the draping panel. Normally mounted on drapery pin hooks. Shirring Cords are used to gather the drapes.
Cased Heading
Cased headings are the most basic style for your curtains. A long channel is constructed on top of the curtains through which a slender rod or plastic covered wire is slipped through for easy traversing of the curtain. Synonymous with nets and light weight fabrics, cased headings fit into hooks or sockets on either side of the window. Best fabrics for cased headings are silk or lace.
Cluster Pleats Heading Tape
Fairly Shallow Headings which suit fabrics of all weights. Two sets of draw cords allow the gathering of furnishing. These pleats are formed in a conventional manner where you have three pleats in unison, followed by an intermediate gap. Cluster Pleats can be mounted on hooks.
Eyelet Headings
These headings have “eyes” on them. A curtain pole or wire is inserted through the eyelets. Best for curtains with minimalistic look. Great for bedrooms, ante-rooms or study rooms. The screenshot gives an idea how the heading works.
French, Triple or Pinch Pleated Heading Tape
Don’t be confused by the name. These three monikers are for the same term, Pinch Pleats. Pinch pleats are small pleats grouped together at regular intervals. These can be two or three in number. The ones with three pleats are called French Pleats. These headings can be used with formal or semi-formal decor. These headings go very well along with drapes. Pinch Pleats can work with almost every fabric, but heavier fabrics retain the shape better than light weight ones. Pinch Pleats can be mounted on curtain hooks. Keep in mind, once constructed, they cannot be re-altered. A bit expensive but well worth the price.
Goblet Pleated Headings
Goblet pleats bear an uncanny resemblance to pinch pleats but normally is brought together in a rounded manner in place of a triple fold. To give a fuller look, an interlining consisting of tissue paper or cotton wool is generally sewn at the top of the heading. Generally for longer lengths, this heading is typically suited for medium or heavy weight fabrics. Look elegant and royal. They go very well with retro decor.
Pencil Pleated Heading Tape
Slender and slim folds which resemble an array of pencils lying side by side. The tape is stiffened and the depth varies across different curtains. The tapes could have as many as three rows of pockets for the hooks. You can customise the heading as per your preferences. For sheers, you can achieve this by using a light weight fabric.
Scalloped Cafe Headings
This heading is used in Cafe Curtains. Scalloped Cafe Headings are visually appealing. Scallops are formed along the curtain’s hem. Usually a light weight fabric works well in these kinds of headings. Privacy is enhanced in this kind of heading without altering the nature of fabric.
Tab Top Headings
Tab Top Headings add a less formal and modern forbearance to the curtains. Work well with all weight of fabrics. Tab Top Headings have loops which are either a match or a contrast to the fabric of the curtain. These headings eliminate the need for a heading tape in the curtains. You can experiment a lot with the curtain rods and the fabric.