Curtain Styles Explained: Eyelet, Pencil Pleat, Pinch Pleat, Tab Top and Rod Pocket Headings, Floor-Length, Sill-Length and Puddle Drops, Layered and Sheer Looks, Rods Versus Tracks, Indicative Rates and Choosing a Style in Pakistan

Heading styles

• Eyelet or ring top. Modern, easy sliding waves, see eyelet curtains.
• Pencil pleat. Gathered, soft and traditional.
• Pinch pleat. Formal tailored pleats, see pinch pleat curtains.
• Tab top. Casual loops over a pole.
• Rod pocket. A simple sleeve, best for light fabrics.

Lengths and drops

Sill-length curtains suit kitchens and windows with furniture beneath, apron-length hangs below the sill, floor-length is the classic choice and puddle drops pool on the floor for a formal look. Floor-length curtains should stop a finger's width above the floor.

Layered and sheer looks

Sheers alone give daytime privacy, and layering sheers with heavier curtains gives flexibility. Add a pelmet or valance for a formal finish.

Rods versus tracks

Rods are decorative and show the heading, while tracks and ceiling rails are neat and suit modern rooms. Heavy pleated curtains hang best from tracks.

Fullness and fabric

Pleated and eyelet styles need fullness of 2 to 2.5 times for good folds, and thin fabrics need more. Heavy fabrics suit tailored pleats and light fabrics suit gathered headings.

Indicative rates

Stitching and heading choice affect cost: simple styles cost less than hand-sewn pleats.

Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.

Choosing a style

Match style to the room: casual rooms suit tab top or eyelet, formal rooms suit pinch pleat, small windows suit simple rods and open-plan homes suit ceiling tracks. Fitting should be done by a trained fixer, and the window frame, wall and fixing points checked for strength first.

Before you decide

Pick the heading and length for the room, allow enough fullness and match hardware. Ask the seller for a fabric sample to hold against your actual window, confirm width, material and colour fastness in writing and agree a return policy for unused fabric. Visit the shop in person and check how long stitching and delivery will take before paying a deposit. Keep a spare piece of fabric for repairs, note the roll number and photograph the finished curtains in daylight for future reference. Measure the window or opening twice, order a small sample or a single panel first if the job is large, compare at least two quotes on the same specification of fabric, hardware and fitting, and keep the invoice and warranty card. Confirm delivery and fitting dates in writing, check the finished work in daylight and at night, and ask the supplier what happens if the colour or size differs from the sample. Prices change with fabric costs and stock, so confirm the current figure before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions