The top curtain heading styles do far more than determine how a pair of curtains hangs. They set the mood at the window: softly traditional, crisply tailored, relaxed and contemporary, or richly formal. For a home where every finish is considered, the heading is the detail that turns beautiful fabric into a truly polished window treatment.

The right choice depends on the room, the scale of the window, your chosen track or pole, and the level of fullness you would like to see when the curtains are closed. A generous, layered heading can bring welcome warmth to a drawing room, while a clean wave heading may be exactly what a light-filled kitchen or modern extension needs.

Top curtain heading styles and how they look

Pencil pleat: versatile and quietly elegant

Pencil pleat is one of the most familiar curtain headings, recognisable by its neat, narrow gathers across the top of the fabric. It works with both tracks and poles, which makes it an excellent choice when you want flexibility without compromising on a tailored appearance.

Its understated character suits bedrooms, guest rooms and living spaces alike. Pencil pleat curtains can be gathered to different degrees, so the finished look can be relaxed or more sumptuous depending on the fabric and fullness selected. In a period Edinburgh property, for example, a softly gathered pencil pleat in linen or a textured weave can sit beautifully alongside original cornicing without appearing overly formal.

The trade-off is that the gathers are more structured than a wave, and the heading will need occasional dressing by hand to keep the pleats sitting evenly. It is a small amount of care for a finish that remains timeless.

Double and triple pinch pleat: tailored luxury

Pinch pleat headings are hand-stitched into permanent groups of folds, creating a beautifully disciplined drape from top to hem. Double pinch pleat offers an elegant, streamlined shape, while triple pinch pleat is fuller and more decorative. Both lend curtains a sense of craftsmanship and permanence.

This is a particularly strong choice for formal living rooms, dining rooms and principal bedrooms, where the window treatment is intended to feel like part of the architecture. Velvet, wool and richly lined fabrics show off the definition of a pinch pleat especially well, although a refined linen can create a more relaxed interpretation.

Because the pleats are fixed, pinch pleat curtains usually need more fabric and careful made-to-measure planning. They are an investment, but one that offers an exquisite, composed finish that off-the-shelf curtains rarely achieve. Use a decorative pole with rings to make the heading part of the design, or choose a discreet track when the fabric itself should take centre stage.

Wave: contemporary movement and clean lines

Wave curtains form smooth, continuous folds that run in an even rhythm from one side of the window to the other. They are designed for a specialist wave track, allowing the fabric to glide beautifully and settle into soft, architectural curves each time it is drawn.

The effect is contemporary but not cold. Wave headings are ideal for wide glazing, patio doors, bay windows and rooms with a pared-back interior scheme. They allow a statement fabric to feel calm rather than busy, and their regular folds bring visual order to large expanses of glass.

Wave curtains need sufficient space in front of the window because of the depth of the folds. They are also less suited to ornate poles or traditionally detailed schemes. If your room has elaborate pelmets, decorative swags or a strongly classic aesthetic, a pinch pleat is usually the more natural fit. For a modern home, however, wave curtains offer an effortlessly refined answer.

Eyelet: simple, contemporary and practical

Eyelet curtains have metal rings set directly into the heading, which slide over a curtain pole. The folds are broad and even, with a casual, modern character. They are straightforward to open and close, making them a practical option for everyday rooms.

This style works well in informal bedrooms, family rooms and contemporary spaces where simplicity is the priority. Select a pole finish that complements the room - antique brass for warmth, black for definition, or brushed chrome for a cooler, minimalist scheme.

Eyelets are not generally the first choice for a highly luxurious, bespoke look, as the metal rings are always visible and the heading offers less scope for intricate shaping. They also require a pole rather than a track. Still, in the right setting, their unfussy finish can be exactly what the room calls for.

Tab top and tie top: relaxed texture

Tab top curtains hang from fabric loops, while tie tops fasten to the pole with fabric ties. Both lend a gentle, informal softness to a space and are often chosen for their decorative appeal rather than their precision.

They suit cottage-inspired interiors, children’s rooms and relaxed bedrooms, particularly in washed linen, cotton or lightweight printed fabrics. A tab top can look charming at a small window, where a heavier tailored heading may feel too imposing.

There are practical considerations. Neither style glides as easily as curtains on rings or a track, so they are best for windows that do not need frequent opening and closing. They can also feel less formal, which is worth bearing in mind if you are creating a more refined, layered scheme.

Goblet pleat: a statement for traditional interiors

Goblet pleats are shaped into rounded, cup-like forms at the top of the curtain. This decorative heading has a distinctly formal, heritage feel and works best in rooms with generous ceiling heights, substantial windows and classic architectural detail.

It is a specialist choice, but a rewarding one. In a grand dining room or an elegant reception space, goblet pleats add theatre and depth, particularly when paired with sumptuous interlining and a richly textured fabric. They need professional making and careful installation to retain their shape, so they are less practical for casual, frequently handled curtains.

Choosing a heading for your track, pole and room

A beautiful heading cannot be considered in isolation. Before choosing, look at how your curtains need to function. Tracks are often the most discreet option and work particularly well with wave, pencil pleat and pinch pleat styles. Poles provide a more decorative feature and are ideal for eyelets, tab tops and curtains hung with rings.

Think, too, about proportions. Tall rooms and large windows can carry a fuller triple pinch pleat or goblet heading with confidence. In a compact room, a wave or double pinch pleat can preserve a sense of lightness. If a radiator sits beneath the window, a floor-length curtain may still work well, but the fabric weight and stack-back space should be planned carefully so the treatment feels intentional rather than crowded.

Fabric changes the result. Linen and sheers produce an airy, relaxed drape, especially in wave and pencil pleat headings. Velvet, wool and heavier jacquards bring out the sculptural quality of pinch pleats. Lining and interlining add body, improve insulation and give curtains a more luxurious fall, which is particularly welcome in older homes across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Details that make curtains feel made to measure

The difference between adequate curtains and a considered interior often lies in the quieter details. Fullness should be generous enough for the fabric to look rich when closed, yet not so excessive that it overwhelms the window. The heading should be positioned at the right height, usually above the window frame, to draw the eye upwards and make the room feel taller.

Consider whether your curtains need to frame a blind or plantation shutters. A Roman blind beneath full-length curtains can add softness and insulation, while shutters create a more structured, architectural contrast. In these layered schemes, a simple wave or tailored pinch pleat often provides the most balanced result.

For the finest finish, have your heading, fabric, hardware and installation considered together rather than chosen as separate purchases. At Harvey Bruce, this design-led approach helps create curtains that belong to the room, from the first fabric swatch to the final, perfectly dressed fold.

Choose the heading that reflects how you want to live in the space. A practical family room may favour easy-moving wave curtains; a formal dining room may deserve the enduring elegance of a triple pinch pleat. When the proportions, fabric and finish are in harmony, the window becomes one of the most memorable features in the room.