Curtain heading styles explained: From sheer curtains to blockout curtains in Melbourne
When choosing curtains Melbourne homeowners often focus first on fabric, colour and whether they need sheer or blockout curtains. But one of the decisions that can have just as much impact on the finished look is the curtain heading. The heading determines how the fabric falls, how much fullness can be achieved, how the curtains stack when open and how the overall treatment relates to the architecture of the room.
At Fabric Creations, we believe understanding these details makes it easier to create curtains that look considered. Here is our guide to some of the most popular curtain heading styles and where they work best.
What is a curtain heading?
The curtain heading is the way the top of the curtain is constructed and attached to its track or rod. Different heading styles create different patterns of folds, from continuous waves to defined pleats.
The heading also needs to work with practical considerations such as the available space above the window, the position and depth of a pelmet, the amount of fabric required and how much room is available for the curtain to stack back.
These details are particularly important with custom made curtains, where the treatment can be designed around the room rather than simply selected from a standard size.
Wavefold curtains for a clean, modern look
Wavefold is a popular choice for contemporary Melbourne interiors because it creates a continuous, even wave through the curtain. This is especially effective in sheer curtains. Rather than having individual pleats sewn into the fabric, the wave is created through a dedicated track and heading system.
The look is clean, architectural and relatively understated. Wavefold curtains can be particularly effective across large windows, sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling glazing, where the uninterrupted movement of the fabric complements the scale of the opening.
Fabric Creations has used sheer wavefold curtains in several Melbourne projects, including installations where carefully positioned tracks and stack backs help preserve views and complement the architecture.
S-fold and Wavefold are not the same system
S-fold and Wavefold are terms that are often used interchangeably because they produce a very similar visual effect. Both create the characteristic continuous S-shaped wave.
However, the hardware and method of attaching the curtain can differ between systems. S-fold systems commonly use a snap connection, while Wavefold systems commonly use hooks and compatible carriers.
For customers, the important point is not simply the name on the quote. Fabric Creations can provide either S-fold or Wavefold curtains to our customers, however we favour Wavefold for their ease of installation and sturdier construction. This ease comes in handy for customers when they decided to wash their curtains. No-one wants to close dozens of press studs!
Pleated curtains for traditional and transitional spaces
If Wavefold is about clean continuity, pleated curtains provide a more structured and decorative appearance. Pinch pleats, pencil pleats and other pleated headings create defined folds that give the curtain a more traditional feel.
Pleated curtains can work beautifully in traditional and transitional interiors, particularly where architectural details, decorative furniture or classic fabrics call for a little more structure.
They can also be used with sheers or blockout curtains depending on the desired combination of privacy, light control and decoration. The right heading helps tie the window treatment into the wider design rather than treating it as an isolated element.
Fullness affects the way every curtain hangs
Fullness refers to how much fabric is used compared with the width of the track. It is one of the less obvious decisions that can make a significant difference to the finished curtain.
Too little fullness can make a curtain look flat and underdeveloped. More fullness creates additional fabric and a richer drape, although it also requires more space when the curtain is open.
The ideal amount depends on the fabric, heading style, track system and desired appearance. Wavefold systems, for example, rely on carefully controlled spacing to create their regular wave, while pleated curtains use the construction of the heading to establish their folds.
This is why fullness should be considered alongside the heading rather than as a separate decision.
Think about stack back before choosing your heading
Stack back is the amount of space the curtains occupy when they are fully open. It matters particularly around large windows, narrow rooms and areas where you want to maximise the available glass.
A curtain can look perfect when closed but become frustrating if, when opened, it covers too much of the window or obstructs a view.
The heading, fabric, fullness and track all contribute to the final stack back. The position of the curtain split and whether the curtains open from the centre or one side can also make a difference. At Fabric Creations, these practical details are considered as part of the overall window design.
What about pelmets?
Existing pelmets add another layer to the design process. Their size and position can influence which track and heading will work best, as well as how much room is available for the curtain to operate.
Rather than automatically removing an existing pelmet, it may be possible to design the curtains and hardware to work within it. Fabric Creations has completed installations where sheer wavefold curtains and other window furnishings have been carefully fitted within existing pelmets to maintain a seamless finish.
For new pelmets, their proportions should be considered alongside the curtain style from the beginning. A pelmet can conceal tracks and provide a tailored architectural finish, with Fabric Creations offering a range of upholstered pelmet shapes and designs.
Choosing the right heading for your space
There is no single curtain heading that suits every Melbourne home, office or commercial interior. The right choice depends on the architecture, fabric, amount of available space, desired level of formality and practical requirements.
The important thing is to consider the entire curtain system rather than choosing a heading in isolation.
At Fabric Creations, we enjoy sharing our curtain design knowledge because the small decisions often make the biggest difference. If you are considering custom made curtains for your Melbourne home, office or project, contact Fabric Creations to discuss your windows, fabrics, heading options and installation requirements.