In case you aren’t up on your curtain terminology, the curtain heading is the top part of the curtain that attaches to the rod. Curtain headings have many styles, including tab top, eyelet, pencil pleat and goblet. While there are many specific styles, they all fall under two main styles: modern styles that are simple and clean- lined, and traditional styles that are full and textured.

Whether you prefer informal modern styles or more formal traditional styles of curtain heading, it’s important to have an understanding of the specific styles that are available to you. Then you can be sure that you know exactly what you will be putting up when the time comes.

Tab top curtain headings

Tab Top Curtains

Called ‘tab top’ because of the small tabs of fabric that hold the curtains onto the rod, these curtain headings are designed in a modern style that gives them a simple, clean look. These are popular curtain headings for ready-made curtains as they easily slide onto the rod without any hassle.

Eyelet curtain headings

Eyelet Curtains

Another modern style of curtain heading popular for ready-made curtains, these are designed with round ‘eyelets’ along the top of the curtain for easy placement onto a curtain road. Simply designed in a modern style, these curtain headings give a clean, contemporary look to a room.

Pencil pleat curtain headings

Pencil Pleat Curtains

Pencil pleats curtain headings are designed with long, tightly packed pleats at the top of the curtain in a more traditional style. Neat and tidy, yet still full and textured, these finely pleated curtain headings can give any room in your home a distinguished formal look.

Goblet pleat curtain headings

One of the more unusual traditional styles, the goblet pleat curtain heading is made of fabric tubes that are sewn into the fabric across the top of the curtain. Small bunches of paper or fabric can be added to make sure the goblets hold their unique shape. A definite conversation-starter.

Furnishing retailers such as John Lewis offer ready-made curtains in modern styles that are affordable and easy to handle. If you prefer a more traditional style, you can select your own curtain fabric and have it custom-tailored to fit your taste. Shop the widest selection of ready-made curtains and curtain fabrics at the many fine retailers on mydeco.com.