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Glossary of Curtain Terms

Pencil Pleat

A pencil pleat heading is the most common for curtains and valances. It is a 3” tape that gathers the curtain or valance into neat folds. This is the most common type of heading. This type of curtain or valance can be hung on a pole or curtain track. There are usually 2 or 3 lines of “ loops”, so linings can be easily attached.
Double the width of your track or pole for this style for softly gathered curtains.

Tab Top

A loop of straight fabric hangs the curtain on a curtain pole. This style is a contemporary, straighter style that can only be hung on a pole or rod. Multiply the width of your pole by 1.5 for tab top curtains.

Eyelet or Ring Top

Known by both terms this is the most popular curtain heading at the moment. Metal rings are punched through the fabric in a nautical style. Eyelet curtains can be hung on a pole or rod. Multiply the width of your pole by 1.5 for a straighter contemporary look.

Voiles

Voile curtains are made from a sheer fabric either cotton or polyester that can be used similarly to nets or as side hangings. Voile curtains are available in 2 styles of heading. The gathered type is usually made with a 1” heading tape so they will hang neatly beneath heavier drapes on a track. Tab top voiles are very popular and can be hung from a rod or pole.

Valance

A valance is decorative. Normally gathered with a 3” heading tape it can be straight or shaped.
Valances are more suitable to traditional styles. Double or treble the width of your pole or track for maximum effect.

Tie backs

Tie backs when sold with ready made curtains are usually straight or curved lengths of stiffened fabric. They do exactly as suggested and “tie back” the curtains or voiles.

Blackout Linings

Loose black out linings are thermal and light resistant. These can be attached to most unlined curtains with a pencil pleat heading. The majority of ready made curtains are fully lined.
Linings should be the same width as your curtain but are made 1-2” shorter so they can be hung from a lower level on the curtain tape.

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