Curtain Heading Styles Guide | Pleat, Eyelet, Tab Top

What Is a Curtain Heading and Why Does It Matter

The curtain heading — the top section where the fabric attaches to the track or pole — determines how a curtain hangs, folds, and moves. It is arguably the single most defining design element of any curtain, shaping the overall look and feel of a room more than colour or pattern alone.

Different heading styles suit different interior aesthetics, window sizes, and functional requirements. Understanding your options will help you select a heading that complements your Singapore home, whether it is a contemporary BTO flat, a classic resale HDB, or a spacious landed property.

Pinch Pleat Headings

Pinch pleat headings are among the most traditional and elegant curtain styles. The fabric is gathered into evenly spaced groups of folds — or pinches — that create a structured, tailored appearance. The pleats are typically stitched and fixed in place, ensuring consistent draping over the life of the curtain.

There are several pinch pleat variations:

• Double pinch (French pleat): Two folds per pleat group, creating a refined, classic look. This is the most popular pleat style in Singapore homes and works well in both formal and casual settings.
• Triple pinch: Three folds per pleat group, producing deeper, more structured pleats. Best suited to taller windows and rooms with higher ceilings, such as those found in landed homes and some condominiums.
• Goblet pleat: The top of each pleat is shaped into a cylindrical goblet form rather than pinched flat. This creates a decorative, architectural effect that suits formal living and dining rooms.

Pinch pleat curtains require a fullness ratio of approximately 2 to 2.5 times the track width. They are hung from curtain hooks attached to a track with gliders, which allows smooth, effortless opening and closing. This heading style works best with medium to heavyweight drapery fabrics that hold their shape well.

Eyelet (Grommet) Headings

Eyelet headings, also known as grommet headings, feature large metal or plastic rings punched directly into the fabric at regular intervals. The curtain pole threads through these rings, creating deep, uniform folds that stack neatly when the curtain is open.

The result is a contemporary, relaxed look that has become extremely popular in modern Singapore homes. Eyelet curtains are particularly well suited to:

• Open-concept HDB and condo living areas with a minimalist design language
• Bedrooms where a clean, uncluttered aesthetic is desired
• Rooms with a Scandinavian, industrial, or modern contemporary style

Eyelet headings require a fullness ratio of 1.5 to 2 times the track width — less than pinch pleats — making them a fabric-efficient option. However, they must be used with a curtain pole rather than a track, which means the pole remains visible as a design element. Choose a pole finish that complements your interior hardware, whether brushed nickel, matte black, or natural timber.

One consideration for Singapore homes: eyelet curtains create a small gap at the top between the fabric and the pole, which allows some light to pass through. For bedrooms requiring complete darkness, consider pairing eyelets with a separate blockout roller blind behind.

Tab Top Headings

Tab top headings use fabric loops sewn to the top of the curtain panel, through which the pole is threaded. The tabs create a casual, relaxed drape that suits informal spaces and cottage-inspired interiors.

This heading style works best with lightweight to medium-weight fabrics such as linen, cotton, and sheer materials. The tabs themselves can be plain, buttoned, or knotted for decorative effect. Tab widths typically range from 5cm to 8cm, and wider tabs create a bolder, more graphic appearance.

Tab top curtains are easy to make and hang, which makes them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. However, they can be slightly more difficult to draw open and closed because the tabs create friction against the pole. For windows where curtains are moved frequently, consider adding small rings to the back of each tab to improve glide.

In Singapore, tab top headings work well for casual living spaces, children’s rooms, and balcony areas. They pair particularly well with natural timber poles and relaxed, organic interior styles.

Wave Fold (S-Fold) Headings

Wave fold headings — sometimes called S-fold or ripple fold — create a continuous, undulating wave pattern along the length of the curtain. The effect is sleek, modern, and architectural, with uniform curves that maintain their shape regardless of whether the curtain is open or closed.

This heading style has become increasingly popular in contemporary Singapore condominiums and landed homes, particularly for floor-to-ceiling windows. The smooth, flowing lines of a wave fold curtain suit minimalist and luxury interiors equally well.

Wave fold curtains require a specific type of track with evenly spaced carriers that control the wave spacing. The fabric fullness is typically 1.8 to 2.2 times the track width, and the wave size can usually be adjusted between 60mm, 80mm, and 120mm intervals to suit different window proportions.

The clean lines of wave fold headings also mean that the curtain stacks very compactly when drawn open, maximising the amount of glass and natural light exposed. This is a significant advantage for HDB and condo units where maximising light and views is a priority.

Pencil Pleat Headings

Pencil pleat headings consist of tightly gathered folds that resemble a row of pencils standing side by side. The pleats are created using a heading tape with drawstrings that can be pulled to gather the fabric to the desired width. This adjustability makes pencil pleat curtains versatile — the same curtain can be adjusted to fit slightly different track widths.

Pencil pleats offer a classic, timeless look that works in virtually any setting. They are less formal than pinch pleats but more structured than eyelets or tab tops. The heading is concealed behind the track or within a pelmet, keeping the focus on the fabric itself.

This heading style is a practical choice for rental properties and homes where curtains may be repurposed across different rooms or windows. The adjustable gathering mechanism accommodates minor width variations, providing flexibility that fixed-pleat headings do not.

Comparing Heading Styles at a Glance

Heading Style	Look	Fullness Ratio	Track or Pole	Best Fabric Weight
Pinch pleat	Formal, tailored	2–2.5x	Track	Medium–Heavy
Eyelet	Contemporary, clean	1.5–2x	Pole	Medium
Tab top	Casual, relaxed	1.5–2x	Pole	Light–Medium
Wave fold	Sleek, architectural	1.8–2.2x	Specialist track	Light–Medium
Pencil pleat	Classic, versatile	2–2.5x	Track	Light–Heavy

Matching Heading Styles to Singapore Interiors

Your curtain heading should harmonise with your broader interior design. Here are some pairing suggestions for popular styles in Singapore homes:

• Modern minimalist (common in new BTOs): Wave fold or eyelet headings in neutral tones. Keep hardware simple and lines clean.
• Scandinavian warmth: Eyelet or tab top headings in natural linen or cotton blends. Pair with light timber poles.
• Classic elegance: Double or triple pinch pleats in rich fabrics such as velvet, silk-blend, or jacquard. Use with a pelmet for a polished finish.
• Transitional (blend of classic and modern): Pencil pleat headings offer the right balance — structured enough for formality, simple enough for contemporary spaces.
• Luxury contemporary (high-end condos and landed homes): Wave fold headings in full-length sheers layered with coordinating blockout curtains.

Consider the scale of the room as well. Smaller HDB rooms benefit from heading styles that stack compactly — wave fold and eyelet headings excel here. Larger rooms with taller ceilings can accommodate the volume of pinch pleats and goblet pleats without feeling overwhelmed.

Make the Right Heading Choice

The curtain heading you select influences how the fabric falls, how much light control you achieve, and how the finished curtain integrates with your interior design. There is no single best heading style — the right choice depends on your space, your aesthetic, and how you use the room.

Visit the Goodrich Gallery to see our full collection. Seeing heading styles in person, with fabric draped at full length, makes all the difference. Book your showroom visit today.