Wavefold, pinch pleat or inverted pleat: choosing a curtain heading
How the three most-requested curtain headings differ, and how to choose one for your fabric, track and room.
The heading is the top of the curtain — the part that sets how the fabric folds, how it stacks and how the whole window reads. It is worth choosing deliberately.
Wavefold
Wavefold (also called S-fold) runs on a dedicated track with carriers spaced to create soft, even waves. It suits sheers and contemporary rooms, stacks neatly and works well with motorisation.
Pinch pleat
Pinch pleats gather the fabric into pleated groups — double or triple — for a tailored, structured look. Heavier fabrics such as velvet and linen-look weaves wear a triple pinch pleat beautifully.
Inverted pleat
An inverted pleat folds the fabric behind itself for a flat, architectural face. It is crisp and understated, and pairs well with trims along the leading edge.
How to choose
Start with the fabric: its weight and drape will favour some headings over others. Then consider the track or rod, the stack space either side of the window, and whether the curtain will be motorised. We work through these together at the measure so the heading suits the room, not just the sample.
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