What Is a Curtain Header?
The header (also called heading) is the top part of your curtain — it determines how the curtain hangs, how it looks when open and closed, and what type of rod or track you need. Choosing the right header makes a huge difference in how your curtains look and function.
The 5 Header Styles We Offer
1. Rod Pocket
A sewn channel at the top that the rod slides through.
- Look: Classic, clean, gathered
- Best for: Stationary curtains, traditional decor
- Pros: No hardware visible, budget-friendly, timeless
- Cons: Harder to slide open/closed frequently
- Rod type: Standard curtain rod (any diameter)
2. Grommet Top
Metal rings punched through the fabric, threaded directly onto the rod.
- Look: Modern, uniform waves
- Best for: Contemporary spaces, curtains you open/close daily
- Pros: Slides easily, creates even folds, modern look
- Cons: Grommets are visible (by design)
- Rod type: Decorative rod (grommets must fit over the rod)
- Ring colors: Available in black, gold, silver, and white
3. Tab Top (10cm Tabs)
Fabric loops sewn to the top, through which the rod passes.
- Look: Casual, relaxed, cottage-style
- Best for: Kitchens, casual bedrooms, bohemian decor
- Pros: Simple, shows the rod as a design element
- Cons: Can be harder to slide, hangs slightly lower than rod
- Rod type: Decorative rod
4. Pinch Pleated (Double Pinch)
Fabric is pinched into neat, tailored pleats at regular intervals.
- Look: Elegant, formal, structured
- Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, master bedrooms
- Pros: Most elegant look, professional appearance
- Cons: Uses more fabric (2x fullness)
- Rod type: Curtain track with hooks, or decorative rod with rings
5. Pencil Pleat (4-Prong Hooks)
Tightly gathered pencil-like pleats, hung with 4-prong hooks.
- Look: Full, gathered, versatile
- Best for: Any room — the most versatile header
- Pros: Works with tracks or rods, adjustable width
- Cons: Requires hooks (included), uses 2x fabric
- Rod type: Curtain track (preferred) or rod with rings
Quick Comparison
| Header | Style | Ease of Use | Fabric Needed | Best Rod |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rod Pocket | Classic | Medium | 1x width | Standard rod |
| Grommet | Modern | Easy | 1x width | Decorative rod |
| Tab Top | Casual | Easy | 1x width | Decorative rod |
| Pinch Pleat | Formal | Easy | 2x width | Track + hooks |
| Pencil Pleat | Versatile | Easy | 2x width | Track + hooks |
Which Header Should You Choose?
- Want a modern look? → Grommet Top
- Want elegance? → Pinch Pleated
- Want versatility? → Pencil Pleat
- Want classic simplicity? → Rod Pocket
- Want casual charm? → Tab Top
The good news: all our curtains are available in all 5 header styles, so you can mix and match for different rooms. Configure your custom curtains →