Pleated curtains or drapes have such a classic, dramatic look!
Characterized by the presence of pleats, which are folds of fabric that create a tailored and structured appearance, these curtains are designed to hang gracefully and add a decorative touch to windows while also offering functionality in terms of light control and privacy.
Pleated curtains are often used in more formal or traditional settings, as the pleats lend a sense of sophistication and elegance to the overall decor. With a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns to suit different interior styles and preferences, they will instantly elevate any room.
70s oversized floral pleated curtain
You have decided on pleated curtains and now are wondering how to hang them…
Many options are available.
The first option is using a curtain track. They can be mounted on a ceiling or on a wall above the window and use gliders and hooks to hang the curtain.
Curtain track
You can also decide to use a regular curtain rod and add rings to hang your panels. Rings will glide on your curtain rod. Some have a loop to hang the hooks, others have clips to secure the panels directly on the hem. Both give a different look, but they are versatile and can simplify your installation if you don't have a track.
Curtain ring with hook Curtain ring with clip
Pleating Hooks
Pleated curtains require pleating hooks, and the type of hooks depends on the pleats of your panels.
When you purchase a pleated panel in my store, the appropriate curtain hook will always be mentioned and shown.
Here are a few examples:
- Pleated with drapery tape: This curtain pleats are sewn using drapery tape, inside the material fold. Usually, the best hooks would be a metal slip-in curtain hook, which will be inserted on each side of the pleat or a single pin-on curtain hook, which is pinned in the middle of the fold.
Sewn-in pleats with slip-on hook slip-in curtain hook
single pin-on hook
Each has its pros and cons.
The slip-on hook might not be best if the material of the curtain heading is an open weave, as it can be seen from the front. There is also less flexibility for the placement, higher or lower on the heading; however, all pleats will be at the same level easily, and the hooks will not damage the material.
Pin-on single hooks are cheap and easy to find in most hardware stores or online. They come in many different sizes. However, they will be pinned to the material and, in some cases, may damage or create rust on the fabric. It is more difficult to achieve a perfectly straight line when you pin them unless you measure where to insert them each time, but they have a more flexible placement in height.
- If the heading has been sewn down the fold for the length of the curtain, or over the liner, pin-on single hooks are the only available option.
Fold sewn to the liner, no opening for the slip-in hook; pin-on is used
This one has built-in little pockets for the hooks. You can use single prong hooks to hang for a pleat less defined or no pleats at all. You can also use a four-pronged hook, where the middle ones are in front and create the pleat.
Pleating tape, using a four-pronged hook Four-pronged hook
This is a shirring tape. The drawstrings inside the tape can be pulled and tied to gather the material and create pencil pleats. The easiest option for hooks is the pin-on single hook, placed on the strip between the pleats. It provides great versatility.
Shirring tape
There are a few more options available, but most will do fine with the types of hooks shown above.
As always, do not hesitate to ask any questions!
Helene