Guide To Curtain Heading Styles: Eyelet, S-Wave, Pinch Pleat & Tracks For Wollongong Interiors
Choosing new curtains in Wollongong is often one of the final steps in completing a room, yet the heading style you select plays a surprisingly influential role in how the space feels. The heading determines how the fabric falls, how much light can filter through and how the curtains operate day to day. For homes that embrace soft coastal tones, contemporary shapes or modern simplicity, selecting the right heading style can create a more cohesive look while also improving practicality.
This guide explains four of the most popular options used in modern interiors: Eyelet, S-Wave, Pinch Pleat and track-mounted styles. Each offers a different balance of structure, softness and function, making them suitable for a wide range of room layouts, window shapes and curtain fabrics. If you’re weighing up which direction to take for your next renovation or new build, these insights will help you make a more informed choice.
Why Curtain Heading Styles Matter
Curtains do more than frame a window. The heading determines the shape of the fabric as it travels along a rod or track, which influences how the curtain behaves in motion and rest. A heading style also controls how much stack space is required, how smoothly the curtain moves and how the fabric gathers when opened.
Small variations in heading type can make a room feel more relaxed or more architectural. Clean, consistent folds create a subtle rhythm across large sliding doors, while structured pleats can introduce a sense of order within more formal or traditional spaces. With the right selection, your curtains can complement your interior features rather than simply cover a window.
Eyelet Curtains: Simple, Modern & Easy To Operate
Eyelet curtains remain a popular option for those who prefer a clean and minimal finish. The circular metal rings along the top of the fabric thread directly onto a curtain rod, which creates evenly spaced folds that stack neatly when open.
Design advantages:
- Creates smooth wave-like folds without additional pleating
- Moves easily across most curtain rods
- Works well with lightweight, textured or sheer fabrics
- Offers a modern, unfussy appearance suitable for open living areas
Because eyelet curtains maintain a consistent shape, they are ideal where a relaxed but orderly look is preferred. Their structure helps fabric fall evenly, which can soften sharp architectural lines or balance rooms with high ceilings.
Practical Considerations
Eyelet curtains require a rod rather than a track, which is worth keeping in mind during the planning stages. The heading sits beneath the rod so the overall drop will appear slightly lower than other heading types. If you prefer curtains that sit close to the ceiling, this may influence your decision.
They are also best suited to spaces where the curtains will be drawn by hand rather than motorised. Although eyelets glide well, they do not provide the same operational flexibility as track systems.
S-Wave Curtains: A Contemporary Favourite For Seamless Movement
S-Wave, also known as S-Fold, has become a go-to choice for homeowners looking for a sleek finish with superb functionality. The heading is created using a special carrier inserted into a track, which forms identical S-shaped folds. These folds remain consistent along the entire length of the curtain, whether open or closed.
Design advantages:
- Creates a smooth & continuous wave pattern
- Ideal for large expanses of glass
- Works beautifully with sheer fabrics for a soft diffused glow
- Provides an elegant, hotel-inspired appearance
S-Wave curtains make a room feel calm and ordered due to the uniform spacing of the folds. The heading sits close to the track, which gives the fabric a floating effect often used in modern coastal and minimalist styling.
Practical Considerations
Because S-Wave curtains operate on a track, they suit a variety of window styles, including long spans and corner windows. The track can also be recessed for a more architectural finish.
S-Wave headings tend to require slightly more width due to the consistent depth of each fold. This is worth considering if you have limited stack space on either side of a window or door.
Pinch Pleat Curtains: Structured, Timeless & Tailored
Pinch pleat curtains bring a refined and tailored look to a room. The pleats are sewn into the fabric at the heading, which creates a structured gather and a more traditional drape. Depending on the number of folds sewn together, pinch pleat headings can vary from subtle to more pronounced.
Common pleat options:
- Double pinch pleat for a neat, understated finish
- Triple pinch pleat for a more defined & decorative heading
Design advantages:
- Offers a classic & tailored appearance
- Creates consistent pleats without additional mechanisms
- Works well with lined fabrics or heavier drapes
- Holds its shape for many years due to the sewn-in structure
Pinch pleat curtains suit living areas or bedrooms where a more formal or decorative finish is desired. They also look impressive with patterned fabrics, as the structure helps maintain the design’s alignment.
Practical Consideration
Pinch pleat headings require slightly more fabric than simpler styles. If you plan to open your curtains fully each day, it is important to ensure you have adequate stack space on either side of the window.
Although traditionally paired with rods, pinch pleat curtains also work well on tracks which can improve ease of operation for larger spans.
Track-Mounted Curtains: Versatile, Practical & Ideal For Large Openings
Track-mounted systems are often chosen for areas where curtains need to move smoothly and efficiently. Tracks can be mounted on walls or ceilings and offer flexible operation options, including cord-drawn or motorised systems.
Design advantages:
- Ideal for large sliding doors or wide windows
- Smooth stacking & unstacking, even with heavy fabrics
- Can be paired with S-Wave or pinch pleat headings
- Allows curtains to sit close to the ceiling for a streamlined look
Tracks are especially useful when a clean, uninterrupted line is required across a long span. Because tracks sit behind the fabric, they are less visually prominent than rods and complement spaces that rely on simplicity.
Practical Considerations
Tracks come in a range of profiles, including single and double tracks, which allow for combinations such as sheers and blockouts. They also work well for curved or recessed sections where rods may not be suitable.
If you are planning motorisation, track-mounted curtains offer the greatest flexibility. Motorised systems can improve daily convenience and ensure heavy curtains operate with minimal effort.
How To Choose The Right Heading For Your Space
A heading style should support both the aesthetic and functional requirements of your room. Consider how often the curtains will be opened, how much stack space is available, and whether you prefer a softer or more structured look. Think about fabric type:
- Sheers pair naturally with S-Wave or eyelet styles, where the softness of the fabric can be showcased
- Lined or blockout fabrics benefit from pinch pleat or track-mounted systems that offer extra control and support
Consider Your Room Layout
If your window or door is a key architectural feature, choose a heading that enhances rather than hides it. Uniform folds can bring cohesion to wide glazing while decorative pleats add character to more traditional rooms.
Plan For Daily Use
Ease of operation can influence long term satisfaction. Tracks generally provide smoother movement while rods offer a simpler visual appearance. If motorisation is a future consideration selecting the right heading now can make upgrades easier later.
Final Thoughts
Each curtain heading style offers something different in terms of appearance and performance. Eyelet curtains bring relaxed simplicity S-Wave curtains offer modern consistency, pinch pleat styles provide structure and track-mounted systems deliver versatility across a range of window sizes.
A thoughtfully chosen heading helps elevate your curtains from a functional covering to an integrated part of your interior design. By considering both the look you hope to achieve and the way your curtains will be used day to day, you can select a style that enhances your home for years to come.
Ready To Transform Your Curtains?
For expert guidance and custom-made solutions, Phoenix Blinds can help you choose the right heading style for your space. Contact our team today for tailored advice on curtains in Wollongong and surrounds.
