Whether it's a cozy living room or an elegant dining room, the choice of curtains makes all the difference! But have you ever thought about the pleats? Pleats, in particular, not only influence the look and feel of the curtains, but also how much light enters the room.

In this blog post, we'll tell you what types of curtain pleats there are and how to best showcase your curtains. You'll also learn everything you need to know to calculate the right amount of fabric.

Different types of wrinkles and why they are so popular

The pleat style of a curtain defines how the fabric is gathered or sewn at the top of the curtain. Their purpose is purely aesthetic; they create the illusion of fullness. Since time immemorial, the goal in both interior design and fashion has been to create an opulent and luxurious look. In many cultures, pleats were traditionally reserved for nobility or ceremonial occasions. However, pleats have been popular since ancient times, hence the wide variety of variations. The versatility of these designs allows curtains to be customized to suit different interior styles and personal preferences. Depending on the style, pleats can appear elegant, modern, simple, or opulent—and that's precisely what makes them so versatile.

The 7 most popular curtain pleat types at a glance

The type of pleat is an important factor that significantly influences the overall effect of a room. Whether you prefer a cozy living space or modern clarity, we'll show you the seven most popular curtain pleat styles below and explain how to best utilize them in your home.

Gathered pleats:

• This type of curtain pleat is arguably the most flexible and commonly used. The fabric is evenly gathered using a gathering tape. This technique is particularly suitable if you're looking for a simple yet elegant solution. Gathered tape pleats suit almost any interior style and are easy to use. Another advantage: They can be easily attached to both curtain rods and tracks.

Classic pencil pleats:

• Pencil pleats, often referred to as "classic pleats," consist of tightly spaced, regular pleats that give the curtain a traditional and timeless look. These pleat styles are ideal for living rooms and other formal spaces. They are especially advantageous if you want balanced light distribution and a harmonious appearance.

Light wave folds:

• Wave pleats, also known as ripple folds, create soft, flowing waves that work particularly well in modern and minimalist interiors. This type of pleat is ideal if you want a curtain that looks good even when opened. However, they require special track systems to maintain their shape.

More formal box pleats (reverse pleats):

• Box pleats, also known as "reverse pleats," are deep pleats that fall backward, giving the curtain a very structured and formal appearance. This type of pleat is perfect for rooms where you want to achieve a clean and elegant look.

Elegant French pleats (pinch pleat):

• The French pleat, also known as a pinch pleat, exudes elegance and opulence. This type of pleat is often used in heavy fabrics like velvet or silk and creates a luxurious look that's ideal for formal spaces like the living room or dining room.

Swiss round folds:

• And last but not least: the traditional Swiss round pleat – the Swiss classic, characterized by hand-formed, round pleats that give the curtain a particularly elegant and robust structure. This type of pleat is particularly popular with made-to-measure curtains (learn everything about our wide range of made-to-measure curtains here) and is therefore suitable for almost all curtain types.

Note: By default, we manufacture curtains with a special Swiss pleat equipped with sewn-on Clic gliders. If you would like a different pleat type, just let us know – we'll be happy to provide you with a customized quote.

Curtain pleats: in just 5 steps, pleats are perfectly formed

The art of creating flawless, beautiful curtain pleats begins with careful preparation. This may seem a bit tricky at first, depending on the type of curtain, but with a few simple steps, you too can create the perfect pleats in no time.

Here is our little how-to on pleating curtains:

Step 1: Calculate fabric requirements, pleat factor & curtain width:

Before you even begin pleating, it's important to calculate the required fabric width. The correct amount of fabric and answering the question "My curtain: how wide should it actually be?" are essential to ensure your curtains fit perfectly in the end. However, the amount of fabric required varies considerably depending on the type of pleat you choose. An important factor and tool for precisely determining the correct amount of fabric is the so-called "pleat factor." This indicates how much more fabric you need compared to the window width.

Here is a brief overview to make the calculation easier for you:

• Pencil pleats = between 2.5 and 3 times the window width.
• Gathered pleats = about 2.5 times the window width.
• Eyelet pleats = usually 1.5 to 2 times the window width.
• Loops = about 1.5 times the window width.
• Box pleats = between 2 and 2.5 times the window width.
• Wave folds = often also 1.5 to 2 times the window width necessary

Step 1 – Special case: Pleat factor for patterned & thick fabrics:

But it's not just the type of pleat that influences the amount of fabric needed – the pattern and fabric quality also play a crucial role. Patterned fabrics often require a larger amount of fabric to ensure the motifs lie evenly and clearly in the pleats.

• For patterned fabrics, you should therefore expect a pleat factor of around 2.5.
• In addition, thicker fabrics create wider folds, which is why you should plan for a higher fold factor of 2.5 to 3 for such materials.

Once you've determined the pleat factor, you can calculate the actual amount of fabric and curtain width needed. Use the following formula:

Pleat factor × (window width + fabric allowance) = curtain width

Step 2: Distribute pleats harmoniously using gathering tape, pleat hooks, etc.

After calculating the amount of fabric and selecting the right fabric, it's time to distribute the pleats evenly. For curtain pleat styles like pencil pleats or ruffle pleats, it's important to distribute the pleats evenly to create a harmonious overall look.

• Option 1 - Gathering Tape:
  For many, the gathering tape is the key to creating harmonious pleats. Attach it to the top edge of the curtain and then pull the drawstrings until the ideal pleat depth is achieved, spreading the pleats across the entire width of the curtain.
• Option 2 - Pleat Hooks:
  Use pleat hooks that are inserted into the curtain's pre-made pockets. These hooks ensure consistent pleats, especially for curtains with deep box or pencil pleats.
• Option 3 - Pleat rollers:
  Insert pleat rollers into the curtain's loops to distribute the pleats symmetrically on a track. This method is particularly suitable for wave pleats, as they create a very flowing effect.

Step 3: Fix folds

To keep the pleats in place, you should secure them. With eyelet pleats, the eyelets do the job, but with gathered tape pleats, you can secure the pleats with curtain rings.

• Pull the pleats apart evenly and secure them carefully so that they fall symmetrically and there are no gaps.

Step 4: Small final inspection

Before you finally hang up your freshly folded curtains, it would be advisable to check the folds again.

• Correct any irregularities and make sure that all folds fall evenly.

Step 5: Hang the curtains

Depending on the accessories you choose for your curtains and drapes , such as curtain rods or rails, the effect of the pleats can vary. In our blog article » Types of Curtain Hanging , we introduce you to the different types of hanging in detail.

• Now hang the curtain carefully and, just to be on the safe side, check again that the folds are perfectly aligned and that your curtain really looks its best.

CONCLUSION: How to find the perfect pleat type for your curtains

By choosing the ideal pleat type, you can create the perfect look for your curtains. Whether modern, classic, or opulent – the variety and flexibility of curtain pleat styles allows you to customize any room.

And if you're still unsure about taking measurements and would prefer professional support, we offer our completely free in-home consultation throughout Switzerland. Our experienced in-home consultants will advise you directly on-site and help you design your curtains to measure and style.