For decades, the pencil pleat has been the undisputed standard for hanging curtains. Reliable, adjustable, and universally recognised, it has graced countless windows. But as interior design evolves towards cleaner lines, minimalism, and tailored precision, the humble pencil pleat can sometimes feel a touch too traditional.

The heading, the very top part of the curtain where it attaches to the track or pole, is not just functional. It defines how the fabric drapes, how the curtains ‘stack back’ when open, and ultimately, the overall architectural feel of the window dressing.

If you are looking to update your space and want a look that feels current, sophisticated, and intentionally designed, it is time to look beyond the standard gather. Here are four modern curtain headings that every contemporary homeowner needs to know.

1. The Wave Heading (S-Fold)

The Wave heading is perhaps the most significant innovation in modern window treatments. This style creates smooth, continuous, soft folds of fabric that look like a neat ‘S’ from above. It is the definition of understated sophistication.

What makes the Wave unique is that the curves are achieved not by pleating the fabric itself, but through a specially designed glider cord within the track that holds the fabric in these perfect folds, whether the curtains are open or closed. When stacked back, Wave curtains take up minimal space, maximising your view.

Best For: Minimalist interiors, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and sheer fabrics. It requires a specific Wave track rather than a standard pole.

Styling Tip: For the ultimate sleek look, pair a Wave heading with a high-quality sheer fabric to create a soft, ethereal column of light.

2. The Eyelet (Grommet) Heading

The Eyelet heading is instantly recognisable and has been popular in contemporary design for years, but it remains a staple of the modern home. Large metal rings (grommets) are inserted directly into the fabric, which is then threaded directly onto a substantial curtain pole.

This style creates large, distinct, angular folds in the fabric. It is inherently casual and dramatic, offering a crisp, clean look with no complicated tape or hooks. The curtains are easy to operate and hang perfectly without dressing.

Best For: Casual living areas, bedrooms, and heavy-weight fabrics where a simple, bold statement is needed. It requires a dedicated curtain pole (not a track).

Styling Tip: Contrast the fabric colour with the ring finish (e.g., matte black rings on a crisp white linen) to make a modern design feature of the heading itself.

3. The Double Pinch Pleat (or Two-Finger Pleat)

The Triple Pinch Pleat is a very traditional heading, but its relative, the Double Pinch Pleat, is a sleek, modernised interpretation. This style features groups of two neat pleats (two “fingers”) sewn permanently into the fabric at regular intervals at the top, which then fan out gracefully.

By reducing the pleat count from three to two, the heading becomes less bulky and less formal. It retains the tailored elegance of a fixed pleat but offers cleaner lines and a more streamlined appearance, suitable for contemporary and transitional spaces. It is typically hung on a pole using hooks and rings.

Best For: Elegant living rooms, dining areas, and master bedrooms where a tailored, permanent drape is desired. It works beautifully with structured fabrics.

Styling Tip: Choose a rich fabric like a velvet or a textured weave (such as Ian Mankin ticking) to allow the precise double pleats to showcase the fabric’s quality.

4. The Cartridge Pleat (or Barrel Pleat)

The Cartridge Pleat is a fixed-pleat style that offers the continuous rounded drape of the Wave but can be used with standard poles or tracks (unlike the Wave). It looks like a single, rounded ‘barrel’ or cartridge of fabric sewn at intervals along the top. This barrel is usually stuffed with a wadding or stiffener to maintain its shape, and the fabric between the cartridges remains flat.

This creates large, soft, uniform folds that hang vertically down the curtain, giving the structured appearance of a sophisticated, permanent drape. It offers the elegance of a pleat without the traditional ‘pinched’ look, providing a clean alternative for formal or smart-casual rooms.

Best For: Large windows, formal living areas, and medium-to-heavy fabrics where you want a continuous, rounded look without investing in a new Wave track system.

Styling Tip: Maintain the sleek, columnar look by using a continuous fabric design, rather than large motifs, to avoid breaking the visual impact of the uniform barrels.

Conclusion: Define Your Signature Drape

While the pencil pleat will always have its place, modern interior design demands headings that actively contribute to the overall architectural look of a window dressing. By understanding and embracing alternatives like the Wave, Eyelet, Double Pinch, and Cartridge pleats, you can choose a heading that perfectly complements your chosen fabric and fabric design, your hardware, and your interior style.

Whether you seek the architectural sleekness of the Wave or the tailored elegance of the Double Pinch, defining your signature drape is the final, crucial step in creating made-to-measure curtains that feel truly bespoke.