Buying guide

Drapery Header Style

Explore LuxDrape's diverse drapery header styles, including 4-in-1, pencil pleat, back tab, and more. Customize your curtains with various hanging options to suit your home's aesthetic and functionality.

Open the Drapery Measurement Tool

Structured headers

Pleated style

Permanent sewn-in pleats create a precise, tailored drape. These headers pair with tracks or rods with rings and keep their form each time the curtains open and close.

Pinch pleat

Pinch pleats gather the fabric at the center of each fold, giving the curtain a balanced front profile and consistent spacing.

Types: Double and triple pinch pleat
Headband height: 3.2 inches
Included hooks: 3.5-inch adjustable plastic hooks
Fullness: 200% double / 230% triple

Features

Works with tracks, traverse rods, channel rods, and poles with rings
Finished panel width is measured from the first pleat to the last pleat
Permanent folds create a formal, evenly spaced stack

Suitable for

Medium- to heavyweight fabrics and rooms that call for a clean, elegant finish.

Measure finished length from the ring eyelet where the hook attaches to the floor.

Back of a pinch pleat curtain showing the concealed tab — Back-tab detail

Pinch pleat with back tab

A tailored pinch pleat is paired with a concealed back tab, allowing the same panel to hang from rings or directly on a decorative rod.

Fullness: 200%
Tab height: 3.1 inches
Maximum rod diameter: 1.5 inches
Included hooks: 3.5-inch adjustable plastic hooks

Features

Can hang directly on a rod or from rings
Offers two visibly different hanging positions
Keeps hardware hidden when used in back-tab mode

Suitable for

Light- to medium-weight fabrics in modern homes and polished commercial spaces.

Confirm the measurement starting point for the chosen hanging method.

The back-tab method is not compatible with a track.

Tailor pleat

Tailor pleats open more widely at the lower edge than pinch pleats, creating a crisp architectural rhythm with a softer transition into the curtain body.

Types: Double and triple tailor pleat
Fullness: 200% double / 230% triple
Pleat spacing: 5.5-6.5 inches
Headband height: 3.2 inches

Features

Includes 3.5-inch adjustable plastic pin hooks
Works with tracks, traverse rods, channel rods, and poles with rings
Larger lower openings give the folds a tailored silhouette

Suitable for

Medium- to heavyweight fabrics in formal rooms and high-finish interiors.

Measure finished length from the ring eyelet to the floor.

Close view of a goblet-shaped curtain pleat — Goblet detail

Goblet pleat

Deep rounded folds form a sculptural goblet shape at the header, giving substantial fabrics a decorative, dimensional finish.

Fullness: 200%
Pleat spacing: 5.5 inches
Goblet height: 3.5 inches
Included hooks: S-shaped metal pin hooks

Features

More gathered than a standard double pleat
Works with tracks, traverse rods, channel rods, and poles with rings
Holds a strong three-dimensional shape at the header

Suitable for

Heavyweight or thick fabrics in elegant dining rooms, living rooms, and formal suites.

Measure finished length from the ring eyelet to the floor.

Inverted box pleat

Fabric folds meet at the center on the front and reverse to form a box at the back, leaving a calm, symmetrical face.

Fullness: 200%
Pleat spacing: 5 inches
Included hooks: S-shaped metal pin hooks
Hardware: Track or pole with rings

Features

Flat front profile keeps patterned fabrics readable
Symmetrical folds create a restrained tailored look
Compatible with rods with rings and tracks

Suitable for

Medium- to heavyweight fabrics with good drape in modern homes and commercial rooms.

Measure finished length from the ring eyelet to the floor.

French pleat

French pleats are secured slightly lower than traditional pinch pleats, producing a softer crown with more visible structure above the stitch point.

Types: Double and triple French pleat
Fullness: 200% double / 230% triple
Headband height: 3.9 inches
Included hooks: 4-inch adjustable and S-shaped metal hooks

Features

Lower stitch position creates a refined fan above the pleat
Rear hooks can be adjusted and rearranged
Works with tracks and poles with rings

Suitable for

Heavyweight fabrics in grand rooms and traditional or transitional interiors.

Measure finished length from the ring eyelet to the floor.

Pencil pleat

Closely gathered vertical folds form a soft, textured header that feels less formal than permanent finger pleats.

Fullness: 220%
Profile: Tight, uniform gathers
Hardware: Track or pole with rings
Measurement: Ring eyelet to floor

Features

Creates a flexible gathered look rather than fixed finger pleats
Distributes texture continuously across the panel
Works especially well with lightweight fabrics

Suitable for

Casual rooms, guest bedrooms, and soft fabrics that benefit from a relaxed gathered header.

Confirm hook quantity and hardware compatibility for the selected panel width.

Explore pleated drapes

Pleat planning

Pleat spacing and panel width reference

The number of rings and hooks should match the number of pleats. Spacing may vary slightly with the finished rod or track length.

Technical table

Pleat spacing and stack-back by rod length

Reference dimensions for planning paired panels, pleat count, and the space occupied when panels are open.

Pleat spacing and stack-back by rod length
Rod length (inch)	26	34	40	46	52	60	72	80	88	96	100	116	128	136	140	148	156	164	176	188	192	196	216	236	250	284	296	316	356	396
Per-panel width (inch)	15	19	22	25	28	32	38	42	46	50	52	60	66	70	72	76	80	84	90	96	98	100	110	120	127	144	150	160	180	200
Fabric usage (inch)	34	42	48	54	60	68	80	80	87	94	98	112	123	130	134	141	148	155	166	177	180	184	202	220	233	263	274	292	328	364
Rings and pleats	4	5	5	6	7	7	9	9	10	10	10	12	13	14	14	15	16	16	17	19	19	19	21	23	25	28	29	31	34	38
Pleat spacing (inch)	4 3/4	5	5 1/2	5	4 3/4	5 3/8	4 7/8	5 3/8	5 1/8	5 5/8	5 7/8	5 1/2	5 1/2	5 3/8	5 1/2	5 3/8	5 3/8	5 5/8	5 5/8	5 3/8	5 3/8	5 5/8	5 1/2	5 1/2	5 3/8	5 3/8	5 3/8	5 3/8	5 1/2	5 3/8
Stacked width (inch)	3	3 7/8	4 3/8	5	5 5/8	6 3/8	7 5/8	8 3/8	9 1/4	10	10 3/8	12	13 1/4	14	14 3/8	15 1/4	16	16 7/8	18	19 1/4	19 5/8	20	22	24	25 3/8	28 7/8	30	32	36	40

Swipe or scroll horizontally to view the complete table.

For reference only. Final workroom measurements and spacing may vary with the selected fabric and hardware.

Technical table

Double pleat finished-width reference

For pinch pleat, tailor pleat, inverted box pleat, and goblet headers. All dimensions are in inches.

Double pleat finished-width reference
Finished width	Fullness	Side hem	Pleats	Pleat depth	Side tuck	Pleat spacing
25	2.0	1	6	1 1/4	2	5
30	2.0	1	7	1 1/4	2	5
40	2.0	1	8	1 1/4	2	5 3/4
50	2.0	1	10	1 1/4	2	5 5/8
60	2.0	1	12	1 1/4	2	5 1/2
70	2.0	1	14	1 1/4	2	5 3/8
80	2.0	1	16	1 1/4	2	5 1/4
90	2.0	1	17	1 1/4	2	5 5/8
100	2.0	1	19	1 1/4	2	5 5/8
110	2.0	1	21	1 1/4	2	5 1/2
120	2.0	1	23	1 1/4	2	5 1/2

Swipe or scroll horizontally to view every column.

Finished width is the width of one completed panel after pleats are sewn.

Technical table

Triple pleat finished-width reference

Reference construction values for triple pinch and triple tailor pleats. All dimensions are in inches.

Triple pleat finished-width reference
Finished width	Fullness	Side hem	Pleats	Pleat depth	Side tuck	Pleat spacing
25	2.3	1	6	1 1/4	2	5
30	2.3	1	7	1 1/4	2	5
40	2.3	1	8	1 1/4	2	5 3/4
50	2.3	1	10	1 1/4	2	5 5/8
60	2.3	1	12	1 1/4	2	5 1/2
70	2.3	1	14	1 1/4	2	5 3/8
80	2.3	1	15	1 1/4	2	5 3/4
90	2.3	1	17	1 1/4	2	5 5/8
100	2.3	1	19	1 1/4	2	5 5/8
110	2.3	1	20	1 1/4	2	5 3/4
120	2.3	1	22	1 1/4	2	5 3/4

Swipe or scroll horizontally to view every column.

Triple pleats use approximately 230% fullness and may require minor spacing adjustments at the workroom.

Flexible hanging methods

Soft top

Soft-top headers rely on tabs, pockets, clips, or hook belts rather than permanent finger pleats. The result is a relaxed drape with several hardware options.

Close view of the four-in-one curtain header construction — 4-in-1 construction

4-in-1

One sewn header supports four hanging methods: hook belt, clip rings, rod pocket, and concealed back tabs.

Fullness: 200%
Metal pin hook: 3 inches
Side hem: 1 inch
Bottom hem: 4 inches

Features

Hooks are included; clip rings are not included
Works with rods with rings, rods with clip rings, and decorative poles
Switches from gathered to pleated-like looks without altering the panel

Suitable for

Light- to medium-weight fabrics and rooms where hardware or styling may change over time.

Allow approximately six tabs or hooks per 40 inches of panel width.

In hook-belt mode, measure from the ring eyelet to the floor.

Flat hook

A slim hook belt creates a tidy upper edge without the bulk of sewn-in pleats, making frequent opening and closing easy.

Fullness: 200%
Included hooks: 3-inch adjustable plastic hooks
Side hem: 1 inch
Bottom hem: 4 inches

Features

Works with rods fitted with rings
Low-profile header keeps the top edge clean
Suitable for curtains used frequently

Suitable for

Light- to medium-weight fabrics in practical living spaces and bedrooms.

Allow approximately six hooks per 40 inches of panel width.

Measure from the ring eyelet to the floor.

Close view of fabric tab loops over a curtain rod — Tab-top detail

Tab top

Wide fabric loops slide directly onto a decorative rod, leaving the hardware visible and producing relaxed folds.

Fullness: 200%
Tab height: 4 inches
Tab width: 2 inches
Bottom hem: 4 inches

Features

Installs directly on a decorative rod
Visible loops create an informal architectural detail
No rings or hooks are required

Suitable for

Light- to medium-weight fabrics in casual bedrooms, family rooms, and relaxed spaces.

Measure finished length from the top of the rod to the floor.

Allow approximately six tabs per 40 inches of panel width.

Rod pocket

The rod passes through a sewn pocket, gathering the fabric softly and concealing most of the hardware.

Fullness: 200%
Pocket height: 3 inches
Maximum rod diameter: 1.5 inches
Bottom hem: 3 1/8 inches

Features

Optional top flange adds a small decorative heading
Works directly on a rod or with clip rings
Creates a soft, compact gathered profile

Suitable for

Light- to medium-weight fabrics in calm bedrooms, sitting rooms, and cozy interiors.

Measure finished length from the top of the rod to the floor.

Back of a curtain showing concealed fabric tabs — Back-tab detail

Back tab

Hidden fabric tabs hold the rod behind the panel, creating tidy front folds with no visible rings or hooks.

Fullness: 200%
Tab height: 4 inches
Pocket size: 3 inches
Maximum rod diameter: 1.5 inches

Features

Works directly on a rod or with clip rings
Hidden hardware keeps the front profile tailored
Side hem is 1 inch; bottom hem is 3 1/8 inches

Suitable for

Medium- to heavyweight long curtains in orderly, tailored rooms.

Measure finished length from the top of the rod to the floor.

Back tabs cannot be used on a track.

Explore soft-top drapes

Clean modern movement

Grommet

Metal rings are set directly into the header so the rod passes through the panel. The wide waves slide easily and use less stack-back than gathered styles.

Grommet header

Evenly spaced metal rings form broad waves and keep the panel simple to install, remove, and operate.

Fullness: 200%
Inside diameter: 1.6 inches
Outside diameter: 2.25 inches
Recommended rod: Up to 1.5 inches

Features

Available in bright silver, antique silver, antique bronze, and gold
Produces the smallest stack-back among the primary header categories
Slides directly on a decorative rod without separate rings

Suitable for

Light- to medium-weight fabrics in modern living rooms, offices, and casual spaces.

Measure finished length from the top of the rod to the floor.

Explore grommet drapes

Technical table

Grommet count by finished panel width

Grommet quantity increases with panel width to maintain even folds. Dimensions are in inches.

Grommet count by finished panel width
Finished panel width	Number of grommets
42	6
50	8
72	10
84	12
100	14
120	16
150	22
180	26

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Grommet counts are planning references and may be adjusted to keep an even number and balanced panel edges.

Planning details

Header style tips

Match the header to the right hardware, use the correct measurement starting point, and allow enough rod length for the opened panels.

Order the finished width

Pleated panel width is measured after the pleats are sewn. The workroom uses approximately 200%-230% fabric to create the finished width you order.

Plan panel quantity

For a 100-inch rod or track, order one 100-inch panel or two 50-inch panels. Add any overlap required for privacy before dividing the total width.

Allow for stack-back

Opened pleated drapes commonly stack to about 20% of their finished width. Extend the rod beyond the window when you want more glass exposed.

Place pleats below the track

Adjustable hooks can lift the header, but covering the track may turn the fabric outward and restrict movement. Hanging below the track gives a cleaner result.

Technical table

Header, hardware, and measurement compatibility

Use this summary to confirm hardware type, fullness, measurement origin, and included header hardware.

Header, hardware, and measurement compatibility
Header style	Category	Compatible hardware	Fullness	Measure from	Included
Pinch pleat	Pleated	Track or pole with rings	200% / 230%	Ring eyelet	3.5-inch plastic hooks
Pinch pleat with back tab	Pleated	Pole or rings; no track in tab mode	200%	Depends on hanging method	3.5-inch plastic hooks
Tailor pleat	Pleated	Track or pole with rings	200% / 230%	Ring eyelet	3.5-inch plastic hooks
Goblet	Pleated	Track or pole with rings	200%	Ring eyelet	S-shaped metal hooks
Inverted box	Pleated	Track or pole with rings	200%	Ring eyelet	S-shaped metal hooks
French pleat	Pleated	Track or pole with rings	200% / 230%	Ring eyelet	4-inch plastic and metal hooks
Pencil pleat	Pleated	Track or pole with rings	220%	Ring eyelet	Hooks
4-in-1	Soft Top	Pole, rings, or clip rings	200%	Depends on hanging method	3-inch metal hooks
Flat hook	Soft Top	Pole with rings	200%	Ring eyelet	3-inch plastic hooks
Tab top	Soft Top	Decorative pole	200%	Top of rod	None
Rod pocket	Soft Top	Pole up to 1.5 inches	200%	Top of rod	None
Back tab	Soft Top	Pole up to 1.5 inches	200%	Top of rod	None
Grommet	Grommet	Pole up to 1.5 inches	200%	Top of rod	Installed grommets

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Technical table

Selected pleated headers compared

The stitch position changes where each pleat opens and gives pinch, tailor, and French headers their distinct profiles.

Selected pleated headers compared
Header style	Pleat style	Pleat position	Permanent pleats	Fullness	Pleat depth (inch)
Pinch pleat	Double	Middle	Yes	200%	1 1/4
Tailor pleat	Double	Top	Yes	200%	1 1/4
French pleat	Double	Bottom	Yes	200%	1 1/4
Triple pinch pleat	Triple	Middle	Yes	230%	1 1/4
Triple tailor pleat	Triple	Top	Yes	230%	1 1/4
Triple French pleat	Triple	Bottom	Yes	230%	1 1/4

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Measure from the correct point

Pleated headers usually start at the ring eyelet, while grommet, rod-pocket, tab-top, and back-tab styles start at the top of the rod.

Measurement Tool Measurement Guide Shop Hardware

These dimensions are planning references. Fabric behavior, final workroom tolerances, selected hardware, and custom instructions may change the finished measurements. Confirm project-specific requirements before ordering.

Ready to customize

Choose the header that fits your room and hardware.

Select a fabric, enter the finished panel dimensions, and review every header option on the product page.

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