What adorns your windows makes a statement, so why not make it bold and beautiful? Custom drapery lets you design stunning window coverings that match your personal style aesthetic and pairs them with functions like privacy, light control, and energy efficiency. Pinch pleat drapery is created with this in mind—to pair design and function while also showcasing your windows in the home. Learn more about this popular header style as we look at ways to create the look in your space with custom window treatments.
Pinch Pleat Drapery Concept
If you’re curious about what pinch pleat drapery is, wonder no more. The style has been around and describes the header style, or top, of custom draperies that can be pinched or sewn together for a “stitched-in” look. Pleats are usually 1–2 inches from the top of the fabric, forming a structured pleat that holds a certain shape when open and can be adjusted by hand or with motorization.
What Style is Pinch Pleat Drapery?
Pinch pleat drapery is not a new style, but it is classic with modern touches. Even with trends that come and go, the pleat is forever! Whether you like farmhouse, traditional, contemporary, or other aesthetics, pinch pleat drapery is a custom-designed look that holds its own. From the type of fabric you choose to the weight and style, you will be able to express your personal look with this drapery added to your windows. Hardware makes a difference in how it comes together, depending on color, tone, and other choices you make. To polish the look, choose shades for under the drapery that layer beautifully to create the right look you desire and the function you deserve.
Double vs. Triple Pleats
Now that we have looked at the basic nature of pinch pleat drapery, let’s take a look at some details. Depending on the style you prefer and the look you desire, double and triple pleats focus on how many pleats are visible after the gathers are sewn. Double is more common, while triple can be seen as more formal, with three pleats gathered together to form a “W.” The way they look at the window is important, but also how they function for your specific needs. Triple pleats will have more fabric and cost a bit more than double, but this doesn’t necessarily change light control, since that comes with the shade you choose. It all depends on your personal style and preferences.
What Are Euro Pleats?
We are glad you asked and want to know more about this fascinating style. Euro pleat drapes are different from pinch pleat drapery because they are sewn at the very top of the fabric, about half an inch down. Think of an inverted pleat with some of the stitching visible at the top. This style is seen as more casual but, of course, can be upgraded with the fabrics you choose.
What Kind of Fabrics Do People Love Most?
Popularity does not change the essence of a window covering, but the most widely chosen double pinch pleat does find many homes loving it because it is less formal and creatively designed with medium-weight fabrics that pair well with shades and decor. Triple pleat drapery in velvet and other heavy fabrics is a popular choice in homes and may include liners.
What Is a Grommet or Ripple Fold?
When we talk about headers, we talk about folds. Specifically, grommets and ripple folds are part of the overall look of drapery headers. With three types to choose from, ripple fold is popular because it moves along a track while holding the shape of its curves, as if it were floating across the window.
The grommet style includes a round metal ring that slides along the drapery rod and tends toward a more casual look. The metal rings offer an aesthetic design choice to the material and may coordinate well with it while providing similar coverage with a different style.
Most Popular Pleat Styles
The top ten most popular pleat styles, up close and personal, may help give you a visual of the variations available. Double and triple pleats are more common, but other styles deserve to be noted when deciding which is best for your home.
- Double Pinch Pleat: Starts 3–4 inches from the top, forms a “V,” and is considered a “two-finger pinch pleat.”
- Goblet Pleat: Forms when fabric creates a round shape, with a pleasant opening at the top of the drapery. Think of a cup shape sitting near the rod.
- Inverted Pleat: Pinched fabric at the top with stitches that keep it together, coming about half an inch down. Forms multiple pleats running down the drapery.
- Monarch Pleat: Similar to a double pleat; fabrics are 2 inches down with a “butterfly wing” look. A popular shape in many homes for this creative style.
- Natural Pleat: Pleats are tacked at the top and fan down the drapes for a more casual look.
- Olivia Pleat: An inverted or Euro pleat with fabrics pinched at the top of the header. Check out the Olivia Pleat from Carole Fabrics, which uses a double pleat that forms a “V.”
- Relaxed Pleat: Structured fabrics with a rounded look, creating 3–4 inch loops in the header with fabric tacked to the back and flowing down (no pinching visible). Also known as the “box pleat” look.
- Single Pleat: Starts at the top and flows down the drapery in a single pleat.
- Triple Pleat: Pinched and tacked 3–5 inches down, forming a “W” shape. French pleat is another name for it, or “three-finger pinch pleat.”
- Tuxedo Pleat: Header style is structured and forms a box or inverted pleat, used mostly for stationary panels.
Motorization Options for Pinch Pleat Drapery
Window treatments are a personal design choice. With window covering motorization, pinch pleat draperies help keep out sunlight and look beautiful at the same time while adding convenience to the mix. Consider Hunter Douglas PowerView® Automation, which controls smart drapes with a remote, app, or phone. Use voice commands with a smart home device to shift them into position and enjoy your beautifully pleated drapes!
Ready to Try New Draperies?
Let us help you choose the best designs that function for your home. At Creative Blinds, our team loves to meet with you to carefully craft a plan to create a functional design for your windows. Come visit our showroom to see what’s available and schedule your free consultation to discuss the options. We are excited to help you on the journey to pleated draperies and beyond!