Windows say a lot about a home when you walk in. Make a statement with gorgeous drapes with or without shades as a feature that will stand out as an elegant backdrop. Learn about custom window treatments like pinch pleat drapery and why this timeless look offers gorgeous options to cover your windows for a complete look.
What is Pinch Pleat Drapery?
This timeless classic look, known as a pinch pleat, refers to a header style at the top of custom drapery. Signature folds create a structured look with specific pleating styles, depending on which one you choose. The pinched look comes from the style of sewing done to finish the look, made from different custom fabrics and designs to give your home the look you desire. Come and see the common headers to choose from and select the style you love most.
Double Pleat vs Triple Pleat
Some common folds found on pinch pleat drapery give it a distinguished look. Some prefer one style over another. Double pleats, or French pleats, gather together 3-4 inches down from the top edge of the drapery. Triple pleats simply add one more fold and change the look slightly. Let’s look at both in more detail.
Double Pleat
Double pinch pleat means two folds are created in a ‘V’ shape at the top of the drape. This is called a ‘two-finger pleat’ design.
Triple Pleat
Triple pleat design adds a pleat of fabric in the shape of a ‘W.’ This forms a ‘three-finger’ pleat design.
Choosing a Header Style
The style you want at the top of the header depends on the overall look you desire. Some people love the look of more folds, and others want less. Window treatments reflect personal style more than anything, as pleats don’t impact function so much as form. Triple pleats generally look more formal and double headers less so, but it is all about how you want it to look at your window. More fabric for triple-pleat drapery means the cost will be slightly higher when planning a budget for home window coverings.
Euro Pleat Drapery
The euro pleat is a popular choice for different reasons. One of them is the look of the fabric folds and the flow of the drape. At the top of the rod, the fabric is gathered with tacking of the folds at or very near the top (approximately a half inch down).
This gives an ‘inverted’ appearance to the pleat with an almost ‘upside-down’ look.
Modern or Traditional Look?
Pinch pleat drapery can suit a variety of styles in the home. When selecting a header style, they provide a finished look that appeals to many people for their home. Design work is about the whole home and space, with drapery as well as shades considered—especially when layering drapery with shades. There are many versatile options to choose from, including detailed, exquisite fabrics and drapery hardware, to more traditional fabrics and designs.
Inverted Pleat Draperies
Consider also that lightweight fabrics bring a different feel, a softer look, but can change with the type of hardware selected. A fully polished window covering, featuring drapes and shades, will incorporate personal style while also addressing the home’s light and energy efficiency needs, as well as its aesthetic requirements.
Grommet & Ripplefold Header Styles
Grommet headers include metal rings stamped into the top of the header fabric, which lets the curtain move simply and freely. Homeowners may coordinate the drapery material with the hardware, along with other elements in the room, to bring the look together.
Ripple Fold Draperies
Ripple fold draperies move on a track, designed to move drapes smoothly across and back again. Create different looks with the color of the rod. Ripple fold drapery includes soft, curved loops of fabric at the top, with a smooth design that creates a minimalistic style and look.
Where to Place Pinch Pleat Drapes
A question you might ask is where pinch pleat drapes fit the best in your home. Popular rooms for them include a primary bedroom, living room, and dining room. The look of the drape helps elevate room design while also enhancing the overall space.
In a bedroom, it can create an entirely different feel than in a living or dining room, which are used for entertaining and enjoying time with company or family. This may change which style of pleats you choose and inform design choices throughout.
What About Motorization Features?
We absolutely love to talk about motorized drapes. Hunter Douglas PowerView® automation lets you move drapes with a remote, phone app, or voice command. Opt to use a smart home device that lets you open, close, and adjust drapes effortlessly and keep up with light control and energy efficiency goals.
Ready to Give Pleats a Go?
With the customized look of pinch pleat drapery, we love to sit with customers and go over their goals and expectations for their home window treatments. At Blue Sky Shutters and Shades, we love to help you select fabrics and styles that appeal to you and function well for your needs. Our showroom has everything you want to see in one place, along with experts to help you. Contact us to schedule a free in-home consultation. We are ready to help you make home window covering decisions today!
