The pleat determines the look, drape, and fullness of your curtains. It is the detail that sets a custom curtain apart from a store-bought one. Here are the six pleat styles Nalia crafts in her Sherbrooke atelier, with their characteristics to help you choose.
| Pleat | Look | Hardware | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flemish pleat | Classic and structured, three pinched folds at the heading | Standard rod or track | Living room, dining room, traditional decor |
| Flat pleat | Clean and minimalist, no fullness at the heading | Exposed rod or track | Contemporary decor, small windows |
| Wave pleat | Smooth, continuous undulations, modern look (2026 trend) | Dedicated wave track | Large windows, bay windows, modern decor |
| Goblet pleat | Rounded cup shapes, elegant and formal | Decorative exposed rod | High ceilings, prestige rooms |
| Pencil pleat | Tight, even gathers, versatile | Rod or track, on heading tape | Bedroom, classic or country decor |
| Grommets | Metal rings, soft folds, casual look | Exposed rod (the grommet slides over it) | Casual decor, teen room, chalet |
The Flemish pleat, also called the pinch pleat, is the most classic style. Three pinched, sewn folds at the curtain heading create regular, structured columns. It suits formal rooms and traditional decor.
The flat pleat gives a crisp curtain heading, with no gathers or pinches. It is the cleanest choice, perfect for a contemporary, minimalist decor where simplicity comes first.
Wave pleat creates smooth, continuous undulations across the full width of the curtain. It is the most sought-after style right now for its clean, modern look. It requires specific track hardware and a fabric with body.
The goblet pleat forms rounded cups, like chalices, at the curtain heading. It is the most elegant and formal style, ideal for rooms with high ceilings and prestige decor.
The pencil pleat gathers the fabric into tight, even folds that resemble a row of pencils. Versatile and timeless, it adapts to most rooms.
Grommets are metal rings set directly into the curtain heading. The fabric slides over the exposed rod and forms soft, even folds. It is the most casual style and the easiest to handle.
Not sure which pleat is right? During the free in-home consultation, Nalia shows you samples and helps you choose the pleat that suits your room, your fabric, and your budget.