Maybe it's time to move house, or perhaps you moved house and can't stand the curtains from the previous owner - so it's come time to buy!
You've looked up a few different options, and now you're trying to figure out what pencil pleats are and whether you should buy them.
If that's you, then we hope our article gives you all the advice you need.
What Are Pencil Pleat Curtains?
Pencil pleat curtains are pleated at the head of the fabric and named because they resemble a row of pencils. Installation is easy; add plastic hooks to a string sewn into the back and hang on curtain tracks or hoops.
You've got two choices when it comes time to buy:
- Ready Made
- Made to Measure
If you're looking for the least expensive option, you will want to choose ready-made. Mass-produced to set sizes, you will need to find a size that best suits your window.
However, you can order a pair online, and a manufacturer will make them to your measurements for the best fit. If that sounds daunting, read our how-to-measure guide and see how simple it is.
When Are Pencil Pleats Best?
With a variety of ways to install them, pencil pleats are an excellent choice in most rooms and fabrics.
Whether opened or closed, pencil pleat curtains can make patterns with lots of repeats look noisy. We recommend picking a plain fabric or a large print with lots of background colour.
If you want a curtain that looks discreet against the wall or you specifically want a curtain track, then pencil pleats are a top choice.
Achieving The Perfect Look
To round off our article, we want to give you a few great tips for styling your home:
- Hang curtain tracks either at the top of the window recess or, if you're installing outside the recess, then install approximately 10cm above it.
- Create symmetry outside the window recess by leaving an equal overlap on both sides of the window.
- Consider whether you want the curtain to sit above or below the window sill.
- For full-height curtains, consider whether you want the curtain to sit above the ground or include extra fabric for a puddled look.
- When choosing a colour, pick one that falls into the "30" of a 60/30/10 colour scheme.
Love All Your Options
We hope this article has helped you to learn more about pencil pleat curtains and how versatile, long-lasting, elegant, and easy to install they are.
If you're still not sold on pencil pleat curtains, read our article on different types of curtains to find popular alternatives.
