Pearl olive green floor length pinch pleat curtains paired with voiles in cosy living room

What are pinch pleat curtains?

Hillarys content executive and author, Chloé Jones

by Chloé Jones

Window Solutions and Styling Expert

Published: 09/12/2022

Updated: 10/03/2023

A tightly gathered header for an elegant finish

Pinch pleat curtains are a highly decorative heading, drawing together lots of fabric into a tightly gathered and stitched bunch at the top. They look great in all kinds of interiors, from chic or formal environments to relaxed settings. Because of the depth of the folds, pinch pleat curtains bring out the best of a bold pattern or a rich material.

Consider pinch pleat curtains for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. The most important thing is to make sure they suit the whole of your décor.

What is a pinch pleat curtain?

'Pinch pleat' refers to the header of the curtain. The permanently sewn-in pleats can make for a smart finish, with elegant folds flowing from top to bottom. You can have pinch pleat curtains with either a pole or a track.

Double pleat curtains have a double fold at the top to create a double pleat, and triple pleat curtains have a triple fold. Double pleats are a good choice for patterned fabrics as less of the pattern is gathered into the fold.

Discover pinch pleat curtains
Wirl chartreuse yellow patterned curtains on bay window patio doors in kitchen/dining area

Why should I choose pinch pleat curtains?

  • Made to fit the width of your curtain pole or track perfectly for a stunning finish.
  • Use more fabric than pencil pleat curtains, creating a sumptuous curtain with elegant folds that create a smart, sophisticated feel to any room.
  • Double pinch pleat curtains are a good choice for patterned fabrics, as less of the pattern is gathered into the folds.
  • Triple pinch pleat curtains are your best choice for a more sophisticated, tailored appearance.
Solace sheer Roman blind and Serene Mauve curtain in a bedroom window

Can pinch pleat curtains keep my room warmer?

Windows are responsible for up to 20% of a home's heat loss, but you can cosy up and reduce this heat loss with our curtains. They are lined as standard, which helps to improve the energy efficiency of your home and provide an insulating barrier that stops heat escaping for a warmer environment.

Go a step further and choose a thermal or blackout lining for added cosiness - you'll reduce heat loss through your windows by 14%. For even more warmth, pair thermal linings with naturally thicker curtain fabrics like velvet and improve the thermal qualities of your curtains even further.

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Can my pinch pleat curtains be blackout?

Opt for a blackout lining to help to reduce light coming into your room, and increase the chances that you’ll get a better night's sleep.

Blackout linings have thermal properties, so can help your room feel snug and cosy. For daytime privacy, that still allows plenty of light into a room, layer blackout curtains over sheer blinds or voile curtains.

Explore blackout linings
Muse Pearl curtains and Daze Silver romans in the dining room

How do I hang my pinch pleat curtains?

Don’t worry about this surprisingly tricky job - your local advisor will do it all for you. And if you choose one of our curtain tracks and poles, they will fit that for you too for a perfect finish, first time.

You can choose a metal curtain rod or wooden pole to coordinate with your décor. In this case pinch pleat Huxley Dove curtains are hung from a white pole. As the curtains are made to measure every curtain ring will precisely coincide with each pleat for a stunning finish. Alternatively, select a discreet curtain track so that all eyes will be on your gorgeous curtain fabric.

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What are the alternatives to pinch pleat curtains?

Explore our other curtain header types and find the style that's best for you.

  • Clarence off white eyelet curtains

    Eyelet curtains

    A contemporary heading that provides large, even curtain pleats

    Explore Eyelet curtains
  • impression marine pencil pleat curtain header on silver curtain pole

    Pencil pleat curtains

    A traditional heading which gathers the fabric for a luxurious look

    Explore pencil pleat curtains
  • dusk teal wave curtains header

    Wave curtains

    Wave curtains are ideal for creating a relaxed and easy finish at your window.

    Explore wave curtains