American Pleats

American pleated curtains consist of three pinched pleats that are spaced about 4 inches away from each other. They give your living room an elegant look.

American pleats fall well with light weight, free-flowing fabrics like silk taffeta and jacquard. You can have the curtains made with lace too. These curtains look perfect in plain colours, prints and floral patterns too.

Because of the pleats, you will require double the amount of fabric. For example, fabric with a width of 48 inches will shrink to 22 inches with the pleats.

Box Pleats

Box pleats as the name suggests are in the shape of boxes. They have a very neat appearance and are ideal for study areas.

They fall better in heavier, stiffer fabrics like polyesters and velvets. They look best in plain colours. But prints work well too.

Though they don't have the same sophisticated appearance as that of American pleats, they require much less fabric.

Gathered Curtains

With gathered curtains, the gathers are created simply by using extra fabric (i.e. about one and a half times the width of the window). The stitching is much simpler as compared to pleated styles.

Gathered curtains look pretty in both, light or medium weight fabrics like satin silks and organza. Avoid heavy fabrics though. These curtains look best in the shortest curtain length (i.e. from the curtain rod to the window sill)

If you find that the curtain isn't falling too well, then attach a rod just above your window sill too. Pass the lower end of the curtain through this rod, so it stays stiff. Then tie up the curtain at the centre to give it that hourglass shape.

Loop Curtains

Loop curtains have been in for a while. They are also known as tab-top curtains. There are loops above the curtain through which the rod is passed.

Loop curtains look best in fabrics like cottons and other cotton blends, which have a casual look. Try them in checks, stripes, geometric prints or even plain colours. Avoid floral prints. They are the best choice for kiddie rooms and for teenagers too.

Instead of having loops that start from the edge of the curtain, you could have them extend slightly onto the upper edge and affix wooden or plastic buttons onto them.