Product Education

You've picked the fabric, you've chosen the color, you've measured your window... and now you're being asked to choose a "header style." Grommet? Rod Pocket? Pinch Pleat? What does it all even mean?

The "header" is simply the very top part of the curtain that determines how it attaches to the rod. It might seem like a small detail, but it completely changes the overall look and feel of your window treatments, from super modern to classic and formal.

Don't worry, it's not complicated. Here’s a super simple guide to the most common styles.

1. Grommet Top: The Modern & Casual One

This is probably the style you see most often these days.

What it looks like: It has large metal rings punched directly into the top of the fabric. The curtain rod simply slides through these rings.

The Vibe: Clean, modern, and a little bit industrial. It creates wide, uniform, wave-like folds that look very neat.

Pros: Super easy to install and slides open and closed effortlessly.

Best for: Contemporary, minimalist, or industrial-style rooms.

2. Rod Pocket: The Classic & Simple One

This is the most traditional and basic header style.

What it looks like: The top of the curtain has a channel (a "pocket") sewn into it. You just slide the curtain rod right through the pocket.

The Vibe: Casual, soft, and traditional. It creates a gathered, slightly ruffled look at the top.

Pros: Very simple, and you don't need any extra hardware like rings.

Cons: They can be a bit difficult to slide open and closed because the fabric bunches up on the rod. Best for curtains you plan to leave in one position.

3. Pinch Pleat: The Formal & Tailored One

If you want a look that says "custom-made luxury," this is it.

What it looks like: The fabric at the top is gathered into tight, uniform bunches (or "pleats") that are sewn in place. Little hooks are inserted into the back of these pleats, which then hang from rings on the rod.

The Vibe: Formal, elegant, and very structured. It gives a classic, high-end designer look.

Pros: The curtains glide open and closed beautifully, and the pleats stay perfect.

Cons: It's often the most expensive style due to the extra tailoring involved.

4. Ring Top / Clip-On Rings: The Versatile & Easy One

This style offers a great balance of classic and casual, and it's super versatile.

What it looks like: A simple, flat-top curtain panel is attached to the rod using rings. These can be rings that you clip onto the fabric (clip-on rings) or rings that are sewn onto the back (like with pinch pleats, but without the pleats).

The Vibe: Can be anything from modern farmhouse to industrial to classic, depending on the rings and rod you choose. It's a very popular and flexible look.

Pros: Incredibly easy to open and close. Clip-on rings let you adjust the length slightly and require no sewing.

Cons: The clips are visible, which becomes part of the style.

So next time you're shopping, you'll know exactly what you're looking at. The header isn't just a technical detail—it's the finishing touch that pulls the whole look together.