Options for traditional draperies: Lined, unlined, interlined, trimmed, tied-back, hand or cord-drawn, and motorized.
PINCH PLEAT HEADING SYSTEM
The pinch-pleat heading is the most commonly used heading system. This heading can be used for traditional or contemporary treatments, trim, can be added tiebacks, lining or interlining. This basic heading is the most economical and the least fallible of all the systems. Pleats are 4 inches high with a 4 nch spacing. For large windows or for a more dramatic appearance, pleats can be extended to 6 inches high. Each pleat has three folds. The amount of fabric in each pleat is determined by the fullness.
BARREL PLEAT HEADING SYSTEM
The barrel-pleat heading is often used in more formal settings. Instead of folding, the heading is fabricated into a cylinder or barrel shape. There is great flexibility in the appearance. The pleats can range from small to large (1 inch to 3½inch diameter). This heading makes excellent stationary side panels. Due to the construction, the stacking ratio is much greater for a given fullness.
PENCIL PLEAT HEADING SYSTEM
The pencil-pleat heading offers a soft residential alternative, appropriate for the corporate environment, while the uniformity of evenly spaced 3/8-inch pleats create a structured appearance. This heading, sometimes complemented with a side or top treatment, makes it possible for draperies to appear to be fuller than they actually are.
BOX-PLEAT HEADING SYSTEM
The box-pleat heading is most often used for large window openings. The heading can be made with heavy-duty buckram which allows for the support of a great weight. This system is favored for theatrical applications where the heading is placed behind a proscenium arch. Since the pleats are flat and can produce up to three times the fullness, this heading can also be used for stationary side panels in a pocket where there is limited space.
ARCHITECTURAL DRAPERIES
HEADINGSYSTEMS
Options for architectural draperies: Lined, unlined, interlined, trimmed, tied-back, hand- or cord-drawn, and motorized.
FINE PLEATHEADINGSYSTEM
The Fine-pleat heading is formed by sewing molded stiffeners to the top of the pleats. The effect at the heading is a well-defined “V”-shape. The hook-on feature results in a very small stacking width. With the attendant low-profile track, the heading appears to hang directly from the ceiling. This heading can be combined with a permanent-pleating process that is applied to the fabric, creating sharp creases flowing down the height of the drapery.
RIPPLEFOLD® HEADINGSYSTEM
The Ripplefold® heading produces soft folds that smoothly flow across the full width of a window opening. A frictionless traversing motion is achieved by hanging the curtain below the track. The tailored effect is suitable for both commercial and residential applications. Like all the architectural draperies on this page, ripplefold headings can be either cord-or-hand traversed.
ARCHIFOLD® HEADING SYSTEM
The Archifold® heading is formed by sewing molded pleaters to the top of the pleat and then snapping them onto the carriers in the track. This heading, like the Fine-pleat system, can be combined with a permanent-pleating process that is applied to the fabric, creating sharp creases flowing down the height of the drapery.
ACCORDIAFOLD® HEADINGSYSTEM
The Accordia-Fold® heading offers the best stacking ratio of all the architectural heading systems (see chart below), but it produces the largest stacking depth, front to back. Fullness is created by front-to-back pleats that give the drapery an identical appearance on both sides. This is an excellent system for partitions. The heading can be fabricated with or without buckram, depending on the structure desired.
TRADATIONAL DRAPERY
FESTOONS WITH JABOTS
Festoons with jabots are a top treatment appropriate in most any setting. Made with a great deal of structure, and allowing a wide range of fabric selection, festoons and jabots are mounted to a board. Festoons (A) feature deep horizontal folds with 200% fullness. Jabots (B) are usually self-lined or lined with a contrasting fabric because the back of the fabric is visible.
SWAGS
Swags are less structured top treatments than festoons. They are created by draping fabric over a wood or metal pole. Since the hardware is exposed, it becomes an important component of the treatment. Swags can continue down one or both sides of a window to become side panels. Options: Lined, unlined, and decorative hardware.
SHIRREDDRAPERY HEADING
A shirred drapery heading is a stationary treatment that is fabricated with a rod pocket and gathered on a pole. A top heading can be added for more detail. The pole diameter is an important component, because the size of the pole determines the size of the treatment. Decorative hardware, including finials, can offer an interesting design dimension.
GROMMETHEADING
A grommet heading is an innovative heading system that uses either medium or large, brass or chrome grommets that are set into a 4 inch triple top heading. The grommets can be specified as #8 (1 inch diameter with a ⅜inch rim) or #7 (1½inch diameter with a ½inch rim). An appropriately sized brass or chrome pole is inserted through the grommets. This treatment can be traditional or contemporary, and decorative hardware can be added. Options: Lined, unlined, interlined, and trimmed.
