Do you know what’s underrated? The top of a curtain.Yeah, seriously. Fabrics are a source of contention for people. Colour, and length. However, curtain tops? Often ignored. They are, however, the defining factor for mood. They could scream luxurious they can whisper minimalistic, be a bit casual. It’s amazing how a small element can transform the atmosphere of a space. This was something I had to learn by accident as I moved into the first place I lived in. I bought velvet curtains—deep navy. Gorgeous. But with the wrong top? It looked like a heavy blanket thrown over a pole. Sad. Once I swapped it out for a sleek grommet top—boom. Instant glow-up. So, this blog? It’s all about the types of curtain tops. Buckle in. We’re diving deep into fabric crowns.
Grommet Tops: Easy, Breezy, Beautiful
If curtain tops were characters, grommets would be the cool best friend. Relaxed but stylish. Grommet tops have circular metal rings punched into the fabric. The curtain rod slides right through ‘em. Easy to hang. Easy to open and close. Plus, they create these soft, even folds that just look… chic. Especially on heavier fabrics. I once did a linen-grommet combo for a beach house rental. It looked light and polished. No fussy pleats. No hooks. Just metal and flow. The best part? They slide like butter. No tugging. No awkward yanks. Grommet tops work great in modern, industrial, or casual spaces. But beware—if you’re going for opulence or a traditional vibe, grommets might feel too laid back.
Rod Pocket Tops: The Classic Granny Favorite
Let’s talk nostalgia. Rod pockets bring serious vintage energy. These types of curtain tops have a sewn-in pocket that the rod slides through. No rings. No fuss. But also? No flexibility. Rod pocket curtains tend to stay where they are. They don’t glide easily. They bunch. A lot. In the right place, a comfortable kitchen or an elegant cottage — they sparkle. The delicate folds look lovely and cozy. Don’t expect anything dramatic from the rod pockets. It’s just comfort. I can remember my grandmother’s flowery cotton tops. Tiny frills at the high point. Beautifully faded, but beautiful. The rod pockets act the same as that warm sweater that you don’t want to throw away. Yes, they’re not glam But they’re a soulful bunch.
Tab Tops: Laid-Back but Thoughtful
You’ve seen them in rustic cabins and Pinterest-perfect nurseries. Tab tops have little loops of fabric sewn on the top of the curtain. You slide the rod through the tabs. The result? Casual and cute. The curtain hangs with soft, open folds and a bit of charm. It feels handmade—even when it’s not. I tried laptops in a reading nook once. Canvas curtains, wooden rod books everywhere. It worked. It was unpretentious. But heads up: laptops can be a pain to open and close. The tabs don’t glide as well as rings or grommets. Still, for a space that’s about vibes over utility? Total win. These types of curtain tops are perfect if you want that unfussy, cottagecore aesthetic.
Hidden Tabs: The Sneaky Style Star
Want a tailored look without visible loops? Say hello to hidden tabs. These curtain tops have fabric loops sewn behind the main curtain. You won’t see them from the front. It gives a clean, structured fall. Perfect for modern or minimalist designs. They’re tab tops with a glow-up. They give the illusion that the curtains are floating. Elegant, quiet luxury. I used them once in a small apartment with floor-to-ceiling sheers. Everyone thought they were custom. Hidden tabs also work great with blackout curtains if you want function and form. The only downside? Harder to find in stores. But worth it. Trust me.
Pinch Pleats: Tailored to Perfection
Now we’re getting fancy. Pinch pleats are structured, tailored, and just a bit dramatic. They’re sewn into pleats at regular intervals along the top. These types of curtain tops usually need hooks to hang. But man, the look? Timeless. Luxe. Hotel-chic. You can go with two-finger, three-finger, or even five-finger pleats. The more pleats, the fuller the drape. I once worked on a client’s dining room makeover. We chose velvet pinch pleat curtains in emerald. Game changer. Pinch pleats aren’t for the faint of heart—they’re bold. But if your room is begging for elegance? Go pinch. Just know they’re not as easy to open and close. Form over function, in this case.
Pencil Pleats: The School Uniform of Curtains
Pencil pleats are like pinch pleats’ studious cousin. Neat. Tidy. Uniform. Their narrow pleats gathered tightly across the top of the curtain. You use curtain hooks and a track or rod. They work in both casual and formal settings. But they really shine in traditional spaces. Especially with floral prints or classic fabrics. I used them in a client’s study—rich wood furniture, leather chairs, and plaid pencil pleat curtains. Very Sherlock Holmes. They’re flexible too. Adjust the gathering to make them more or less full. Practical and pretty. But warning: don’t skip the ironing. Wrinkled pencil pleats look like a crumpled napkin.
Eyelet Tops: Grommet’s Stylish Cousin
Wait, aren’t grommets and eyelets the same? Kinda. There’s an important distinction. Eyelets have the same function – metal rings that are inserted into the upper part of the curtain, but they’re smaller and are often more attractive. Grommets feel industrial. Eyelets feel tailored. Polished. I used them once for silk curtains in a tiny city apartment. Gave the room just enough flair without being loud. Eyelets slide easily and create beautiful folds. And if you want to experiment with colour or metallic finishes—eyelets let you do that. Copper, matte black, brushed gold… options galore. These types of curtain tops bring balance. Half-formal, half-fun. Not too stiff. Not too soft.
Box Pleats: Structured and Sharp
Box pleats are clean, symmetrical, and refined. They create deep folds of fabric that stack neatly behind one another. Think business suit in curtain form. They work best in formal settings—dining rooms, offices, grand entryways. And yeah, they require more fabric. So if you’re tight on budget or fabric length, maybe not the best choice. But visually? They’re a knockout. I worked with a client who wanted their library to feel like a private club. Dark walls, velvet box pleat curtains, leather-bound books. Nailed it. Box pleats don’t play around. They say, “I take design seriously.”
Goblet Pleats: Opulence, Darling
Goblet pleats are theatrical. They puff out at the top like a wine goblet. Hence the name. These are the types of curtain tops you see in old-world hotels or ballrooms. Rich fabrics only—silk, velvet, heavy brocade. Anything less won’t hold the shape. You’ll need curtain hooks and rings to hang them. They’re not for daily use. More for show than practicality. But wow, they show well. I saw them once in a restored Victorian home. Burgundy velvet with gold tiebacks. Unreal. Goblet pleats aren’t popular in modern homes, but if you want to make a bold, vintage statement? This is it.
Ripple Fold: The Designer’s Darling
This one’s modern, elegant, and super smooth. Ripple fold curtains hang on a track with snap-in carriers. The fabric forms soft, even ripples across the entire width. No visible pleats. No bunching. Just clean, continuous waves. They’re popular in hotels, commercial areas and offices, but they also work well at home. In particular, open-plan or home designs that have floor-to-ceiling windows. They’re functional too. Easy to glide. I used ripple folds in a loft with concrete walls and steel beams. It softened the space without losing the modern edge. These types of curtain tops are for people who love balance—form and function, together at last.
Wrapping It Up: Curtain Tops That Tell a Story
Curtains don’t just hang. They perform. They express. And the curtain top? That’s the opening line. From grommets to goblets, each style sends a message. Want drama? Go pleated. Crave calm? Try ripple folds. Digging rustic charm? Tab it up. The truth is—these types of curtain tops aren’t just functional. They’re characters in your design story. If you’re shopping for curtains, don’t only take a look at the fabrics. Go to the top. See the top of the hill. This is where people live. Choose the one that is in your native language. Trust your gut. Don’t be afraid of the system. Let your curtains let your curtains speak.
Bonus Tips for Choosing the Right Curtain Top
Match the vibe: Casual room? Choose tabs or rod pockets. Formal space? Pinch or goblet pleats.
Think function: Need to open and close daily? Go for grommets or ripple folds.
Hardware matters: Some tops need rings or hooks. Plan accordingly.
Think about the weight of your fabric: Heavy fabric requires stronger tops such as grommets or pinch pleats.
Be sure to check the rods you are using: Curtain tops do not work on all rods. Double-check sizes.
These types of curtain tops might seem small, but trust me—they shape the whole story. Now go on, find your curtain soulmate.