The Ultimate Guide To Hanging Pencil Pleat Curtains

Posted on - 11th November 2022

Pencil pleat curtains are one of the most popular styles of curtains. As the name suggests, the row of beautifully folded fabric at the top gives a welcoming and elegant look. This style works perfectly in classic and traditional homes, and is suitable in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

The beauty of pencil pleat curtains is that you have greater control over the finished look when hung correctly. They can be attached to a curtain pole for a more traditional look. Otherwise, they work well in bay shaped windows with evenly spaced hooks across the top, ensuring that the pleating always remains tightly gathered when tied back or closed fully. The adjustment of the heading tape allows you to choose how prominent you want the pleats to be.

Things to Consider Before Hanging Curtains

Preparations before you hang your curtains is relatively commonplace, so let’s detail things to consider before you hang your curtains:

1. Choosing Your Curtains

Our pencil pleat curtains come in a wide range of colours, sizes, styles, and materials - so the world is in your hands when it comes to the appearance of them in your room. From bold graphics to soft neutral patterns, there is a style to suit any room. For the perfect final touch, we supply coordinating tie backs and even cushions to match your curtains.

2. Curtain Pole Placement

If you’re fitting a new curtain pole, the standard measurements are 10 cm above your window frame and between 5-10 cm out from each side. To create the illusion of a higher ceiling, place your curtain pole an extra 10 cm above your window frame. Be sure to measure the window before deciding on the pole placement so that the curtain hangs at your preferred height.

3. Curtain Height and Weight

Due to the pleating, your pencil pleat curtains should be larger than the space they are going to cover, ideally twice the length of the pole or track. If you’re opting for a pair of curtains, it’s important to ensure that they meet in the middle with an overlap. It’s also important to give consideration to how long you want the curtains to be, and it is important to choose them accordingly. We supply standard sized pairs to fit your windows but it’s wise to measure them yourself for a good fit. For the best fit, measure before hanging your curtains. You can do this by measuring both the height and width of your space carefully with a tape measure.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hang Your Pencil Pleat Curtains

Once you have received your new set of curtains, it's time to hang them in your home. Be mindful, hanging pencil pleat curtains is trickier than putting up eyelet curtains, but the finished product is worth the effort. Here’s a quick guide to help you get them up in a flash:

1)Tie the cords at one end of the heading tape first. Missing this step will result in the heading tape unravelling!

2) Then, get your tape measure and double check the width of the window. Be sure to add a few centimetres wiggle room.

3) Pull the cords at the untied end to create even pleats. Do this until the curtains are the width of the area measured in step 2.

4) Tie off the loose cords in a slip knot.

5) Even out the pleats by pulling the curtain along the string until they’re all uniform.

6) Attach curtain hooks to either the top, middle or bottom row of pockets, depending on whether you are using a track or pole.

7) Enlist a friend to help you hang the curtains to the pole or track, ensuring the pleats don’t move as you do.

And you’re done!

In just 7 simple steps you can enjoy neat, tidy and stylish pencil pleat curtains!

Professional Fitting From Toons Home Furnishers

At Toons Home Furnishers in Derby, we offer custom and ready made curtains in a range of styles including eyelet and pencil pleat. Not only that, but we offer a free measuring and planning service which allows a professional team of curtain fitters to do all the hard work for you and hang your curtains perfectly!

To find out more about our products and services, head on over to our website or drop in to our huge showroom in Derbyshire to see all that we have to offer in the flesh.