With most drapery consultations, my clients always seem to be drawn to the fabric first. But choosing the appropriate drapery pleat style is just as important! Each pleat style offers a different aesthetic and more importantly, change the way your draperies… well, drape.
The sole purpose of drapery is purely aesthetic as they create an illusion of fullness with an end goal of achieving a look of opulence and luxury.
Pleats have been popular since ancient times- hence the vast amount of variations. So let’s dig in to the world of pleats and discover a pleat style that you love while complementing your home’s aesthetic!
The Double Tuck Pleat style provides even spacing to control the fullness of the drape. Essentially, the pleat is constructed of two fabric folds that are sewn together at the bottom of the pleat. A product called Buckram (a type of woven stiffener) is used in the process of creating the pleats. Buckram allows the gathered pleats to have a crisp fold and help retain their shape. The pleats also compress together beautifully when the drapes are drawn open.
Double Tuck Pleats can be installed on either a Channel Pole or a Decorative Pole with Rings. The drapes operate the same on either; it’s just personal preference!
Double Tuck Pleated Drapery installed on a Channel Pole provides a beautifully clean and streamlined look. The drapery appears to “float” beneath the pole as its drapery hooks are inserted into a small hole in the carriers that hang from the bottom of the channel rod. These carriers allow the drapes to open and close with ease.
Complementary Design Style: Modern, Transitional, Scandinavian
Break out the old world charm with Double Tuck Pleated Drapery on Decorative Pole using Rings! The rings are a show-stopper and add visual interest to the drapery design. Here, the drapery hooks are inserted into the ring eyelet. The rings allow the drapes more movement, less controlled spacing for a casual, carefree aesthetic.
Complementary Design Style: Transitional, Farmhouse, Coastal
Here we have Double Tuck Pleated Drapery that I designed for a client’s daughter’s bedroom. The linen-look 100% Polyester fabric looks gorgeous against the the aged brass Decorative Pole and Rings. This drapery perfectly complements the old-world aesthetic of this home. And with its black out lining, this fully operational drapery will ensure a restful sleep for their little! 🤍
The Euro Pleat is very similar to the Double Tuck Pleat. It also provides expert spacing and a maintained fullness. And it also uses Buckram (woven stiffener), to form its double pleats and help them retain their shape. The only difference between the two different pleat styles is that the Euro Pleat joins the pleat at the top, rather than the bottom. And just like its Double Tuck Pleat counterpart, it can be installed on either a Channel Pole or a Decorative Pole with Rings. The choice is yours!
The Euro Pleat Drapery seems to float effortlessly beneath this modern square channel pole. The combination of the traditional Euro Pleat and the modern Channel Pole create a modern, stylish drapery.
Complementary Design Style: Modern, Transitional, Traditional
Here the Euro Pleat Drapery is shown on a contemporary pole and rings. This is an excellent illustration of how using contemporary hardware transforms traditional drapery into a more modern element.
Complementary Design Style: Modern, Contemporary, Transitional,, Coastal
Here is an example of an Euro Pleat that I designed for a client’s Principal Bedroom. The crisp pleats allow the fabric to fall beautifully while keeping the soft folds in line.
The Inverted Pleat is a very interesting pleat as the fabric is pleated on the back side rather than the front. This creates the drapery fabric to appear flat at the top when the drapery is fully drawn open. You can also play with this top treatment as well - allowing a bit more fabric on the overall drapery width lets you create soft bevels vs the typical flat finish. This pleat treatment tends to be more modern and streamlined, and would complement a more contemporary home. And like the other pleats, they can be installed on either a channel pole or a decorative pole.
Personally, I feel the Channel Pole is the better choice for the Inverted Pleat. Its clean and streamlined aesthetic perfectly complements the contemporary feel of the Inverted Pleat. Here it is shown as a double pole with a drape paired with a sheer.
Complementary Design Style: Modern, Contemporary, Transitional, Coastal
Here the Inverted Pleat is shown installed with a Decorative Pole and Rings giving the overall look a shift into a slightly more casual appearance. Depending on the fabric used, perhaps a more softer, billowy appearance as well.
Complementary Design Style: Modern, Contemporary, Transitional, Coastal, Japandi
This is an excellent photo of how beautifully the Inverted Pleat draws open and creates a flat top finish. Additionally, the pleats compress together so tightly allowing the drapes to stay fully opened to enjoy your view.
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