Curtain call
by Metropol | June 10, 2026 8:32 am
From the pleats at the top to the floor finishes below, your curtains are as important to your home as your eyebrows are to your face.
“Pleating transforms a curtain from functional to considered, adding texture, structure, and tailored elegance that defines a room’s character,” says Mavis White, head of sales – custom and commercial at Millers Home.
“But the detail that truly transforms a space is how the fabric meets the floor. It’s not a decision made in isolation. Our consultants work with each client to understand the fabric – its weight, its drape, its personality – before recommending a finish. Whether sitting just above the floor for a modern crispness, touching it with quiet refinement, leaning softly for relaxed elegance, or puddling for pure romance, each finish adds its own character.”
So what are your options when it comes to curtain pleats and floor finishes? Here is a quick guide to the different types; see floor finishes on this page and curtain pleats overleaf.
Floor finishes
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What the pleat?
Should you single or double pinch? What about pencilling your curtain headers? Or going boxy? How about a wave? So many options, you might need a sit down…
Single, double and triple pinch pleats: Pinch pleats offer a more tailored and sophisticated appearance. Available in single, double or triple folds, these evenly spaced pleats create a structured silhouette.
Wave/S-wave pleat: A simple, elegant pleat style with a tape on the back that hooks onto a specialised rack. Wave pleats bring a sleek aesthetic to modern interiors. Their clean lines make them ideal for minimalist spaces.
Inverted/Box pleat: A contemporary pleat that creates clean architectural lines, making this style particularly suited to contemporary homes where order, balance, and simplicity are key design elements.
Pencil pleat: Among the most popular curtain headings, recognised for their neat, closely gathered folds that resemble a row of pencils. A reliable choice for almost any room.
Eyelet curtain: Featuring metal rings threaded directly onto the curtain pole, eyelets create wide, uniform folds with a casual, modern feel. Especially popular in apartments and open-plan living spaces thanks to their simplicity and ease of use.
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Top tips:
Create the illusion of height by mounting curtain tracks near the ceiling. This draws the eye upward, making the space feel taller and more modern. Great for small or low-ceiling rooms.
Double up: Use double tracks to layer sheer and blockout curtains, which gives you privacy by day and darkness by night. Great for bedrooms and living spaces alike.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/curtain-call/