Shopping for curtains comes with a lot of jargon. Here's a plain-English guide to the terms you're most likely to hear.
A–F
Blackout lining: a lining that blocks nearly all light. Great for bedrooms.
Bracket: the fitting that holds a pole or track to the wall or ceiling.
Café curtain: a short curtain covering only the lower half of a window.
Drop: the length of a curtain, from the top of the heading to the hem.
Eyelet: metal rings set into the top of the curtain, threaded onto a pole.
Finial: the decorative end on a curtain pole.
Fullness: how much wider the fabric is than the pole or track. More fullness gives richer folds.
G–O
Heading: the top of the curtain and how it's gathered, e.g. pencil pleat or eyelet.
Holdback / tieback: hardware or fabric that holds curtains open to the side.
Interlining: a soft middle layer that adds body, warmth and sound insulation.
Lining: the back layer of the curtain that protects the fabric and adds weight.
Overlap arm: a part of a track that lets two curtains overlap in the middle, stopping light gaps.
P–Z
Pattern repeat: the distance before a fabric's pattern repeats. Affects how much fabric you need.
Pelmet: a fabric or wooden panel above the window that hides the track.
Pencil pleat: a classic, tightly gathered heading. Works on poles or tracks.
Pinch pleat: a tailored heading with evenly spaced clusters of pleats.
Puddle: extra length that pools on the floor for a luxurious look.
Recess: the space set into the wall around a window. Blinds can sit inside or outside it.
Stack back: the space curtains take up when fully open.
Thermal lining: a lining designed to help keep heat in.
Valance: a short decorative fabric strip across the top of a window.
Wave heading: a modern heading that forms soft, even S-shaped folds.
Still unsure?
Don't worry about the jargon. Tell us how you want the room to look and feel, and we'll recommend the right heading, lining and fitting.
Free measure and quote across Barnsley and South Yorkshire
We measure, supply and fit across Barnsley, Penistone, Wombwell, Hoyland, Darton, Royston, Cudworth and Dodworth, as well as Wakefield, Rotherham and Sheffield. Book your free home visit and we'll bring samples to you, so you can see colours and fabrics in your own light before you decide.