What Are S-Fold and Pleats

What Are S-Fold and Pleats

S-Fold drapery is a modern looking style of curtain where the undulations in the fabric are achieved through the spacing of the carriers and the tape. This is a popular choice for architects and designers, partly because the curtains have no back – that is, they appear the same from either side.

Pleat curtains feature a header that is gathered tightly with heading tape. This creates a ruffled look at the top of your curtains. Pencil pleating is the most traditional style for this type of curtain, but overall, pleat curtains aren’t really used anymore.

Reasons to Love S-Fold Curtains

S-Fold curtains offer a much more modern look than pleats but that is just the beginning of their benefits. Some of the reasons people love them are:

  • They have a very appealing and versatile look. It’s modern enough to pair nicely with industrial lights and angular artworks, but simple enough to suit a more traditional lounge room or bedroom.
  • Because of their construction, S-Fold curtains create less bulky ‘stacking’ when open compared to other curtain types, giving you have a better view.
  • S-Fold drapes really showcase the fabric in your drapery. More pattern and colour is visible with this style rather than getting folded away in pleats.
  •  Heavier weights can be used in S-Fold curtains and will fall nicely with this style. Some heavy fabrics are just too thick to be used in a pleated style.
  • S-fold curtains can be used to create sleek and clean lines, elegant window coverings and warm contemporary interiors, among other styles.

Comparing S-Fold with Pleats

In the world of modern interior design and window coverings, there isn’t really a reason to compare S-folds with pleated curtains. You see, pleats are an older design that isn’t really used anymore.

Back when they were used, here are a few reasons people chose them for their home.

  • Pencil pleat curtains have an informal look that made them a popular choice for bedrooms and with homeowners who were looking for a welcoming, casual feel.
  • By lowering or raising the position of the heading tape you could create different looks in your pleated curtains.
  • Pleat curtains come in a range of styles other than pencil pleats. Cottage pleats featured a more delicate, soft gather, while double or triple pinch pleats used more fabric for a fuller, more robust look than pencil pleats.