Written By Inês Carvalho
French Pleats:
What you need to know
What are French Pleats
French pleats - also known as pinch pleats - are a heading style that consists of groups of three pleats evenly spaced along the top of the curtain. If you’re wondering why we emphasised the number of pleats, it is because if only two were present, this would be considered a Dutch pleat.
The French pleat is a very classical and highly-decorative heading style. It has a very structured look, which fits formal environments perfectly.
Where to use French Pleats
Due to their structure, French pleat curtains will work best in rooms in which the décor gears more towards defined lines or classic inspirations (see examples below). Their crisp look is also a major asset if you’re looking to work with bold patterns without making them look too playful, as they will tie the look together in a neat manner.
The takeaway:
French pleats allow you to achieve a refined and elegant look. They work best in chic or formal ambiences.
Why go for curtain tapes
While you may find numerous articles on how to make french pleats by hand, sewing a curtain tape is, by far, a much easier and more effective method to achieve the look you’re going after (and it is less time-consuming as well!).
What to keep in mind
Pinch pleats can be used with either a rod or a track. However, this very opulent look comes with a catch: in order to get perfect you will need plenty of extra fabric. This is always expected when using curtain tapes - but when you’re hoping to make groups of three pleats look crisp all throughout the curtain, this is especially true.
Do bear in mind that thick or heavy fabrics won’t allow you to achieve the desired look as the fabric will not fold into even, sharp pleats.
How to style French pleats
Why it works:
As the green shade on the dining chairs is so saturated (as are the gold accents on the lighting and wall art), the white, pinch pleat curtains are the perfect choice to keep this room airy and light.
The crisp white elongates the walls and doesn‘t take away from the stunning view. On the other hand, the pinch pleat is a classic, graceful shape for the header of the curtains, granting this interior a timeless and effortless elegance.
Why it works:
The name says it all - french doors and french pleats are a match made in heaven.
Notice how sharp lines are used all throughout the room: the coffee table, the armchairs, and the sofas. Paired with these elements, the cream, pinch pleat curtains along with the white french doors make this New York living room feel like the perfect upscale urban retreat.
Why it works:
Remember what we said about bold patterns? This room is a perfect example of that.
Studio Aubergine used pinch pleats and a very strict colour scheme of greys and blues to bring harmony to a room filled with texture and bold patterns.
