When it comes to dressing windows with bespoke draperies, all eyes are on the pleats!
Fold after fold of fabric goodness, these tidy, symmetrical tucks tailored into the curtain header are more than just pretty. They serve a crucial role in both form and function, giving drapes enough fullness and grace to stack beautifully when opened or closed. There are many possibilities, from soft pinch pleats to stately goblet pleats, but pleat selection depends on both personal taste and window treatment style.
Pinch Pleats
Pinch me, please! I dream in pinch pleats. Known by names like tack pleats, tailored pleats, or French pleats, these fail-safe folds are made by pinching and tacking the fabric into place. At Vitalia Inc. we adore pinch pleats for their wonderful versatility suiting casual spaces and formal scenes alike. Options abound within the pinches too, from double and triple pinches to Euro pinch pleats sewn at the top or inverted pinch pleats gathered in the back.
Box Pleats
When precision calls, answer with box pleats! True to their geometrical name, straight edges define these creased charmers. Box pleats create smooth sight lines, and are typically used for stationary panels. While striking on floor-length treatments, box pleats are a smart and sophisticated choice for short treatments and valances, where they can flex their visual impact in style.
Grommet Panels
Grommet panels are a real knockout when it comes to drapery headers – where form and function meet in sleek definition and effortless glide. This versatile treatment creates fabric expanses between neat folds, retaining its shape for a polished yet relaxed look in crisp, contemporary style.
Ripplefold Drapes
Ripplefold pleats break all the rules with their flowing, unstructured style — yet that’s their magic. Not technically pleats at all, a continuous curtain panel is secured routinely along the rod above, creating organic ripples that seem to cascade freely forming a wave-like effect.
Goblet Pleats
Goblet pleats are a go-to drapery adornment full of gothic charm. These fanciful pleats create a textured silhouette that is full and luxurious and can be seen styling both intricate valances and long, breezy drapes.
Custom Pleats
Custom pleats unlock a world of possibilities, and at Vitalia Inc., they’re kind of our thing. We can bring any novel idea and tailor it into a one-of-a-kind pleat design, like the Gacek pleat (seen here). This fabulous custom two-fold pleat is pinched at both the top and the bottom in a variation conceived by designer Richard Gacek of Gacek Design Group and fabricated by our fabricator Boris.
Pleat Embellishments
Detailed embellishments are a great way to jazz up clean pleats or add elegance. Here, fabric ties define the pinch pleats and enhance the fabric folds — heightening the drama and extravagance of the space.
Vitalia Inc has nearly two decades of experience in selecting suitable pleats, and we understand that choosing the right pleat for your draperies is an important decision. We offer concierge service and project management for luxury custom window treatments and soft goods, exclusively to interior designers and architects throughout the US and abroad.
We are here to provide expert guidance and trusted advice to bring your vision to life.
