Modern curtain top styles in a sunlit living room with grommet and pinch pleat curtains

Choosing the right curtain top styles is one of the most confusing parts of decorating a home. Many people focus on fabric color or pattern—but the top of the curtain (also called curtain headings or drapery top styles) controls how your curtains hang, slide, stack, and even how expensive they look.

If you’ve ever ordered curtains that looked great online but felt awkward, bulky, or cheap once hung, the problem was likely the curtain top style—not the fabric.

This curtain top styles guide is written to solve that exact problem. You’ll learn:

  • The types of curtain top styles explained in simple terms

  • Which styles work best for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, offices, and showers

  • How to choose between rod vs track, no-drill options, and layered curtains

  • How different curtain top types (UK & USA homes) affect light, privacy, and design

Written from real, hands-on experience, this guide gives you the basics of every major curtain top style—so you can make a confident decision the first time.

What Are Curtain Top Styles? (Simple Explanation)

Curtain top styles refer to how the upper edge of a curtain panel is finished and attached to a rod or track. This top section decides:

  • How the curtain folds

  • How smoothly it opens and closes

  • Whether it looks modern, casual, elegant, or vintage

  • If it works better for heavy-duty drapes or light sheers

Different curtain top types serve different needs—there is no one “best” style for every room.

Types of Curtain Top Styles (Most Common Options)

Below are the most popular curtain top styles and variations, explained in everyday language so you know exactly what you’re choosing.

1. Tie Top Curtains – Soft, Casual, Decorative

yellow Tie top curtains , tied in bows, letting in soft natural light

Tie top curtains use fabric ties or bows at the top instead of rings or grommets.
They create a relaxed, handcrafted look.

Best for:

  • Bedrooms

  • Cottage, farmhouse, or boho interiors

  • Light-filtering curtains

Why people choose them:

  • Adjustable height

  • Decorative bows add charm

  • Easy DIY and no special hardware

👉 Learn more in our full guide on Tie Top Curtains

Not ideal for: Heavy-duty or blackout needs

2. Tab Top Curtains – Clean & Casual

Tab top curtains have flat fabric loops sewn on top.
They slide directly onto the rod.

Best for:

  • Living rooms

  • Informal spaces

  • Window curtain styles with a relaxed look

Pros:

  • Easy to install

  • No rings or hooks needed

  • Great for medium-weight fabrics

👉 Full breakdown here: Tab Top Curtains

Cons:

  • Rod remains visible

  • Limited smooth movement

3. Rod Pocket Curtains – Traditional & Budget-Friendly

white rod pocket curtains

Rod pocket curtains have a sewn tunnel at the top where the rod slides through.

Best for:

  • Kitchens

  • Bedrooms

  • Decorative or stationary panels

Why they’re popular:

  • Affordable

  • Classic, gathered look

  • Great for light curtains

👉 Detailed explanation: Rod Pocket Curtains

Downside:
Harder to open and close daily

4. Grommet Curtains – Modern & Smooth

Grommet curtains in a modern living room with smooth folds and sleek design

Grommet curtains feature metal rings punched into the top.

Best for:

  • Modern curtain top styles

  • Large windows

  • Sliding doors

Advantages:

  • Smooth movement

  • Even folds

  • Clean, modern look

👉 Compare styles here: Grommet Curtains

Note: Not ideal for very traditional interiors

5. Pinch Pleat Curtains – Elegant & Structured

Pinch pleat curtains are sewn with pleats pinched at the top for a tailored finish.

Best for:

  • Formal living rooms

  • Dining rooms

  • Heavy drapery top styles

Why designers love them:

  • Luxurious appearance

  • Works well with tracks

  • Ideal for layered curtains

👉 Step-by-step help: Pinch Pleat Curtains

Requires: Hooks and proper installation

Curtain Top Styles by Room (What Actually Works)

Living Room Curtain Top Styles

  • Pinch pleat (formal & elegant)

  • Grommet (modern interiors)

  • Tab top (casual homes)

Bedroom Curtain Top Styles

  • Rod pocket (soft & cozy)

  • Tie top (aesthetic appeal)

  • Pinch pleat with Blackout Curtains for sleep

👉 Learn how blackout headers affect light: Blackout Curtains

 

Kitchen Curtain Top Styles

  • Rod pocket

  • Café-style tie tops

  • Light curtain folding styles

Office Curtain Top Styles

  • Grommet

  • Pinch pleat on tracks

  • Minimal, vertical curtain top styles

Shower Curtain Top Styles (Often Overlooked)

Shower curtain top styles are usually:

  • Grommet

  • Button-hole header

  • Hook-ready tops

Best choice depends on:

  • Rust-resistant hardware

  • Easy sliding

  • Washable materials

Curtain Top Styles: Rod vs Track

Curtain top styles vs track is a common confusion.

Rod-Based Styles

  • Tie top

  • Tab top

  • Rod pocket

  • Grommet

Track-Based Styles

  • Pinch pleat

  • Ripple fold

  • Ceiling-mounted curtains

Tracks are best for:

  • Heavy curtains

  • Layered designs

  • Curtains on the ceiling (modern interiors)

No-Drill & No-Damage Curtain Top Styles

Renting or avoiding holes?

  • Tension rods + rod pocket

  • Tie top curtains

  • Magnetic curtain systems

These curtain top styles no drilling solutions are renter-friendly and stylish.

Layering Curtain Top Styles (2 Curtains on One Rod)

Layering is trending in interior design.

Common setup:

  • Sheer rod pocket curtain (inner layer)

  • Pinch pleat or grommet drape (outer layer)

This 2 layer curtain system improves:

  • Light control

  • Privacy

  • Insulation

  • Visual depth

Curtain Top Styles and Back Tab Curtains: A Clean, Modern Choice

When exploring different curtain top styles, back tab curtains are often overlooked—but they are one of the smartest options for homeowners who want a polished look without visible hardware. This curtain top style sits quietly between casual and modern, making it a strong choice for many interiors.

Real Client Example: Solving a Curtain Problem

A U.S.-based client ordered heavy velvet curtains with rod pockets for a wide living room window.
Problem? Curtains wouldn’t slide, folds looked messy, and light gaps appeared.

Solution applied:

  • Switched to pinch pleat curtains on a ceiling track

  • Added sheer rod-pocket panels underneath

  • Result: Smooth movement, elegant folds, and perfect light control

The issue wasn’t the fabric—it was the wrong curtain top style.

Design Tips for Choosing the Best Curtain Top Styles

  • Heavy fabric? Choose pinch pleat or grommet

  • Light fabric? Rod pocket or tie top works well

  • Modern interiors? Vertical folds, tracks, and grommets

  • Vintage look? Rod pocket or fringe-finished tops

  • Small windows? Avoid bulky headings

Curtain Top Styles & Home Interiors

Your curtain header should match your interior theme:

  • Minimal homes → clean folds, grommets

  • Cozy homes → soft gathers

  • Luxury spaces → tailored pleats

If you’re exploring premium-quality curtain solutions, visit biyadecor curtains for expert-crafted styles designed for real homes.

This guide gives you the complete foundation of curtain top styles—from casual to formal, modern to vintage—so every curtain you choose actually works for your space, not against it.

Conclusion:

When it comes to decorating your home, curtain top styles are not a small detail—they are the foundation of how your curtains look, function, and feel every single day. The right curtain top style can make a simple fabric look elegant, help heavy curtains glide smoothly, improve light control, and even change how tall or wide your windows appear.

By understanding the types of curtain top styles, where they work best, and how they interact with rods, tracks, layering, and fabric weight, you can avoid common mistakes like stiff movement, messy folds, or poor light coverage. Whether you prefer modern curtain top styles, soft and casual designs, or structured drapery top styles, the key is matching the header to your room, lifestyle, and daily use.

Think of this guide as your starting point—once you get the curtain top right, everything else falls into place naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best curtain top style for everyday use?

For daily opening and closing, grommet curtains and pinch pleat curtains are the best curtain top styles. They slide smoothly, hold their shape, and work well for living rooms and bedrooms where curtains are used frequently.

2. Which curtain top styles look the most modern?

The most modern curtain top styles include:

  • Grommet curtains

  • Pinch pleat curtains on tracks

  • Ceiling-mounted curtain systems

These styles create clean lines, vertical folds, and a sleek, uncluttered look that fits modern interiors.

3. Are rod pocket curtains still a good choice?

Yes, rod pocket curtains are still a great option for light-use areas like kitchens, guest rooms, or decorative panels. They are affordable and classic, but they are not ideal if you open and close your curtains every day.

4. What curtain top styles work best for heavy or blackout curtains?

For heavy fabrics or blackout curtains, choose:

  • Pinch pleat curtain top styles

  • Grommet curtain top styles

These curtain top types support weight better, maintain neat folds, and prevent sagging over time.

5. Can I use two different curtain top styles on one window?

Yes, layering is very popular. A common setup is:

  • Sheer rod pocket curtains underneath

  • Pinch pleat or grommet curtains on top

This 2-layer curtain approach improves light control, privacy, and overall design depth.

6. What are the best curtain top styles for renters or no-drill setups?

If drilling is not an option, the best choices are:

  • Tie top curtains

  • Rod pocket curtains with tension rods

  • Lightweight tab top curtains

These no-drill curtain top styles are renter-friendly and easy to install without damaging walls.