Pencil Pleat Curtains
What are pencil pleat curtains?
Pencil pleat curtains are a classic choice for countless stylish homes. With narrow folds of fabric gathered into a neat, elegant pleated row, this timeless heading suits a wide range of interiors—from country to coastal and beyond. Pencil pleat curtains are compatible with both curtain poles and tracks, offering flexibility and style. This heading is available across both our made to measure and ready made curtain ranges, so you can enjoy a tailored or quick-fit option to suit your space.
Our Customers' Favourite Pencil Pleat Curtains
Pencil pleats are a great addition to a fantastic selection of curtains. From florals to block colours, pencil pleats will add a gentle touch of detail to a space. These are some of our customers' favourite pencil pleat curtains.
How to select a pencil pleat heading to curtains
Adding a pencil pleat heading to your new made to measure curtains is simple. Once you’ve found the ideal fabric, click through to the product page and enter your measurements. You’ll then be able to choose “pencil pleat” from the heading menu, along with your preferred lining, tiebacks, and other configurations—it’s all fully customisable.
For ready made curtains, the heading style—such as pencil pleat or eyelet—is clearly shown on the product page and cannot be altered, so be sure to select the option that best suits your needs. To help you decide, you can order up to eight free fabric samples directly from the website.
For ready made curtains, the heading style—such as pencil pleat or eyelet—is clearly shown on the product page and cannot be altered, so be sure to select the option that best suits your needs. To help you decide, you can order up to eight free fabric samples directly from the website.
How to fit pencil pleat curtains
So, you've ordered your pencil pleat curtains, they've been lovingly made and arrived at your door - but now what? Well, when fitting pencil pleat curtains, you'll need to be a bit more patient than with others for them to look their best. Once you've recorded the size of your curtains against the window (they should be half the original width once the cords are gathered), secure the cords at one end and then pull gently to achieve the gathered effect.
Next, attach the hooks and hang your curtains with the pole rings. Don't forget to attach the final hook to a ring that's placed between the bracket and the finial. This will prevent your curtains from pulling too far when closed.
Next, attach the hooks and hang your curtains with the pole rings. Don't forget to attach the final hook to a ring that's placed between the bracket and the finial. This will prevent your curtains from pulling too far when closed.
Lining options for pencil pleat curtains
A pencil pleat heading can be selected on any of our made to measure curtains. Because each one is handcrafted at our facility in West Yorkshire, we’re able to tailor your curtains to your exact specifications—including your choice of heading, size, and lining. This flexibility also means you can select from a range of linings to suit your needs.
For our ready made curtains, the heading style—such as pencil pleat or eyelet—is pre-set and clearly stated on the product page. While it can’t be changed, you’ll still find a variety of stylish designs with practical linings included.
With Blinds Direct, you can enjoy a free upgrade to one of our premium linings when you choose made to measure curtains, including:
For our ready made curtains, the heading style—such as pencil pleat or eyelet—is pre-set and clearly stated on the product page. While it can’t be changed, you’ll still find a variety of stylish designs with practical linings included.
With Blinds Direct, you can enjoy a free upgrade to one of our premium linings when you choose made to measure curtains, including:
Premium Lining for Pencil Pleat Curtains
A premium lining comes as standard with any made to measure curtain, and is made from a quality cotton blend in a light ivory colour. By adding one to your curtain, you can benefit from extra thickness and body, while also improving insulation and durability.
thermal blackout lining for pencil pleat curtains
thermal blackout lining offer the ultimate in comfort and practicality—combining light-blocking performance with enhanced insulation. Designed to reduce heat loss in winter and keep rooms cooler in summer, these linings help improve energy efficiency while creating a darker, more restful environment—ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, or media rooms. At Blinds Direct, thermal blackout lining are available across both our made to measure and ready made curtain pencil pleat options ranges. With made to measure curtains, you can select this lining during the customisation process, while many of our ready made curtains come pre-lined with thermal blackout for added convenience
Made to Measure & Ready Made Pencil Pleat Curtains
At Blinds Direct, our pencil pleat curtains are available in both made to measure and ready made options to suit your needs. Our made to measure curtains are handcrafted in the UK to your exact specifications—simply choose your fabric, enter your measurements, and select the pencil pleat heading. For a faster solution, our ready made pencil pleat curtains come in a range of popular sizes and stylish designs.
Measuring for your new curtains couldn't be simpler. Follow our simple step-by-step Expert Guide: How To Measure For Curtains to ensure the perfect fit, whether you're choosing made to measure or ready made.
Measuring for your new curtains couldn't be simpler. Follow our simple step-by-step Expert Guide: How To Measure For Curtains to ensure the perfect fit, whether you're choosing made to measure or ready made.
Faqs for pencil pleat curtains
Do I need to gather pencil pleat ready made curtains myself?
Yes, both made to measure and ready made pencil pleat curtains require you to pull the header cords to achieve the gathered look. This gives you flexibility to adjust the width to suit your window, and ensures a tailored fit.
How do I gather pencil pleat curtains?
Gathering pencil pleat curtains is simpler than it looks. Once your curtains are threaded with header tape cords, gently pull them to create even, gathered pleats across the top. This allows you to adjust the curtain width to suit your pole or track. For full step-by-step guidance, visit our How to Fit Pencil Pleat Curtains section.
What’s the difference between pencil pleat and pinch pleat curtains?
Pencil pleat curtains feature slim, uniform folds created by pulling cords along a header tape—giving a soft, gathered look. In contrast, pinch pleat curtains have sewn-in pleats that are more structured and evenly spaced, offering a formal and tailored finish. Both suit different styles, with pencil pleat being the more versatile and relaxed option.
Can I use pencil pleat curtains with a pole or a track?
Yes, pencil pleat curtains are compatible with both curtain poles and tracks. Simply use curtain hooks to attach them to either gliders on a track or rings on a pole, making them a flexible option for a variety of window setups.
Do pencil pleat curtains come with hooks?
Curtain hooks are not always included as standard, so we recommend checking the product details or adding them to your order if needed. Pencil pleat curtains are designed with a multi-pocket header tape to accommodate hooks at different heights for adjustable hanging.
Find out more...
Can't Find What You're Looking For?
Call or send us an email and a member of our Customer Service team will be happy to help.
Our Telephone lines are open Mon - Friday 8:30AM - 6PM
Live chat is available Mon - Fri 9AM - 5PM and Saturday & Sunday 10AM - 4PM
Please note, we are closed on bank holidays
Expected wait times:
FAQs
Click Here >>
Click Here >>
Live Chat
Click Here >>
Average wait: 30 Seconds
Click Here >>
Average wait: 30 Seconds
Email
Enquire Here >>
Average wait: 3 Days
Enquire Here >>
Average wait: 3 Days
Call
01924 481729
Average wait: 5 Minutes
01924 481729
Average wait: 5 Minutes
