How to Choose the Right Curtains for Your Space

By Erica White

Picking the right style curtains to fit your space can be confusing, each style has a very different look. Knowing how different curtain styles impact the aesthetics of the space will help you determine which ones are right for your space. 

Rod Pocket

Rod pocket curtains have a pocket sewn into the top seam to put the curtain rod through. This results in a very bunched look along the curtain rod. Most people choose to hang this style of curtain from curtain clip rings instead, which makes the curtains much easier to open and close. When done this way, the curtains will drape nicely, but still give a casual look. This is a very common style used in farmhouse style spaces. 

Curtains hung from clip rings bring a casual feeling to this  sunroom

Back Tab

Back tab curtains have strips of fabric (tabs) sewn along the back that allow you to slide the rod through. Because the tabs are evenly spaced apart, the curtains will have a nice fold to them as they drape. Some may also choose to hang this style of curtain from clip rings, if they prefer a more casual look. However, when utilizing the back tabs, the fabric will cover the top of the rod, lending to a slightly less casual look, without being too formal. This is one of my go-to styles for family rooms. 

Back tab curtains are the right balance of casual and neat in this living room

Tab Top

Tab top curtains have the tabs sewn on the top of the curtain, so the tabs are visible (as opposed to the back tab curtains where the tabs are hidden behind the curtains). Because the tabs are sewn at the top, there is less of a folded look compared to back tab curtains. This style of curtain still drapes nicely though. The visible tabs create a more “pretty” look, which tends to pair very well with a country or casual traditional style. 

Tab top curtains add a bit of visual interest along the ceiling line in this sunroom

These tab top curtains use wooden rings to make the curtain tabs appear to be draped over the rod

Pinch Pleat

Pinch pleat curtains are pleated along the top with hooks on the back that hang from the curtain rod with special rings. Pinch pleat curtains instantly elevate a space. And while they are a more formal style, they still work well in a variety of spaces as they can add a more curated look to a casual room without being too stuffy. 

Pinch pleat curtains provide a clean and elegant look to these bedroom windows

Grommet

Grommet curtains have large rings sewn into the top for the curtain rod to go through. While grommet curtains create a nicely folded drape, I find that the grommets are often spaced too far apart, making the folds too large, which results in the curtains not filling enough space horizontally. However, the large grommets make them very easy to open and close along the curtain rod. I typically reserve this style of curtain for hard-to-reach spaces or spaces where you may want to open and close them frequently (sliding doors for example).

Grommet curtains are easy to open to close in this hard-to-reach space behind the clawfoot tub

When deciding on curtains for your space, the style is just as important as color or pattern. Hopefully, this article will help you determine which curtains are best for the style and function of your spaces. 

*Author Erica White is the owner and interior designer of White Hollow Yard and Home.

*All photographs credit: Erica White

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