Eyelet Curtains

What are eyelet curtains?

Eyelet curtains have metal rings set into the top of the fabric, which slide along a pole. They have a relaxed, contemporary look and are easy to open and close.

Where they work well

We'd usually suggest eyelet curtains for living rooms, bedrooms and more informal spaces. It's worth knowing that the heading (the way the top of the curtain is gathered) changes how the curtain stacks when it's open and how formal the room feels.

Things to consider

• Hardware: the heading needs to match the track or pole, and eyelet curtains need a pole. You can read more on curtain tracks & poles.
• Fabric weight: heavier fabrics give deeper folds, while lighter fabrics look softer. We'll help you see the difference before you decide.
• Stack-back: when they're open, curtains gather at the sides of the window. We'll plan the pole width so the glass stays clear and you keep your daylight.

Why choose eyelet curtains?

Eyelet curtains are among the easiest to live with. The rings slide along the pole with very little effort, and the fabric falls into deep, rounded folds that look relaxed rather than formal. They suit modern homes, family rooms and bedrooms, and they're a good choice if you'd like the pole itself to be part of the look.

Fabrics and linings for eyelet curtains

Because the eyelets are set into the fabric, medium-weight fabrics tend to work best — they hold the folds well without being too heavy for the pole. We'd usually suggest browsing Decora's The Fabric Box and Nuvo collections to compare. For bedrooms, a blackout lining helps darken the room, and a thermal lining adds an extra layer in colder rooms.

It's worth knowing that a little light can show above the rings at the top of an eyelet curtain. In a bedroom we'd usually suggest fitting the pole a little higher above the window, or adding a blind behind. You can read more about blackout curtains.

Measuring and caring for eyelet curtains

Eyelet curtains need a pole, and the pole needs to be long enough for the curtains to stack back clear of the window. We'll measure the width, the drop and the height of the pole above the frame, and check the wall will take the brackets securely. For a bay window we'll talk you through which headings and hardware suit the shape best — see bay window curtains.

Day to day, a light vacuum with a soft brush keeps the fabric fresh. Check the care label before cleaning, as lined eyelet curtains are often best dry cleaned.

Measuring and fitting

We measure and fit your curtains and hardware ourselves — book a free home appointment, or compare the different headings on our curtains page.