Curtain Types & What They’re Good For

Choosing the right curtain can completely transform the look and feel of your space. Whether you’re redecorating your living room, adding softness to your bedroom, or looking for better light control, understanding the different types of curtains and what they’re best suited for is essential.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular curtain styles, their practical uses, and how to pick the right option for your home. From sheer curtains that maximise natural light to blackout curtains perfect for restful sleep, we’ll cover it all.

Why the Right Curtain Type Matters

Curtains are more than just window coverings — they play a key role in light control, insulation, privacy, and the overall design of your living spaces. The right curtain adds elegance, comfort, and practicality to your home while complementing your interior style.

1. Pencil Pleat Curtains

A Versatile Classic for Any Room

Pencil pleat curtains are one of the most popular and timeless styles. Their tightly gathered pleats create a formal, elegant look that works beautifully in both living rooms and bedrooms.

Best For:

• Traditional or formal window treatment
  Pairing with pelmets or valances
• Homes seeking flexibility in fullness and width

Good to Know:
They require curtain hooks and work well on either a curtain rod or track system.

2. Eyelet Curtains

Sleek, Modern, and Easy to Hang

Eyelet curtains (also known as grommet curtains) feature metal rings at the top that slide smoothly onto a curtain rod, making them a user-friendly option with a contemporary feel.

Best For:

• Casual and modern interiors
• Homeowners looking for easy installation
• Rooms that benefit from clean, even folds

Good to Know:
They work best when hung on rods with decorative finials and are ideal for spaces where you want the fabric to drape symmetrically.

3. Goblet Pleat Curtains

Elegant and Decorative

Named for their resemblance to a wine goblet, goblet pleat curtains are luxurious and structured. These are perfect for high ceilings or more formal living spaces where design impact is key.

Best For:

• Formal dining rooms or lounges
• Grand homes or period properties
• Decorative rooms with less frequent use

Good to Know:
They are usually made with heavier curtain fabrics to maintain shape and can be enhanced with interlining for better drape.

4. Pinch Pleat Curtains

Tailored Sophistication

Pinch pleat curtains (double or triple pleats) offer a tailored and elegant finish that suits most home interiors. The pleats are sewn into place for a structured look and consistent folds.

Best For:

• Living and dining rooms
• A polished and elegant finish
• Homes wanting energy efficient insulation

Good to Know:
This style is best paired with thicker fabrics or blackout curtains to enhance both style and functionality.

5. Box Pleat Curtains

Neat and Structured

Box pleat curtains have pleats that run deep and flat, giving the curtain a clean, tailored appearance. This style adds subtle sophistication to any living room or office space.

Best For:

• Homes seeking symmetry and simplicity
• Contemporary or traditional interiors
• Formal rooms that need a polished look

Good to Know:
These curtains require more fabric due to the depth of the pleats, but they offer excellent drape and fullness.

6. Rod Pocket Curtains

Simple and Traditional

Rod pocket curtains feature a sewn-in pocket at the top through which the curtain rod is inserted. This style offers a classic, gathered look and is often used in bedrooms and casual settings.

Best For:

• Bedrooms and cosy spaces
• Homeowners seeking minimal hardware visibility
• Lightweight curtain fabrics

Good to Know:
They are best suited to decorative or static curtain panels, as they don’t slide easily on the rod.

7. Tab Top Curtains

Casual and Airy

Tab top curtains have fabric loops that hang directly from the curtain rod, creating a relaxed and informal look. They’re great for spaces that need a touch of charm without too much formality.

Best For:

• Bohemian or coastal interiors
• Casual living spaces
• Light curtain fabrics like cotton or linen

Good to Know:
Tab tops are better for stationary panels rather than functional curtains that need frequent opening or closing.

8. Café Curtains

Perfect for Kitchens and Breakfast Nooks

Café curtains cover only the lower half of the window, allowing natural light in while maintaining privacy. Popular in kitchens and bathrooms, these curtains add character without overwhelming the space.

Best For:

• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Rooms needing privacy without blocking sunlight
• Charming or vintage-inspired interiors

Good to Know:
Pair café curtains with a matching valance for a complete look.

9. Sheer Curtains

Soft, Light-Filled Elegance

Sheer curtains are made from lightweight, translucent fabric that filters natural light while maintaining a sense of privacy. They are often layered behind heavier curtains for a soft, layered effect.

Best For:

• Bright, airy living rooms
• Layering with blockout curtains
• Coastal, contemporary, or minimalist interiors

Good to Know:
Sheers are ideal for daytime use and add a gentle glow to your living spaces.

10. Blackout Curtains

Ideal for Sleep and Privacy

Blackout curtains are designed to block out external light, making them perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms. They also help with insulation, offering energy efficient benefits.

Best For:

• Bedrooms and media rooms
• Light-sensitive sleepers
• Enhancing thermal insulation

Good to Know:
Available in various styles like eyelet, pinch pleat, and more—choose based on your preferred look and ease of use.

Choosing the Right Curtain for Each Room

Here are some quick recommendations to match curtain styles with room types:

• Living Room: Pencil pleat curtains, sheer curtains, eyelet curtains, pinch pleat curtains
• Bedroom: Blackout curtains, rod pocket curtains, box pleat curtains
• Kitchen: Café curtains, tab top curtains, sheer curtains
• Dining Room: Goblet pleat curtains, box pleat curtains, pinch pleat curtains
• Home Office: Eyelet curtains, sheer curtains, pinch pleat curtains

Final Thoughts: Style Meets Function

From classic pencil pleat curtains to breezy sheer curtains, the wide variety of types of curtains allows you to find the perfect fit for every space and need. Whether you’re aiming to soften a room, boost energy efficiency, or achieve complete darkness, there’s a curtain style that meets your goal.

At Rivage Curtains and Blinds, we offer a complete selection of premium curtains and window treatment solutions tailored to your home. Our team can help you choose the ideal curtain fabrics and styles to complement your interior design while delivering the perfect balance of style, light control, and function.

Ready to upgrade your space with bespoke curtains? Explore the collection at Rivage Curtains and Blinds today.