All you need to know about wave curtains

There's something particularly elegant about curtains that hang in soft, evenly spaced folds. Wave curtains create a flowing look, bringing a sense of calm and simplicity to a room without feeling overly formal. They're a beautiful choice for large windows, glazed doors and contemporary living spaces, but their understated style can work just as comfortably in more traditional homes.

If you've admired this style of curtain and wondered how to achieve the same look in your own home, you're in the right place. From choosing between 60mm and 80mm Wave headings to finding the right fabric and curtain track, here's what you need to know.

What Are Wave Heading Curtains?

Wave heading curtains are designed to hang in a series of soft, regular folds that continue from the top of the curtain down through the fabric.

Unlike traditional pencil pleat or pinch pleat curtains, which gather the fabric into a more structured heading, Wave curtains create a smooth, flowing appearance.

You may also hear them described as wave top curtains, wave headed curtains or simply Wave curtains. These terms generally refer to the same distinctive heading style.

The Silent Gliss Wave curtain heading system uses specially spaced gliders and heading components to create those characteristic folds.

The result is a simple, considered window treatment that allows the fabric, rather than the heading itself, to become the focus.

How Do Wave Curtains Work?

The secret to Wave curtains is the way the curtain heading and track work together.

A specially designed glider cord inside the track maintains the spacing between the curtain attachment points. Combined with Wave heading tape and hooks, this helps the fabric form even, regular ripples.

As you open and close the curtains, the folds retain their distinctive shape.

When closed, the fabric hangs in a continuous wave. When opened, the curtains gather into a neat, regular stack at the side of the window.

It's a clever system, but you don't need to understand every component to appreciate the finished result.

The important thing to know is that Wave curtains need a compatible curtain track and the correct heading arrangement. Getting these elements right is what allows the fabric to hang as intended.

Why Choose Wave Curtains for Your Home?

Wave curtains have an understated elegance that makes them appealing in a variety of interiors.

For a living room with large windows, their flowing folds can soften the appearance of glazing without introducing a heavily gathered heading.

In a bedroom, they offer a coordinated finish, with the choice of fabric helping to create the atmosphere you're looking for.

They can also be an attractive choice for wide glazed doors, where long, uninterrupted curtains create a sense of continuity across the space.

A Contemporary Look That Isn't Limited to Modern Homes

Although Wave curtains are often associated with contemporary interiors, they don't need an ultra-modern setting.

The simplicity of the heading means they can sit comfortably alongside traditional furnishings, period features and more decorative fabrics.

It's the combination of fabric, colour and surrounding décor that determines the overall effect.

Neat Folds When Open or Closed

Another appealing feature is the way Wave curtains gather when opened.

Rather than forming irregular bunches of fabric, the heading creates a more consistent stack.

It's worth remembering, though, that the curtains will still need space to gather at the side of the window. The amount of room required depends on the heading configuration and track arrangement.

If you're dressing a large window and want to keep as much glazing uncovered as possible, this is something to consider when planning the installation.

What's the Difference Between 60mm and 80mm Wave Curtains?

When choosing Wave heading curtains, you'll usually come across two options: 60mm Wave and 80mm Wave.

Both create the distinctive ripple effect, but the spacing influences how the finished curtains look.

60mm Wave Curtains: A Softer, More Subtle Ripple

A 60mm Wave creates a shallower, more closely spaced fold.

If you prefer a delicate, understated appearance, this may be worth considering.

The shallower wave can also be useful where the space available for the curtain folds needs careful thought.

80mm Wave Curtains: A More Generous, Flowing Look

An 80mm Wave creates deeper, more pronounced folds in the fabric.

This gives the curtains a fuller appearance and can be particularly attractive across wider windows or large areas of glazing.

The choice between 60mm and 80mm isn't simply about which looks better. Your fabric, track position and available space will also influence the finished result.

If you're unsure, our team can help you understand the difference and choose an arrangement that suits your window.

Which Fabrics Work Best with Wave Curtains?

The fabric you choose has an important influence on the finished appearance of your Wave curtains.

Because the heading creates regular folds, it's worth choosing a fabric that drapes naturally and complements the shape.

Soft, flowing fabrics can create a gentle, relaxed effect, while more structured materials will behave differently.

Can You Have Wave Voile Curtains?

If you love a light, airy appearance, voile is certainly worth exploring.

Wave voile curtains can be particularly attractive across large windows, where the regular folds create a soft, flowing finish without overwhelming the room.

They can also work well where you want to soften the appearance of glazing while retaining a light, understated style.

However, as with any Wave curtain, the chosen fabric should be checked for suitability with the heading system.

What About Heavier or Patterned Fabrics?

Wave curtains aren't limited to plain fabrics, but it's important to think about how the material will fall.

A fabric that's particularly stiff may not produce the soft folds you're imagining.

Patterns also deserve some consideration. A repeating design can look attractive across the regular waves, although the folds will naturally change how parts of the pattern appear.

If you've already fallen in love with a particular fabric, it's worth checking that it will give you the finished appearance you're hoping for before having your curtains made.

How Much Fabric Do You Need for Wave Curtains?

One of the important differences between Wave curtains and traditional gathered headings is how the fabric is calculated.

With a conventional heading, you may be familiar with choosing a particular fullness. Wave curtains require a more specific relationship between the track, heading tape, hooks and gliders.

The amount of fabric needed depends on the track width and the selected Wave configuration, including the glider spacing and hook arrangement.

This means there isn't a single fabric calculation that's right for every Wave curtain.

If you're having curtains made, it's sensible to confirm the track specification first so that your curtain maker can work with the correct measurements.

It's a small detail in the planning process, but an important one when you're aiming for consistent, evenly spaced folds.

Which Curtain Track Is Best for Wave Heading Curtains?

Not every curtain track is suitable for Wave curtains, so choosing the correct system is particularly important.

The track needs to work with the appropriate Wave gliders and heading components.

For example, the Silent Gliss 3840 cord-operated curtain track is available with a Wave option using either 60mm or 80mm glider cord.

Selected hand-operated and motorised Silent Gliss curtain track systems also offer Wave compatibility, giving you different ways to operate your curtains depending on the system and installation.

The right choice will depend on your window, the curtains you've chosen and how you'd like them to move.

A Little Expert Advice Can Make All the Difference

Choosing a curtain track isn't always straightforward, particularly if you've already chosen your curtains or are unsure which components you'll need.

It's something our team regularly helps customers with.

Belinda, who contacted The Curtain Pole & Track Company about a Wave curtain track after a recommendation from her daughter, shared this feedback:

"I was very impressed with customer service as I wasn't quite sure what I needed. Thank you for making it so easy"
Belinda Dowding - 5-star Trustpilot review, November 2023

Sometimes, having someone knowledgeable to talk through the options is all it takes to feel confident about your choice.

Can Wave Curtains Be Used on Bay Windows?

If you have a bay window, you might be wondering whether you can still enjoy the soft, flowing appearance of Wave curtains.

The encouraging answer is that Wave headings can be considered for some bay-window installations, provided the chosen track supports both the required bends and the Wave system.

However, every bay window is slightly different.

The angles or curves, available space and position of the track all need to be considered. Wave curtains also need sufficient clearance for their folds, so getting the track position right is particularly important.

For bay windows and more unusual shapes, getting the measurements and track configuration right is especially important.

This is where specialist experience can make a difference. At The Curtain Pole & Track Company, our professional bending services and excellent craftsmanship are supported by a team who understand the practical challenges of dressing less straightforward windows.

We can help you explore the available options and establish whether a Wave-compatible track will suit your particular bay.

Are Wave Curtains Right for Your Home?

If you love the look of soft, evenly spaced curtain folds, Wave curtains are certainly worth exploring.

Their simple heading allows the fabric to take centre stage, creating a considered finish without looking overly formal.

The key is choosing the right combination of fabric, heading and curtain track.

if you're not quite sure where to begin, you don't need to work everything out yourself.

Explore our made-to-measure Wave curtains or speak our team. Whether you're dressing a straightforward window, wide glazed doors or a more unusual bay, we'll be happy to help you find the right solution for your home.