Flat Top Curtains & Window Drapes

While curtains and drapery in themselves belong to the category of maximalist window treatments, some heading styles do have a very moderate construct. For a curtain style that has taken to heart the modern designing principle of clean lines and understated detailing, flat top curtains get the first honorable mention. And if you want to know whether this style of drapery is suitable for your home, read on.

Flat Top Curtains: Modern, Minimal & Trendy

Of the dozen heading styles on offer at Spiffy Spools, flat top curtains are perhaps the most minimalistic. The construct is of a very matter-of-fact style with no frilly details – just the right recipe for modern design styles that like to keep decor elements as raw and simplistic as possible.

The drapery panels are hemmed on four sides with header tape at back on top. Once rings or clips are inserted in this header tape, they are ready to be hung on rings. Flat tops can be either hung with drapery pins and rings using the pin and hook mechanism or with curtain clips and hooks. The hardware is fully exposed. The pleats are formed in an easy-going style, hence, they proffer a very casual appeal. To see images of this gorgeous style, do visit our detailed Drapery Headings Style Guide.

The depth of the pleats is determined by the distance between the rings/pins, and it is possible to adjust the fullness and width of the drapery set by re-positioning the rings/pins.

Let us take you through the salient features of flat top draperies and you can discern whether they’re meant for you.

Why We’re Fans of Flat Top Curtains

Sleek: Easily one of the sleekest styles of drapery, flat top drapes are the most sought out heading style in contemporary and modern designs.

Less stacking room: Flat top curtains are typically chosen by clients for low-gather drapes. Hence, the fabric yardage involved – and consequently the stacking room required at the end of windows – is also less than in most other heading styles.

Cost-effective: Less width requirement for a low fullness look automatically translates into lower cost.

Easy movement: Since this style hangs on rings or clips, the ease of movement is guaranteed. Draw them open and close as many times as you need to, and they’ll move without qualms at your will.

Adjustable width: Space the drapery pins far and you get well-rounded, deep pleats for a narrow pole. Space them closer and you get a flatter look with shallower pleats; the same panel stretching over a longer pole. This drapery style can cater to the most extreme ends of the fullness spectrum and all it requires is re-positioning of the drapery pins. The same panel can appear with different looks based on how you arrange the pins.

Versatile: Flat panel tops can be mounted on poles as well as tracks. So whether you like the old-fashioned drapery rods or the modern technologically advanced tracks, don’t worry about flat tops; they go with both.

The Flip Side of the Coin

Talk about the demerits of flat panel tops, and indeed, there’s nothing much to account for. There’s only one specific point to note – that a drapery that is too minimalistic cannot, of course, cater to a maximalist’s requirements. So, flat tops may look too prosaic for dressed-up interiors.

However, if you are a flat top fan and you must integrate them into your lovely traditional home, who stops? Just make sure you splurge on the fabric, choose traditional motifs, consider trimmings and ensure maximum fullness to cover up the oversimple construct of the drapery, and your job is done.

How to Make the Most of Flat Top Curtains

When dressing your windows with the immensely versatile flat top curtains, there are a few handy tips that can help you to ensure their maximum efficiency and the most pleasing appeal. Here, we list the top recommendations of our expert stylists:

Ensure even gather: Place the drapery pins at equal intervals so that uniform pleats are formed. For a sleeker look, place them closer. With larger gaps, the pleats formed will be deeper, providing more fullness. Factor in the desired look before you decide on the final panel width.

Ensure fullness: The beauty of drapery lies to a great extent in its fullness. It is advisable to not go below 2x fullness, or the drapery will end up looking like a sheet covered from end to end on the window, and that would be so tragic! For tips on how to measure, do browse our Curtain Sizing Guide.

Hardware choice: Since the drapery rods and rings stand exposed in this style, ensure that you mount show-worthy hardware. If you want to keep it super-skinny to match the ideal of the drapery, go for capped rods instead of ornate finials, but ensure a nice color tone to give a stylish finish to your flat tops.

Position of the rod: The gap between the panel and the pole makes it possible for light to pass through. Hence, to ensure perfect coverage, install the drapery rod sufficiently high, a minimum of 6 inches above the window trim, to minimize light leaks from the top.

In Closing

Flat top curtains are surely one of the most minimalistic and efficient styles of drapery, if, of course, you know how to make the most of them. Following the designing tips enumerated above, you can never miss the best look or the maximum functionality of this immensely versatile drapery style. So, shop flat top curtains carefree, and be assured that you’re signing in for the most trendy outfit for your windows. Find the drapery that moves hearts and fixes gazes today at Spiffy Spools.

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