What Is an Inverted Pleat Heading?

An Inverted Pleat, sometimes called a box pleat, is a classic curtain heading style that creates a tailored, structured look. Deep pleats are folded inward (rather than outward, as with a traditional pinch pleat) so the front of the curtain presents a flat, clean surface, while the fullness and folding happens on the reverse side of the fabric.

How It’s Made and Hung

The pleats are formed using stiff buckram inserted into the header, which holds their shape over time. Because the front of the curtain sits flat, an Inverted Pleat is designed to sit neatly under a decorative rod or on a track without drawing attention to the heading itself, letting the fabric and drape take centre stage.

Best Suited For

• A tailored, classic look that suits both traditional and contemporary interiors
• Most fabric types, from solids to lighter patterns
• Homes wanting a heading that sits flat and understated under a rod or track
• Standard width fabrics, where seams can be hidden inside the fold of each pleat

Things to Consider

With heavily patterned fabrics, particularly geometric prints, it’s worth keeping in mind that the folding of an Inverted Pleat can disrupt the pattern repeat across the width of the curtain. For most solid and simply patterned fabrics, though, this heading gives a timeless, cohesive finish that works well in almost any room.