A Pinch of Elegance: Style Pinch Pleat Drapes In Any Room

Customized drapery panels are available in all hues, patterns, textures, and styles. When homeowners choose custom window coverings, they often look for timeless styles versus trendsetting designs that eventually appear dated. Pinch pleat drapes ignite each room with an elegant, high-end, and versatile style, and pleated drapery styles are a favorite of interior designers year after year.

Professional designers have noted their love of pleats to Southern Living and made pleated pleas when discussing creating a Nancy Meyers interior design aesthetic. The most charming pleats are pinched to perfection, and the versatility of pinch pleat drapes simplifies their styling.  In a pinch for design ideas? Trust Sunshine Drapery for all the design tips for styling pinch pleat drapes.

What Are Pinch Pleat Drapes?

A pinch pleat drape is designed with a trio of accordion pleats gathered and pinched together in a repeating pattern at the top of the drapery. The pinch is created by fastening the pleats against buckram–a heavy, stiff fabric (typically woven from cotton). These top pleats create softer pleats down the length of the drapery panels.

This drapery style is popular for its versatility. Pleats add a sophisticated elegance without overwhelming the decor. The drama and formality of pinch pleat drapes depend on the textile texture and pattern for the design. Pinch pleat drapery in luxurious fabrics like velvet and silk can heighten the impact of a room, transforming it into a more regal space. Casual fabrics like cotton or linen create a less imposing and more relaxed vibe for a space. 

Pardon Moi? French Pleat Drapes vs. Pinch Pleat Drapes

Some designers refer to pinch pleats as French pleats. Both pinch pleats and French pleats are used interchangeably for the same style of drapery panels and refer to the same pleat design. 

Homeowners should be mindful when searching for French pleat drapery panels. Unfortunately, the “French pleat” also refers to a popular hairstyle for women. The French pleat hairstyle is colloquially known in the U.S. as the French twist, and it was incredibly popular as an ‘80s and ‘90s updo for formal occasions. 

Styling Pinch Pleated Draperies

Pleats never really go out of style. Homeowners who worry that pinch pleats look too stuffy or dated must understand how to style the pleats properly. Pair pinch pleat drapery panels with other window coverings; layering modernizes and refreshes the look of pleated curtains and invigorates the style of the room. 

Pinch Pleat Curtains + Roman Window Shades

Roman window shades can be constructed in transparent or opaque fabrics, allowing homeowners to control the light in a room. Pair these shades with pinch pleat drapes for a layered look that offers even more light control. The neutral hues of the shades pair well with any drapery fabric style and design. The design team at Sunshine Drapery loves pulling back the drapery panels and showcasing the shades. 

Pinch Pleated Drapery Panels + Roller Window Shades

Roller window shades roll up or down for light control. Like Roman shades, roller shades can be designed in varying degrees of opacity. Pinch pleat drapery lends these more simplistic shades an upgraded elegance and sophistication. 

French Pleat Drapery + Wood Blinds 

Wood blinds are one of the most timeless and classic window coverings. Layering pinch pleat draperies with wood blinds allows homeowners to play with different textures and styles simultaneously. The rustic and traditional wood blind design matches every pattern and textile. 

As wood blinds are so versatile, homeowners only need to adapt their pinch pleat custom drapery to complement their room decor and personal style. Wood blinds complement all decor and styles, so interior designers gravitate towards this window covering. 

Pinch Pleated Drapes + Zebra Shades 

The en vogue window covering the trend of the moment favors zebra shades. These shades layer transparent and opaque fabrics to offer customizable light control. While these shades may appear black and white, the zebra stripes simply reflect the fabric layers of blackout and sheer textiles. These shades match most pinch-pleated drapery designs and can be styled formally or casually. 

Pleated Drapery Panels + Cornices

The pretty pleats at the top of the pinched pleat drapery panels are part of their design appeal. However, some homeowners simply want to showcase the lower soft cascades created by the pinch pleat. A cornice is typically installed over the drapery, hiding the top of the panels. Add a cornice over pinch pleat draperies for visual interest, impact, and for an extra window WOW. 

Choose a Pinch Pleat Valance

For homeowners who want a pinch pleat look without committing to full draperies, incorporate a pinch pleat valance. This simple window covering only covers a small top portion of a window. However, it can also be layered with blinds, shades, or drapery panels. Cornices can be customized in a variety of textiles and prints/patterns.

Trust Sunshine for Customized Pinch Pleat Drapery

Upgrade your windows with customized pinch pleat drapery panels. Schedule an in-home consultation with Sunshine Drapery’s professional interior designers and begin your journey to a beautiful transformation for your home. With thousands of fabric choices, the possibilities for perfection and personalization are nearly endless. Pair your drapery with wood blinds, Roman shades, or trendy zebra shades for a layered look that enables you to adapt the light flow in your home. Schedule a consultation today!