Bash
Shop Now

Taped curtains: what they are and how to choose and hang them

Practical South African guide to taped (heading tape) curtains - measuring, heading styles, linings, hanging steps and local cost estimates.

Bash – Taped curtains: what they are and how to choose and hang them
June 15, 2026
6 min read
Photo by Feyza Tuğba on Pexels

What taped curtains do

Heading tape creates adjustable pleats for neat hang and easy attachment to tracks or poles.

Measure with the track

Measure width across the installed pole or track and the drop from the top of the ring or track.

Lining and care

Choose linings for thermal or blackout needs; remove hooks before cleaning and follow care labels.

What are taped curtains?

Taped curtains (sometimes called heading-tape curtains) use a strip of fabric sewn across the top called "heading tape". That tape has pockets and rows for curtain hooks so the fabric hangs in an orderly, adjustable pleat - pencil pleat, triple pleat and other looks are all made with tape rather than eyelets or tabs. This makes taped curtains versatile for both tracks and poles and easy to redraw smoothly along runners.

Why choose taped curtains in a South African home?

We find taped curtains especially useful where you want neat fullness, practical light control, or to pair a heavier drape with a separate sheer. In living areas and bedrooms they offer reliable movement on tracks, and when combined with a quality lining they help with heat control and privacy - important in many South African climates. Local lining suppliers also offer blockout and thermal options that work well with taped headings.

Common heading styles made with tape

  • Pencil pleat - gathered, informal folds for everyday rooms.
  • Pinch pleat (made with tape pockets) - tailored, formal look.
  • Wave or ripple-style - requires specific tape designed for consistent waves.

How taped curtains hang (quick mechanics)

Heading tape has stitched pockets for hooks; hooks then attach to curtain rings, gliders or track carriers. The tape may have multiple rows so you can choose hook height and adjust fullness. Because the tape sits behind the fabric, the finished curtain looks clean while remaining adjustable for different track or pole systems. Practical hanging tips appear later in this guide. (mydirectblinds.com.au)

Measuring for taped curtains: a short, reliable method

Measure after the pole or track is installed. For width, measure the full pole or track length (between finials or end-stops) - do not measure just the window. For a balanced look, we usually allow 15-25% extra on each side for framing and stack-back so the window opens clear of fabric when drawn. For length, measure from the top of the track or the top of the ring (where hooks will sit) to where you want the curtain to finish (sill, below sill, or to the floor). These are standard, dependable rules used by curtain makers and retailers.

Quick check: For fullness, aim for 1.5-3× the track width depending on fabric weight and the look you want (1.5× for a neat casual drape, 2-3× for a fuller, luxurious fall).

Choosing fabric and lining

Fabric weight affects fullness and stack-back. Lightweight linens and sheers look best with more width; heavier velvets need less width per pleat. For linings, options include thin interlining (for colour preservation), thermal or brushed interlinings (for insulation), and blackout linings for bedrooms. In South Africa you can source local blackout and thermal linings that are wide enough for most drops; getting lining sewn on at the same time as the heading tape makes for a longer-lasting curtain.

If you’re browsing styles or ready-made options, we also point readers toward our curated curtain offers for measurement and fitting services: Curtains Blinds and longer reads on installation and fabrics at Curtains Blinds articles.

Add as a preferred source on Google

How to choose the right taped curtain setup

Start with the room’s function. Bedrooms benefit from a blackout lining and a tidy pleat (pinch or pencil). Living rooms often use a heavier decorative drape over a sheer; taped headings make it simple to layer both. Consider stack-back (how much curtain remains at the sides when open) - heavier fabrics need more pole extension to avoid blocking the window. We recommend sketching the pole length and noting desired stack-back before ordering fabric or made-to-measure curtains.

Installation: simple steps for hanging taped curtains

  • Install pole/track level and at the height you prefer; then measure for the drop from the top of the track or ring.
  • Fit carriers/gliders or rings along the track so the curtain will open smoothly.
  • Insert hooks into the chosen row of pockets on the heading tape (start from the centre and work outwards to keep pleats even).
  • Hang the curtain by placing hooks into the carriers, gliders or rings; adjust hook positions to even pleat spacing as needed. ([mydirectblinds.com.au](https://www.mydirectblinds.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Curtainsfinal4.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoqs1jfYzhe-8PnJbofA3HCRzHn1pnLsmYHhB4JwCCfI3GtlKhv6))

Maintenance and laundering

Check the fabric care label and the lining type. Many lined curtains are dry-clean only; some cotton or synthetic mixes can be machine-washed if the maker confirms it. We recommend removing hooks before washing and checking that heading tape remains securely stitched. For regular upkeep, vacuum with a soft brush attachment and spot-treat stains promptly. For heavy or delicate fabrics, professional cleaning preserves heading tape and pleat shape.

Practical examples and ballpark costs (South African context)

Bespoke taped curtains vary widely by fabric and lining. As a rough guide, ready-made or made-to-measure single-panel curtains can start around R350-R800 per metre of fabric for mid-range textiles; full made-to-measure curtains with lined heading and fitting can range from R1 500 to R6 000+ per window depending on fabric and workmanship. These are estimates - local suppliers and fabric choices determine the final price. When budgeting, allow for lining, heading tape and fitting labour as separate line items.

When to hire a pro versus do it yourself

We suggest hiring a professional if you need exact pattern matching, very large drops, or integrated pelmets and tracks. DIY suits simple windows, small drops, or when you buy ready-made panels and want to hang them yourself. If you're unsure about track compatibility or want a precise wave heading, a curtain maker’s fitting service will save time and avoid rework. For deeper background on fabric and fittings, read our practical guides at Home Furnishings articles.

Final checklist before ordering taped curtains

  • Confirm pole/track length and desired stack-back.
  • Decide header style (pencil, pinch, wave) and lining type (none, thermal, blackout).
  • Check fabric width and whether seaming will affect patterns.
  • Ask if hooks are included and whether the maker will sew the heading tape to the lining.
  • Plan for professional fitting when drops exceed 2.8 m or when pattern matching is required.

Sources

We hope this guide makes taped curtains less technical and more approachable. When you’re ready, comparing fabric samples, lining options and a clear measurement plan makes a big difference to the final result - and keeps the process calm and practical.

Shakeelah Ally
Shakeelah Ally — Performance Marketing Lead

Performance Marketing Lead at Bash, with a background in marketing from UNISA and years spent driving paid search strategy at leading e-commerce brands like takealot.com, I focus on data-driven growth, Google Ads optimization, and scaling digital performance.

Last updated:

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Product availability, pricing, and specifications are subject to change. Always verify current details on the retailer's website before making a purchase.