What is a wave curtain & why choose a wave curtain?

Author: Lara Willmore | Last Updated: 28th May 2025

What is a wave curtain?

Wave curtains, sometimes known as wave headed curtains or wave pleat curtains, are a sleek and contemporary curtain style that create soft, uniform folds from top to bottom. A popular option in hotels, wave curtains do not have gathered headings and instead form evenly spaced vertical ripples that add a clean elegance to any space.

When opened and closed, wave curtains create a neat stack of fabric that looks almost the same at the top of the curtain as it does at the bottom, giving them a streamlined appearance.

Why choose wave headed curtains?

If you are curious about the benefits of opting for wave curtains in your home or living space, there are several reasons why we think wave curtains would be a great benefit for any home.

Space efficiency 

Wave curtains are space efficient as they allow for a compact stack from top to bottom. Unlike curtain headings that are pleated or have multiple folds, wave curtains can be tucked away very neatly, which can be ideal not only aesthetically but also for areas like bi-fold doors or french doors where you might want your curtains more “out the way” when opened. 

Versatile and stylish

Wave curtains are suitable for both traditional properties and modern homes, making them versatile. Opting for different fabrics and finishes offers the freedom of different stylish looks meaning that you can enjoy the tidy design of wave curtains in any home environment.

Customisability 

If customisability is a factor for you, wave curtains can be a great choice. They can generally be manufactured not only with your chosen fabric or pattern, but also with a number of opening operations as well. Choose from manually operated, corded or even motorised depending on your preferences. 

Concealed tracks 

The wave curtain style also lends itself to having the curtain tracks concealed into the ceiling in some cases, so the wave curtain seemingly glides along the ceiling – or hidden into a recess. This can contribute to their sleek and tidy appearance. 

Use cases for wave curtains 

Bifold doors 

With the trend for large bifold doors still going strong, wave curtains are the perfect solution both practically and aesthetically. They can be set into the window / door recess, they can be lined with blackout lining, or be left unlined all together as a sheer / voile to diffuse the light and offer privacy. 

Wave curtains’ smooth stacking and minimal bulk make wave curtains a popular choice for large bifold or sliding doors, allowing for maximum light when open, easy access to outdoor spaces and seamless integration into open-plan living areas.

Home offices or studios

Wave curtains are a popular choice for home offices and studios as they can serve as both window coverings and room dividers for extra privacy. 

Natural light is essential in a work-from-home setup, but glare on screens can be a problem. Sheer or semi-sheer wave curtains diffuse light evenly, reducing glare while still brightening the space.

Living rooms with wide glazing

Large glazing is a key feature in many modern living rooms and wave headed curtains can help to emphasise those clean lines without overpowering them. In addition, living rooms are often busy areas and wave curtains glide effortlessly along tracks, making it easy to open or close them without fuss.

Wave curtains in your living room can be wall-mounted or ceiling-recessed, depending on whether you want to highlight or conceal the track system.

Considerations before opting for wave curtains

Installation

To achieve the neat and even spacing for wave curtains, they must be hung on a specially designed wave track or pole. These have small cords inside the track that regulate the distances between the runners so that when they are pulled the waves all open out to the same size spacing, helping to keep the uniformity. With this in mind, it’s important to ensure they are installed on the right track so working with the right installer is crucial. 

The tracks can also be operated with an integrated cord, they can be uncorded and operated with a draw wand or they can be left to open and close by hand. They can also be motorised and operated via a remote or an app. 

Check fabric compatibility 

Not all fabrics are suitable for a wave heading curtain. If the fabric is heavily embroidered or quite thick, it won’t ripple nicely or hang well. The pattern repeat is also worth considering – if the horizontal repeat doesn’t divide up nicely to the ripples, you could end up with uneven coloured curtains when they are open. 

Many sheer fabrics are available in a double width to avoid having any vertical joins visible when made into curtains – perfect for waves!

Factor your wave curtains into a building project

If you are planning a building or renovation project, it’s essential to plan early for window dressings. Ideally, allocate wall space beside the windows or doors to allow the curtains to stack without covering glass. In tighter layouts, flexible tracks can curve around adjacent walls to accommodate the fabric stack.

For the best results, consult a curtain designer at the design stage. Early planning ensures that track positions, ceiling recesses, and wall clearances are factored into your layout from the start.

Made to measure wave curtains

Wave curtains combine form and function to create a great window or door covering option. Their clean lines, versatile mounting options, and elegant operation make them an excellent choice for a wide range of interiors. Whether you’re renovating a home or working on a traditional property, wave curtains can deliver a sophisticated, polished result that enhances both the look and functionality of your space.

At Axford Interiors, we specialise in made to measure wave curtains in Bath, Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. If you are interested in made to measure wave curtains for your home or property, please feel free to reach out to one of our design consultants who will be happy to advise on the best fit curtains and blinds for your home.

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