Ready made pencil pleat curtains are one of the easiest ways to refresh a room without waiting weeks for made-to-measure. They are affordable, available in standard sizes, and give a classic gathered look that suits both traditional and modern homes.
This guide covers what pencil pleat curtains are, which type to buy, how to measure, and how to hang them.
What Are Pencil Pleat Curtains?
Pencil pleat curtains have a heading tape sewn along the top with three rows of pockets and cords running through it. When you pull the cords, the fabric gathers into tight, even pleats that look like a row of pencils standing side by side.
Because they hang with hooks rather than through eyelets, they work on both curtain tracks and curtain poles. That flexibility is a big reason they remain a bestseller.
Why Choose Ready Made Pencil Pleat Curtains?
- Speed: Order today, hang within days.
- Price: Usually much cheaper than made-to-measure.
- Choice: Large ranges of colours, patterns and fabrics.
- Convenience: Sold as a pair, with the heading tape already fitted.
- Easy swaps: Redecorating or renting? Ready made makes changing the look simple.
The trade-off is fixed sizing. If your window is unusual or very tall, you may need made-to-measure instead.
Types of Ready Made Pencil Pleat Curtains
Unlined Pencil Pleat Curtains
Light and budget-friendly, suited to living rooms, kitchens and spaces where you want daylight to filter through. They drape less richly than lined versions.
Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains
A fabric lining adds weight, helps the curtains hang in fuller folds, and protects the main fabric from sun fading. A good all-round choice.
Thermal Pencil Pleat Curtains
Thermal lining adds an insulating layer that helps reduce heat loss through windows in winter. Ideal for draughty rooms, older properties and front doors.
Blackout Pencil Pleat Curtains
Blackout lining blocks most or all light. These are the top pick for bedrooms, nurseries and shift workers. Many blackout styles are also thermal, so check the product details.
Standard Ready Made Pencil Pleat Curtain Sizes
Ready made curtains are sold by width and drop (length). Common UK sizes include:
| Width | Typical drops |
|---|---|
| 46" (117 cm) | 54", 72" |
| 66" (168 cm) | 54", 72", 90" |
| 90" (229 cm) | 54", 72", 90" |
Sizes vary by retailer, so always check the product page. Wider options exist for large windows and patio doors, or you can hang two pairs side by side.
How to Measure for Pencil Pleat Curtains
- Measure the track or pole length (not just the window). Curtains should extend beyond the window frame so they can be drawn clear of the glass.
- Choose your width. For a nicely gathered look, the curtain's flat width should be about 1.5 to 2 times the track length. Fuller means a richer look.
- Measure the drop. From the track (or the hooks on the pole) down to where you want the curtain to end.
- Pick the length style:
- Sill length: just above the windowsill, practical for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Below sill: about 15 cm below the sill, a neat, classic finish.
- Floor length: finishes about 1 cm above the floor for a dressed, elegant look.
Tip: Remember the hooks. The curtain hangs slightly below the track, so allow for that in your drop.
Pencil Pleat vs Eyelet vs Pinch Pleat
| Feature | Pencil pleat | Eyelet | Pinch pleat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Traditional, gathered | Modern, wavy | Tailored, premium |
| Hang on track | Yes | No (pole only) | Yes |
| Hang on pole | Yes (with rings) | Yes | Yes (with rings) |
| Typical availability | Very wide in ready made | Very wide | More common made-to-measure |
Choose pencil pleat if you want flexibility and a classic style. Choose eyelet if you prefer a clean, contemporary look on a pole.
How to Hang Pencil Pleat Curtains (Step by Step)
- Lay the curtain flat with the heading tape facing up.
- Find the cords at the side edges of the tape. Untie any knots, but never cut the cords.
- Pull the cords gently from both ends until the curtain is gathered to your required width, spacing the pleats evenly.
- Tie off the cords neatly and tuck the loose ends into the pocket or wind them around a cord tidy, so they can be released later for washing.
- Insert hooks into the heading tape pockets about every 7-10 cm. Choose the pocket row according to how high you want the curtain to sit.
- Attach to the track glides or rings on the pole.
- Smooth the folds by hand and let the curtains hang for a day to settle. Light steaming helps remove packaging creases.
Care Tips
- Check the label first, as some are machine washable and others are dry-clean only.
- Release the cords and flatten the heading before washing.
- Wash at low temperature and avoid high spin speeds.
- Re-gather the curtains after drying.
Styling Ideas
- Bedrooms: Blackout thermal curtains in soft neutral or deep tones.
- Living rooms: Floor-length lined curtains in textured or velvet-look fabric.
- Kitchens: Sill-length lightweight curtains in easy-wash fabric.
- Small rooms: Pale, plain colours and a pole hung high to make the ceiling feel taller.
- Traditional homes: Florals, checks and stripes with matching tie-backs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ready made and made-to-measure pencil pleat curtains?
Ready made curtains come in fixed standard sizes and ship quickly at a lower price. Made-to-measure curtains are cut to your exact window dimensions, with more fabric and finish options, but take longer and cost more.
Can pencil pleat curtains be used on a pole?
Yes. Use curtain rings with hooks, or hooks and pole-friendly glides, depending on your setup.
How much fullness do pencil pleat curtains need?
Aim for around 1.5 to 2 times the track length. Less looks flat; more looks luxurious but needs more fabric.
Are pencil pleat curtains good for blackout?
Yes, if you buy a blackout-lined pair. Combine with a pole or track that extends past the window to reduce light gaps at the sides.
Do ready made pencil pleat curtains come in pairs?
Usually yes. Check the product listing to confirm whether you are getting two panels.
Are pencil pleat curtains old-fashioned?
Not at all. In current fabrics and colours, they work well in modern interiors too, especially in plain, textured or velvet finishes.
Final Thoughts
Ready made pencil pleat curtains deliver a polished, traditional look at a practical price. Measure your track, choose the right lining (lined, thermal or blackout), and allow for enough fullness, and you will have a professional finish without the made-to-measure wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ready made and made-to-measure pencil pleat curtains?
Ready made curtains come in fixed standard sizes and ship quickly at a lower price. Made-to-measure curtains are cut to your exact window dimensions, with more fabric and finish options, but they take longer and cost more.
Can pencil pleat curtains be used on a pole?
Yes. Use curtain rings with hooks, or hooks with pole-friendly glides, depending on your setup. They also work on tracks, which makes them more flexible than eyelet curtains.
How much fullness do pencil pleat curtains need?
Aim for a flat curtain width of about 1.5 to 2 times your track length. Less looks flat, while more looks richer but needs more fabric.
Are pencil pleat curtains good for blackout?
Yes, if you buy a blackout-lined pair. Use a pole or track that extends past the window frame to reduce light gaps at the sides.
Do ready made pencil pleat curtains come in pairs?
Usually yes. Always check the product listing to confirm you are getting two panels.
Are pencil pleat curtains old-fashioned?
Not at all. In plain, textured or velvet-look fabrics, they suit modern interiors as well as traditional ones.
What size ready made pencil pleat curtains do I need?
Measure your track or pole length, then choose a width that gives 1.5 to 2 times fullness. For the drop, measure from the track or pole down to your preferred length: sill, below sill or floor.
Can you wash ready made pencil pleat curtains?
Many can be machine washed at a low temperature, but check the care label first. Release the cords before washing and re-gather the curtains after drying.
Do pencil pleat curtains need a special curtain track?
No. Standard curtain tracks and poles work. You just need curtain hooks (and rings for poles) to attach the heading tape.
Add comment