Eyelet curtains are a simple way to dress up almost any window for a very reasonable price.

When most people think of curtains and draperies, the tendency is to associate draperies with heavier fabrics and being of floor length. They also, in most people's minds, tend to be hung from drapery hooks and pulled back and forth by means of a drapery rod, with sliding eyelets on the rod for the drapery hooks. Their construction tends to be complex, particularly regarding the mounting system.


Curtains, on the other hand, in most minds, are typically of a lighter construction, although lined curtains are quite popular. They are less formal, and generally cover only the opening over which they are mounted. They may be mounted as described above for draperies, but eyelet curtains are also popular.

The term "eyelet" refers to an opening near the top of the curtain which is usually encircled by stitching or some type of grommet made of a hard material such as plastic or metal. The eyelets may be small and intended to accept a hook or ring which in turn is suspended from a rod. In other cases, the eyelet itself may be of a larger diameter and allow for the passage of the rod right through the fabric.

In either case, the curtain is designed to be of such a width that the mounting of the curtain to the rod allows for a natural, graceful pleating of the curtain material. A shower curtain is a common example of an eyelet curtain.

One aspect of the popularity of eyelet curtains is the fact that they lend themselves to being homemade. They are of rather simple construction and are not too intimidating for even beginning sewers. Curtain tape is available as a means of reinforcing the eyelets. It is a strip of sturdy material sewn at the top of the curtain on the back side which is resistant to tearing or other damage, and allows even sheer fabrics to be used as curtains.

Naturally, homemade curtains allow for the greatest range of variety in seeking a particular look. Ready made curtains bought straight off the shelf are most convenient, but one is limited to the offerings of any particular dealer or the number of dealers one is willing to visit. Of course, with the popularity of the internet, it's possible to buy curtains online in a huge assortment of styles, colors and sizes. Buying curtains this way, however, is always subject to the vagaries of buying without actually seeing and feeling the product, and may result in some disappointments.

Another option when one wants to buy curtains is made to measure curtains. In this case the buyer provides careful measurements of the opening or area desired to be covered. He or she will also select the fabric to be used. If one is dealing locally, it's possible to examine the material before assembly begins so there are no surprises later.

This is generally the most expensive option, but is almost sure to yield a happy result. In fact, when buying locally, the customer may simply have the provider come out and measure the designated openings and bring along samples of fabric or use material supplied by the buyer. In that case, it's rare for there to be a disappointment.

For a contemporary look that is simple and easy to hang, take a look at the possibility of using eyelet curtains for either a formal or more casual setting. This style of curtain is very adaptable and is conducive to all kinds of curtain fabrics. The name of the curtain style refers to the eyelet holes that are punched into the top of the curtains that are used to hang on curtain rods.  The ones shown at left are available at amazon.com

There are a few things to remember when using this style of curtain. Firstly, when measuring for eyelet curtains it is important to understand that the curtains will project higher than the curtain rod, which also means that they will not fall quite as far as you might first expect. The curtain rod should be fixed around 10cm above the window and the curtain will rise a further 2cm above the curtain rod. Take this into account when attempting work out how far above the floor they will hang.

Because the curtains are suspended from eyelet holes punched into the fabric, there will be some drag created on the fabric itself. A heavier fabric will put greater stress on the eyelets and will create more potential for rips or tears. To avoid this possibility your eyelet curtains should be made from materials that are on the lighter side.

One of the features of using eyelet curtains is that your curtain rod is displayed more fully than with other styles. This means that you have the opportunity to create a feature of your curtain rod, something that would otherwise be completely overlooked in a room. A striking black wrought iron curtain rod complete with showy finials could turn an otherwise drab room into an elegantly themed masterpiece.

Showing off the straight lined pleats with decorative tiebacks or framed with a valance will complete the strong character created by the curtains.

For ease of use and the decorative features of the curtains themselves, eyelet curtains have the ability to add considerable interest to any room.