tab top curtains

 

A simple, uncomplicated treatment that employs the use of fabric ‘tabs’ on the top of the curtains through which a pole is threaded. Suitable only for poles, rings and heading tapes are not needed.

 

Tab tops offer one of the simplest forms of window treatments and give you the opportunity to use more ornate and fabulous poles.

The tabs usually hang down from the bottom of the pole by 5 or 6 inches so it is important to consider the correct placement of the pole above the window. If the pole is too low then the top of the window may be visible through the tabs which will spoil the effect.

Hanging tab tops could not be simpler. Once the pole is in place, the tabs slide onto the pole ensuring that there is a tab between the finial and bracket on either side. It is worth dressing the curtain, pushing the fabric either behind the pole between each tab, or, outwards between each tab, depending on personal preference. Spray with crease away spray and smooth the curtains downwards, forming perfect folds and leave overnight before closing the curtains.

  

The above images show tab tops with button details on each tabs. This is a very effective way of adding interesting detail to an otherwise plain effect. It also provides the opportunity to bring in a contrasting colour to your scheme.

Alternatively, it is also worth using a different colour fabric to make the tabs. This offers a dramatic counterpoint to the main curtain fabric and gives the opportunity to tie in accent colours from your décor.

 

Measuring for Tab Tops

  • Measure the width of the pole

  • Measure from the top of the pole to where the curtain is to finish

  • Measure the distance between the top of the window to the bottom of the pole to determine the length of the tabs.

 

This image shows long, slender tabs. It is important to remember that the thicker the tabs, the less the curtain will close as the tabs cannot overlap. This can result in less window and consequently less light being revealed.

  

From a practical viewpoint, tab tops are best suited to smaller windows or as dress curtains. Over larger windows, the weight of the curtain, the type of pole and the tabs themselves can make them awkward to open and close. Although the tabs are made of fabric, sliding them easily on a wood or metal pole can be difficult. Also, as tab tops do not pull back away from the window as much as pencil, pinch or eyelet curtains, they do tend to block out more window and light. As a rule of thumb, the more slender the tabs, the better. There should also be as few tabs as possible without affecting the way the curtains hang. Too few will result in the fabric between each tab sagging.

Use tab tops to dress a window by keeping them relatively closed at the top and draping them back with tiebacks. On larger windows this can look spectacular when used in conjunction with roman blinds made in the same or complimentary fabric.

Of course, the big advantage of tab tops is that less fullness, and consequently less fabric, is needed to construct them. Only 1.5 times fullness is needed as opposed to 2 times for pencil pleat. This makes them an ideal candidate if you are on a budget; though do remember that a pole will be needed to hang them from.