Journal · Expert advice
Curtain styles Sydney homeowners are choosing this year
Curtains do more work in a room than almost any other finish. Change the heading style or the fabric and a room can go from flat to considered in an afternoon. If you're planning a refresh or furnishing a new build, here are the styles our Sydney clients are asking for most.
The short version
Key takeaways
- S-Fold and Pinch Pleat remain the two heading styles doing the most work in Sydney homes this year, and the right one depends on your track, ceiling height and the look you want.
- Natural, breathable fabrics like linen and linen blends are the most requested styles across both Sway showrooms.
- Motorisation is moving from a luxury add-on to a standard request, especially for hard-to-reach or oversized windows.
- Layering sheers with a blockout or dimout curtain is the easiest way to get one window doing two jobs.
S-Fold curtains for a clean, modern line
S-Fold, sometimes called wave fold, hangs in soft, continuous waves rather than sharp pleats. It suits floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan living spaces where you want the curtain to read as one clean sweep of fabric. It's become the most requested heading style in both our Belrose and Moore Park showrooms, particularly for new builds on the Northern Beaches.
Pinch Pleat for a more classic look
Pinch Pleat has more structure and a slightly formal finish. It works well in period homes, dining rooms and anywhere you want the curtain to sit with a bit more shape when open. It's a good option if your track or rod is more traditional and you're not chasing the minimalist look.
Natural, breathable fabrics
Linen and linen-blend sheer curtains are the fabric choice clients keep coming back to. They filter light softly, hold up well in Sydney's humidity and suit almost any interior style—coastal, contemporary or classic. If you're after texture without heaviness, this is where to start. For a full rundown of fabric options, see our guide to the best curtain fabrics for Australian homes.
Layered curtains: sheer and blockout on one window
Rather than choosing between light and privacy, more homeowners are running a sheer on the inner track and a blockout or dimout on the outer. You get soft daytime light and full privacy or darkness at night, without swapping curtains with the seasons. For a closer look at how the two compare room by room, see our guide to sheer curtains vs blockout curtains.
Motorised curtains for convenience
Motorisation has moved past luxury add-on status. It's now a common request for oversized windows, high ceilings and hard-to-reach tracks, and it pairs well with S-Fold for an effortless finish. If you're renovating or building, it's worth discussing at the design stage rather than retrofitting later. Read more on how this fits into our design-to-installation process.
Every style above can be seen and felt in person at either of our Sydney showrooms, and our team will help you match the right heading style and fabric to your windows before you commit to anything. The easiest way to know a curtain will suit your home is to see it up close first. Book a free measure and quote and we'll help you land on the right style for your space.
Helpful details
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between S-Fold and Pinch Pleat curtains?
Can I have sheer and blockout curtains on the same window?
Is linen a good curtain fabric for Sydney homes?
Are motorised curtains worth it?
Where can I see these curtain styles in person?
Ready when you are
See it, feel it and find the right finish for your home.
Visit Belrose or Moore Park, or invite our team to your home for a complimentary measure and consultation.
