Eyelet Curtains: Rings, Poles, Fullness and the Best Fabrics

By the JOTEX Fabrics product team · Updated

Short answer

Eyelet curtains, also called grommet curtains, have metal or plastic rings set into a stiffened heading, and the curtain pole runs straight through the rings. They fall into deep, even folds, slide easily by hand and need no hooks. They use about 1.5 to 2 times the pole width in fabric, hang from a pole only, and suit medium-weight fabrics best.

How eyelet curtains work

A stiff heading tape or buckram is sewn into the top of the curtain, holes are cut through it at even spacing, and a two-part ring is pressed together through each hole. The pole threads through the rings. Because the fabric passes alternately in front of and behind the pole, the curtain falls into regular, rounded folds, and the rings glide along the pole when the curtain is pulled.

The spacing between eyelets sets the depth of the folds: wider spacing makes deeper folds and uses more fabric. Always use an even number of eyelets per curtain, so both edges turn back towards the wall.

Eyelet vs S-fold vs French pleat

EyeletS-foldFrench pleat
Hangs fromPole onlyS-fold trackTrack or pole with rings
Typical fullnessAbout 1.5 to 2 timesAbout 1.8 to 2.2 timesAbout 2.5 times
LookCasual to contemporaryClean, modernTailored, formal
Light above the curtainYes, above the poleLittle on a ceiling trackLittle on a ceiling track
MotorisedGenerally notVery well suitedYes, on motorised tracks
MakingSimpleSimple, with heading tapeMore sewing

See S-Fold Curtains, French Pleat Curtains and Curtain Styles Explained for the other headings.

Choosing the pole and rings

  • Ring size. The ring's inner diameter must be comfortably larger than the pole so it slides freely: for example, 40 mm rings on a pole up to about 28 mm.
  • Finish. Match the ring finish to the pole, such as chrome, brass, black or white, or choose rings that tone with the fabric.
  • Long windows. Rings cannot pass a centre support bracket on a standard pole. On wide windows, use a pole with passing brackets, or hang two curtains that each stop at the centre bracket.
  • Ends. Many curtain makers put the last eyelet outside the end bracket, between bracket and finial, so the edge of the curtain stays put and blocks light at the side.
  • Height and width. Fix the pole 10 to 15 cm above the window frame and extend it beyond the frame on each side, so the open curtains stack clear of the glass.

How to measure for eyelet curtains

  • Width: measure the length of the pole between the finials, not the window.
  • Drop: measure from the top of the pole to where the curtain should end. The heading sits a few centimetres above the pole, so tell your curtain maker the measurement is from the top of the pole.
  • Hem: for floor-length curtains, allow about 1 cm clearance above the floor so the hem does not drag.

How much fabric eyelet curtains need

Multiply the pole width by the fullness, about 1.5 to 2 times, then add side hems. Example: a 2.4 m pole at 1.8 times fullness and a 2.5 m drop needs about 4.3 m of finished curtain.

  • With an extra-wide fabric (300 cm), railroaded: about 4.7 m in two seamless lengths.
  • The same fabric used upright: each curtain fits within one width, so two drops of about 2.8 m, about 5.6 m, with no joins.
  • With a narrow 140 cm fabric: four widths joined, about 11.2 m, plus pattern repeats if the fabric is patterned.

These are approximations; allowances vary by workroom, so confirm the order quantity with your curtain maker.

The best fabrics for eyelet curtains

FabricResultTips
DimoutExcellentThe everyday choice; forms deep, even folds
Linen-look and textured weavesExcellentSuit the relaxed look of eyelets
BlackoutGoodLight still shows above the pole; add a pelmet in bedrooms
VelvetGoodHeavy: use a sturdy pole and larger rings so it slides
SheerGoodUse 2 times fullness so the sheer does not look thin between rings
JacquardGoodPlan the pattern so it sits evenly between the rings

Lining helps eyelet curtains hang in fuller folds and protects the fabric from sun. The lining is usually sewn in, so it moves with the curtain through the rings.

When to choose another style

  • You need a dark bedroom. Light shows above the pole; a ceiling track with S-fold or French pleat closes the gap.
  • You want motorised curtains. Eyelets hang from a pole; motorised systems are tracks. JOTEX Sunshades supplies motorised tracks.
  • The window has a curtain recess or pelmet box. A track fits inside; a pole usually does not.
  • The room is formal. French pleats give a more tailored finish.

Dimouts for eyelet curtains

Medium-weight dimouts that fall into deep, even eyelet folds. See all of them on the dimout fabric page.

  • ALASKA
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 30 colourways
  • ARMANI
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 36 colourways
  • COMO
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 61 colourways
  • CORA
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 56 colourways
  • DANI
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 32 colourways
  • GLAVIN
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 22 colourways
  • INDIGO
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 31 colourways
  • KAYLA
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 27 colourways
  • KENDLE
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 32 colourways
  • LEXI
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 32 colourways
  • LIBERTY
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 34 colourways
  • LYNN
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 20 colourways
  • MELA
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 30 colourways
  • MISIA
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 35 colourways
  • OREGON
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 39 colourways
  • PEMA
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 31 colourways
  • RANEY
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 31 colourways
  • REGENT
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% POLYESTER · 32 colourways
  • ROME
    POSH CREATION · 100% PES · 45 colourways
  • SANARA
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% POLYESTER · 25 colourways
  • ULTRA
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 45 colourways

Browse dimout fabric →

Sheers for eyelet curtains

Sheers for eyelet day curtains; use about 2 times fullness. See all of them on the sheer fabric page.

  • ANTONIA
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% POLYESTER · 36 colourways
  • CALGARY
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% POLYESTER · 48 colourways
  • CALLIE
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 62 colourways
  • DAYLIGHT
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% POLYESTER · 54 colourways
  • DIMOS
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 9 colourways
  • FURLEY
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 44 colourways
  • GRADIENT
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% POLYESTER · 6 colourways
  • HENSLEY
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 30 colourways
  • MAPLE
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 27 colourways
  • MARTHA
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% POLYESTER · 24 colourways
  • MIA
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 34 colourways
  • NATORI
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% PES · 47 colourways
  • OBERON
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 29 colourways
  • PISO
    JOTEX FABRICS · 100% POLYESTER · 4 colourways
  • VALERY
    JOTEX FABRICS · 80% PES 20% LINEN · 31 colourways
  • ZONA
    POSH CREATION · 100% POLYESTER · 17 colourways

Browse sheer fabric →

Frequently asked questions

What are eyelet curtains?

Curtains with metal or plastic rings set into a stiffened heading. The curtain pole runs through the rings, so the curtain falls into deep, even folds and slides easily by hand. They are also called grommet curtains.

How much wider than the pole should eyelet curtains be?

About 1.5 to 2 times the pole width in total, plus side hems. Use the higher end for sheers and lighter fabrics so they do not look thin between the rings.

How do I measure the drop for eyelet curtains?

Measure from the top of the pole to where you want the curtain to end, and tell your curtain maker that is how you measured. The heading sits a few centimetres above the pole.

Can eyelet curtains hang on a track?

No. The rings need a pole to run through. If you have a track, or want a ceiling-mounted or motorised system, choose S-fold or a pinch pleat instead.

Are eyelet curtains good for bedrooms?

They work, but light shows above the pole. For a dark bedroom, add a pelmet, or choose S-fold or French pleat on a ceiling track with a blackout fabric or lining.

Why should eyelet curtains have an even number of rings?

With an even number of eyelets, both edges of the curtain turn back towards the wall, which looks neater and blocks light at the sides.

Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?

Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing. Contact the JOTEX team to request samples or open a dealer account.