If you've ever found yourself standing in the middle of a home goods store or scrolling through endless pages of home decor sites, you've probably wondered what is the top part of a curtain called while trying to figure out why one set looks so different from another. It's one of those weirdly specific things where you know exactly what you're looking at, but the technical term just escapes you. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. Most people just point and say "the part where the rod goes," but knowing the real names can save you a lot of headache when you're actually trying to style a room.
The short answer is that the very top section of a curtain—the part that actually attaches to the rod or track—is officially known as the header or the heading. But, like most things in interior design, it's not always that simple. Depending on what you're looking at, you might be talking about the decorative fabric hanging over the top, the hardware holding it up, or the specific way the fabric is sewn.
It All Starts with the Header
The header is essentially the "business end" of the curtain. It's where all the structural work happens. If you think of a curtain like a pair of pants, the header is the waistband. It determines how the fabric hangs, how it folds, and how easily it slides across the window.
When you're looking at different headers, you'll notice they change the whole vibe of the room. A simple rod pocket header (where the fabric is just folded over to create a tube for the rod) looks casual and a bit soft. On the other hand, a pinch pleat header looks much more formal and structured because the fabric is gathered and sewn into permanent folds.
Most people don't realize how much the header affects the length of the curtain, too. If you have a tab top (those little fabric loops), the curtain is going to hang lower than if you have a grommet top where the rod goes directly through the fabric. It's a small detail, but it's the difference between your curtains hitting the floor perfectly or hovering awkwardly two inches above the carpet.
When People Say "The Top Part," They Often Mean a Valance
Sometimes when someone asks what is the top part of a curtain called, they aren't actually talking about the header of the curtain itself. Instead, they're looking at a separate decorative piece that sits in front of the curtains. This is usually a valance.
Valances had a massive moment in the 80s and 90s—you probably remember those heavy, ruffled floral things in your grandma's kitchen. But they've made a bit of a comeback in a more modern, streamlined way. A valance is basically a short piece of fabric that covers the uppermost part of the window. Its main job is to hide the curtain rod and the "messy" part of the header, or just to add a bit of extra color without blocking any light.
There are a few different types of valances you might run into: * Swag Valances: These are draped over the rod so they hang down in a curve in the middle with "tails" on the sides. Very classic, very elegant. * Box Pleat Valances: These are flat and structured, giving a very clean, architectural look. * Scalloped Valances: These have a wavy bottom edge, which adds a bit of softness and movement to a window.
The Difference Between a Valance and a Cornice
This is where things get a little technical, but it's worth knowing. While a valance is made of soft fabric, a cornice is a solid structure. Think of a cornice as a wooden box that's been upholstered or painted. It's mounted above the window and the curtains hang underneath it.
Cornices are great if you want a really high-end, custom look. Because they're solid, they do a fantastic job of hiding all the hardware—rods, brackets, strings, you name it. If you've got a bulky motorized curtain track that looks a bit industrial, a cornice is the perfect way to make it disappear.
In some circles, you might also hear these called pelmets. The terms are often used interchangeably, but "pelmet" is more common in the UK and Australia, while "cornice" is the go-to in the US. Either way, it's that hard, boxy thing at the top of the window.
Breaking Down the Most Common Heading Styles
Since the "top part" is usually the header, it helps to know what the different styles are called so you can actually find what you want online.
Grommet Tops
These are the ones with the big metal rings punched through the fabric. They're super popular because they're incredibly easy to install—you just thread the rod through the rings. They create big, loose folds and have a very modern, "industrial-lite" feel.
Rod Pockets
This is the most basic style. It's just a pocket of fabric sewn into the top. You slide the rod through, and the fabric bunches up. It's cheap, it's easy, but it's not the best if you plan on opening and closing your curtains every day because the fabric tends to "grab" the rod.
Tab Tops and Hidden Tabs
Tab tops have exposed loops of fabric. They're very casual—think beach house or a kid's bedroom. Hidden tabs (or back tabs) are the cooler, more sophisticated older brother. The loops are sewn onto the back of the curtain, so the rod is hidden and the fabric looks like it's floating.
Pleated Headers
There are a million types of pleats. You've got pinch pleats (the classic three-finger fold), goblet pleats (which look like a wine glass), and pencil pleats (thin, tight folds). These usually require "curtain hooks" that slide into a track or clip onto rings.
Don't Forget the Hardware
Sometimes the "top part" isn't fabric at all—it's the stuff holding the fabric up. If you're looking at the very ends of the curtain rod, those decorative knobs are called finials. They come in everything from simple black spheres to giant crystal or carved wood designs.
Then there's the bracket, which is the L-shaped piece of metal that screws into the wall to hold the rod. And if you've got a fancy setup, you might have a traverse rod, which is a rod with a built-in pulley system so you can open the curtains by pulling a cord.
Why Does Any of This Matter?
You might think, it's just a curtain, who cares what it's called? But knowing the difference between a header, a valance, and a cornice actually changes how you shop. If you tell a designer you want "a thing at the top," they might sell you a $500 custom cornice when all you really wanted was a $20 rod pocket curtain.
The top of the curtain also dictates how high you should hang your rod. If you're using grommet curtains, the rod is visible, so you want a nice-looking rod. If you're using a valance, you can use a cheap, ugly utility rod because no one is ever going to see it.
Also, the "top part" affects how much light leaks into the room. If you're a light sleeper, you probably want a header that sits close to the wall or even a cornice to "cap" the top of the window and block that annoying sliver of morning sun that always seems to hit you right in the eyes.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, if you're asking what is the top part of a curtain called, you're usually looking for the word header. It's the foundation of the whole window treatment. Whether you go for a modern grommet, a formal pleat, or hide the whole thing behind a decorative valance or cornice, that top section is what gives the curtain its personality.
Next time you're redecorating, you can walk into the store with confidence. Instead of gesturing vaguely at the ceiling, you can ask for a "pinch pleat header with a matching valance," and everyone will think you've secretly been binge-watching professional interior design seminars. Or, at the very least, you'll end up with curtains that actually fit your windows and look exactly the way you pictured them in your head.