Choosing the correct gather (fullness) is one of the biggest factors that determines how your curtains will look. In South Africa, most curtain styles follow set ratios to ensure your curtains hang beautifully and avoid the “flat”, supermarket-curtain look.
1. What Is “Gather” or “Fullness”?
Gather refers to how much extra fabric is used to create pleats or folds.
More fullness = a richer, luxury look.
Less fullness = cost-saving, but can look too flat.
2. Recommended Gather Ratios in South Africa
| Curtain Style | Recommended Fullness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil Pleat | ×2 – ×2.2 | Most popular in SA homes. Needs extra fabric. |
| Pinch Pleat (2 or 3 finger) | ×1.8 – ×2 | Fullness is partly built into the pleats. |
| Eyelet Curtains | ×1.5 – ×1.8 | Rod must be visible; avoid too much fullness. |
| S-Fold / Wave Curtains | ×2 | Clean modern look; requires exact track. |
| Sheer Voile Curtains | ×2.5 – ×3 | Sheers need more fullness to look soft and airy. |
| Blockout Curtains | ×1.8 | Too much fullness can make blockouts stiff. |
3. How to Calculate Gather
Formula:
Track/Rod Width × Fullness Ratio
Example:
- Track width = 240 cm
- Curtain type = Pencil Pleat (×2)
240 × 2 = 480 cm of curtain fabric needed
4. How Gather Impacts the Look
More Gather
- Luxury hotel look
- Deeper folds
- Heavier, richer finish
Less Gather
- Budget-friendly
- Simpler look
- May leave thin, flat sections
5. South African Practical Tips
- Sheers should always have more fullness than blockouts.
- In windy cities like Cape Town, more fullness helps curtains stay in shape.
- For renters, eyelet curtains with ×1.7 gather offer good balance between cost and style.
- For tall Pretoria ceilings, ×2 fullness gives the best proportions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fullness ensures your curtains look professional and long-lasting. If you need help determining fullness per room, contact Ebi & Co Interiors.