Pinch Pleating Ikea Curtains

If you own the popular IKEA SANELA curtains (or any store-bought panels!), you already know they offer amazing quality for the price. But let's be honest: the standard grommet or rod-pocket top looks a little... basic.

If you're looking for that high-end, tailored aesthetic—the kind you see in designer catalogs—I have the perfect DIY solution for you.

The secret is adding pinch pleats. This easy DIY method will instantly elevate your IKEA drapes, making them look custom-made and significantly more luxurious. 

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Almost two years ago, I brought home those beautiful, smooth IKEA SANELA velvet panels after a successful shopping spree. They instantly upgraded our breakfast nook and family room. However, there was one thing I absolutely disliked: the messy, standard look at the top of the drapes.

In this post, I'll show you exactly how to transform your panels and add pinch pleats to your IKEA curtains for a designer finish! 

Ready to ditch the messy curtain top? Let's get started!

| Pendant Light  | Chairs | Curtains | Throw Blanket |

I remember trying to improve the look of those curtains by adding pleats using clips on the back. 

The picture below is how they looked with the clips on the back. 

Somehow, I didn't like it and left them alone.

When I was about to decorate for Christmas this past December, I removed the summer drapes, and the green velvet curtains were ready to be hung again.

This time around, I made sure to buy the pleat hooks.

And yes, they're from the People's Republic of China (PRC). I had no idea they were manipulating their name. I had to Google PRC to find out it's just China. 🙄 

| Curtain Pleat Hooks |

These four-prong drapery hooks are designed to work with wide pinch pleat tape. It creates a triple-pinch pleat.

A great variety of Ikea and store-bought drapes come with the pinch pleat tape already in place. The one thing we have to do is measure and plan how far apart we want the pleats to be. 

My plan was to create a pleat in each section between the tabs that hang the curtain on a curtain rod. 

I liked that those sections were distributed precisely the same for all of these Sanela drapes.

Using white chalk, I marked the pockets in the tape where the hook prongs will be inserted to create the pleat. I skip two spaces.

| Velvet Curtains |

Inserting the prongs into each pocket takes time. The tape has three sections. 

Getting the prongs into that thin first section was done one prong at a time. No trouble at all.

For the second and third sections of pockets along the tape, it's best to insert the center prongs first. Then, twist the hook to insert the outer prongs into each corresponding pocket.

It takes some time. However, after the third hook, you will be a pro.

You'll end up with triple-pinched pleats on the right side of the curtain.

The curtain is 54". After nine triple-pinch pleats, the width comes down to about 35".

I used the same rings with clips that I had to hang the curtains.

| Curtain Ring with Clip |

I love how neat they now look.

With a bit of time and investment, you can give your store-bought drapes a custom look.

Here, looking the other way.

| Rug | Chair | Pillow |

But hey, it's now tea time!

| Cup | Candle |

I'm going to warm up in the best seat in the house! 🔥

I hope you've enjoyed this post. I'm bracing for the onslaught of bright pink and reds on social media! 

Are you all ready for Valentine's Day this year? 

I might be adding some of those tones to this monotone room ;)

For more curtain repair and ideas, check these out!

HOW TO MAKE CURTAINS LONGER

REPAIR A CURTAIN ROD ANCHOR

GIVE ROMAN SHADES A BRAND-NEW LOOK

*This post contains affiliate links.

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