Heavy pleated curtains hung with sturdy hardware in a bright room, showing support for lined drapes

For heavy, double-lined pleated curtains, should I use metal pin hooks or plastic sliders?

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    Choosing the right hook depends entirely on the weight of your fabric and the type of header. For heavy, pleated drapes, metal pin hooks (or 'stab' hooks) are the industry standard. They are inserted directly into the back of the curtain header tape and provide the structural integrity needed to maintain crisp pleats without bending. Plastic hooks, while more affordable and rust-proof, tend to become brittle over time due to UV exposure. For high-end window treatments, metal is preferred for its longevity and weight-bearing capacity. To prevent sagging, hooks should be spaced every 4 to 6 inches. Proper hook placement should allow the top of the curtain to sit roughly half an inch above the rod to hide the hardware for a professional look.