Beige textured curtains with wave fold design, close-up fabric and draped panel style.

S-Fold vs. Wave Fold: What is the Difference? (The Simple Truth)

If you’ve been browsing interior design magazines lately, you’ve likely fallen in love with that perfectly uniform, flowing curtain style that hangs in a continuous “S” shape. But as soon as you start shopping, you run into two names: S-Fold and Wave Fold.

At HomeCurtains™, we believe in making custom window styling simple. Here is the "insider" truth about the S-Fold vs. Wave Fold debate.

The Short Answer: They Look Identical

From the front view, S-Fold and Wave Fold look virtually identical. Both systems are designed to create the same soft, architectural S-shaped wave. In the Australian design industry, these terms are often used interchangeably.

The Real Difference: It’s All in the Hooks

The difference isn't how the curtains look, but how they attach to the track.

Feature S-Fold Wave Fold
Appearance Soft S-Waves Soft S-Waves
Attachment Button tape snaps Small hooks

Strictly speaking, at HomeCurtains™, we supply a specialized Wave Fold track system. We choose the hook-and-tape system because it offers a more secure, adjustable attachment that achieves that perfect "Designer Wave" effect every single time.

🌊 The Science of the Perfect Wave

When learning how to measure curtains for modern tracks, we calculate width based on carriers (gliders) rather than just a simple multiplier.

S-Fold (Button Attachment)
Formula: Number of Carriers × 125mm
*Note: Count double carriers as 2 each.

Wave-Fold (Hook Attachment)
Standard Look: Number of Carriers × 100mm
Dramatic Look: Number of Carriers × 120mm

See it in Action

Want to see exactly how these curtains move and hang? Check out this quick video from our workroom:

▶ Watch: S-Fold Curtains in Action on TikTok

▶ Watch: Wave-Fold Curtain Tracks in Action on TikTok

The Expert Verdict

Traditional pleats are for traditional homes. If you have a modern Australian space, the Wave/S-Fold look is the gold standard for that "Hotel Luxury" finish.

Ready to upgrade? Start with our sheer curtains or pair your new look with our Extendable Wave Fold Track for a professional showroom result at a fraction of the cost.

Back to blog

CURRENTLY TRENDING

Find your new favorite items with our curated collection of best-selling products. Discover what other customers can't get enough of.