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Ripple Fold (S Wave) Curtains
Ripple Fold curtains, also called S Wave: an even wave, from top to bottom. The clean look of condos and hotels, in your home.
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What it changes
The benefits
Ripple Fold, also called S Wave, forms a continuous wave from the top to the bottom of the curtain, whether it's open or closed. The look is contemporary and even. The track can be manual or Somfy motorized, especially for large glass walls.
The clean look
Without the traditional pinch pleats, Ripple Fold gives a crisp, continuous, almost architectural curtain. It's the style associated with high-end contemporary interiors.
Open or closed, always neat
The wave stays even even when stacked to one side: no crushed pleats, no badly hanging fabric.
Recessed track possible
The track disappears into the ceiling: all you see is the fabric, ceiling to floor, with no visible hardware.
Curved tracks
The same track bends to follow a bay, a corner or a rounded shape, without losing the evenness of the wave.
Can be motorized for large walls
On a 15- or 20-foot glass wall, pulling a curtain by hand becomes a chore; a Somfy motor does it with one button, smoothly, without jerks.
Works with all fabrics
Light sheer or heavier fabric: Ripple Fold works with most textiles, from the most understated to the most luxurious.
How it works
How it works
- A track, evenly spaced carriersThe fabric is attached to the track by carriers at regular intervals — it's this constant spacing that creates the S-shaped wave, hence the name S Wave, unlike pinch pleats that form clusters.
- A fullness setting, for the depth of the waveFullness — 60, 80, 100 or 120% — determines the amount of fabric per foot of track, and therefore the depth of the wave. The higher the percentage, the fuller the wave and the more luxurious the curtain.
- An exposed or recessed trackThe track can stay exposed, discreet in aluminum, or disappear completely into the ceiling (recessed track) for a finish with no visible mechanism — just the fabric falling from the ceiling.
- Manual or motorizedA draw wand to open and close it by hand, like in a good hotel. Or a Somfy motor, for long tracks, glass walls you don't want to pull, or simply comfort.
Gallery
Recent installations
Specifications
The numbers
- Pleat style
- Even wave — Ripple Fold or S Waveconstant-spacing carriers
- Fullness
- 60%, 80%, 100% or 120%amount of fabric per foot of track; 80% is the most common choice
- Track
- Exposed (aluminum) or recessed in the ceilingrecessed manual track: up to 6 m, can be curved to a 10 cm radius
- Manual operation
- Draw wand, like in a hotel
All specifications
- Motorized operation
- Somfy Glydea or Somfy IrismoGlydea: hardwired, heavier loads; Irismo: rechargeable battery, no wire to run
- Motorized track length
- Up to 39 ft (Glydea Ultra 60e)depending on the motor chosen
- Fabric weight supported
- Up to 132 lb on a single trackwith the Glydea 60e motor; the manual track supports about 8 kg per metre
- Configurations
- Straight, curved, single or double track
- Track colours
- White, grey, black, brown, gold, beige, creamcustom colours on request
- Mounting
- On the ceiling or the wall, ceiling to floor for maximum effect
Manual or motorized: two different systems
The manual draw-wand track and the Somfy motorized track aren't the same product: a manual track that's already installed can't be motorized after the fact. If you think you might motorize one day, it's best to decide before installation. One more thing to know: a motorized track driven by a wired Glydea motor needs an electrical outlet near the track; the battery-powered Irismo version installs with no wire, but needs recharging from time to time.
Where it goes
Applications
High windows and cathedral ceilings
On large high windows, the combination we install most: a motorized solar shade for light control, and over it, a ceiling-to-floor Ripple Fold sheer for softness and the look. Installed from our own scaffolding.
Large picture windows
The glass wall of a living room or dining room, where a classic curtain would lose its effect.
Modern condos and lofts
The architectural, minimalist style that suits contemporary interiors.
Large waterfront homes
More and more in demand for high-end homes with a view, in addition to or instead of a blind.
Primary bedrooms
A curtain falling from ceiling to floor, for a hushed, high-end effect.
Commercial and hospitality
Executive offices, reception halls, hotel rooms: it's where Ripple Fold comes from.
Certified Somfy Expert
Somfy Glydea or Somfy Irismo
Two Somfy curtain motors, both Ripple Fold compatible. The Glydea is hardwired (wire or outlet), designed for heavy fabrics and long tracks. The Irismo runs on a rechargeable battery, with no wire to run, and is simpler to install in an already finished home.
Warranty. The track and the installation are covered by a 5-year warranty from Le Gars des Stores. The Somfy motor, if there is one, is covered for 5 years. The fabrics and the sewing are covered against manufacturing defects.
Our warranties are in addition to the warranties provided by law.
- Glydea: hardwired, up to 132 lb of fabric on a single track, up to 39 ft long depending on the model
- Irismo: rechargeable battery, no wiring, simpler installation in a renovation
- RTS remote, or TaHoma hub for the app, schedules, Alexa, Google, Apple
- Obstacle detection and soft start-stop on both motors
- Installation by our installers; certified Somfy Expert, motors covered for 5 years
Frequently asked questions
We answer
Does it give enough privacy at night, facing a close neighbour?
A sheer on its own, no — it's a translucent fabric. In front of an exposed window, we often combine it with a 3% solar shade underneath: the shade for the day, the Ripple Fold sheer for the look, and together they give the privacy you want once both are closed at night.
Are Ripple Fold and S Wave the same thing?
Yes: two names for the same curtain style, with a continuous, even wave. It's called Ripple Fold in North American English, and S Wave elsewhere, because of the S shape each fold makes.
What's the difference from a pinch pleat curtain?
A pinch pleat gathers the fabric into spaced pinches, with dips between them. Ripple Fold (S Wave) spreads the fabric continuously over closely spaced carriers: the result is an even wave rather than clusters of pleats.
60, 80, 100 or 120% fullness: which should I choose?
Fullness depends on the fabric and the budget. We prefer 120% for sheers and 100% for blackout fabrics when the budget allows. A 60 or 80% fullness uses less fabric and gives a more understated wave.
Can I have a Ripple Fold sheer and blackout together?
Yes, with a double track: the sheer at 120% fullness at the back, near the window, and the blackout at 80% in front, on the room side. It's the same logic as our classic double track, applied to the Ripple Fold style. We also install either one on its own very well, without the other track.
Manual or motorized, how do I choose?
Manual if the track is short, easy to reach, and you like doing it by hand. Motorized if the wall is wide, the track is hard to reach, or you simply want more comfort. It's a choice to make before installation: the two tracks aren't interchangeable.
Glydea or Irismo?
Glydea for heavy fabrics and long tracks, with a fixed power supply. Irismo if you don't want a wire to run, with a rechargeable battery — simpler in a renovation.
Can it be installed in an already finished home?
Yes, especially with the Irismo (battery), which avoids drilling for a wire. The manual track also installs without complications in a finished room.
Can the track be invisible?
Yes, with a track recessed in the ceiling: all you see is the fabric falling, with no visible hardware.
Can it be combined with a blind?
Yes, and it's actually our most frequent combination on high windows: a motorized solar shade behind for the light, the Ripple Fold sheer in front for the look. Each one moves independently.
How much does it cost?
More than a classic pinch pleat track, because the track, fabric and sewing are specific to Ripple Fold; the motor adds to the price. We give you an idea after seeing the room and the wall to cover. Text a photo to (514) 967-3629 to get started.
Where do you install?
The West Island and Montreal, Vaudreuil-Dorion, the South Shore, the North Shore, western Laval, and the Eastern Townships with our local team. Elsewhere, depending on the project.
Free consultation and quote
A large glass wall to dress, a clean look to achieve?
Free in-home consultation and quote, installation included.
Text us a photo of your windows · Texts every day, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. · Free consultation and quote
Somfy®, TaHoma® and RTS® are registered trademarks of Somfy SAS. Reg. TM of Somfy SAS. Le Gars des Stores is an authorized dealer and a certified Somfy Expert.
