One of the most common questions when specifying curtain eyelets is whether to use plastic or metal. Both have their place, but choosing the wrong type can lead to premature failure, an unprofessional finish, or unnecessary cost. This guide compares both materials honestly so you can make the right decision for every project.
What are plastic eyelets?
Plastic curtain eyelets are manufactured from engineering polymers — most commonly nylon (PA), polycarbonate (PC), or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). They work on the same two-piece, press-fit principle as metal eyelets: a front ring and a back washer are crimped together through a hole in the fabric. Plastic eyelets are widely available in a limited range of colours (typically white, black, and transparent) and in the most popular sizes for domestic curtain rods.
Advantages of plastic eyelets
- Lightweight: Plastic adds virtually no weight to a curtain header, which is valuable for very lightweight voile or sheer panels.
- No rust: Unlike untreated steel, plastic will not corrode in humid conditions, making it superficially suitable for bathrooms.
- Lower cost: Plastic eyelets are typically the cheapest option per unit, which can matter on very large volume projects.
- Quiet operation: Plastic slides along a metal rod with less noise than metal-on-metal contact.
- No scratching: A plastic eyelet will not mark or scratch a decorative curtain rod finish.
Disadvantages of plastic eyelets
- UV degradation: Most polymers yellow and become brittle after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Plastic eyelets in a south-facing room can deteriorate visibly within two to three years.
- Limited sizes: Plastic eyelets are produced in a narrower size range than metal, typically covering rods up to 28 mm. Larger diameter rods almost always require metal eyelets.
- Less professional finish: Even with a metallic-look coating, plastic eyelets rarely achieve the same visual quality as solid metal, which matters in premium residential or commercial projects.
- Lower pull-out strength: Plastic is less rigid than metal, so under sustained load — particularly with heavy lined curtains — there is greater risk of the eyelet distorting or pulling through the fabric.
- Thermal sensitivity: In very hot conditions (conservatories, south-facing windows in summer) plastic eyelets can soften and deform, causing the curtain to hang unevenly.
Comparison table
| Property | Plastic eyelets | Metal eyelets (brass / stainless steel) |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 3–5 years (UV exposed) | 10–20+ years |
| Corrosion resistance | Good (no metal to corrode) | Excellent (brass/stainless) |
| Available sizes | Limited (up to ~28 mm rod) | Full range (16–50 mm rod) |
| Cost per unit | Low | Medium to high |
| Aesthetic quality | Basic | Premium |
| Pull-out strength | Low to medium | High |
| Outdoor use | Not recommended | Recommended (correct grade) |
| Thermal resistance | Limited | Excellent |
When to use plastic eyelets
Plastic curtain eyelets are a reasonable choice when all of the following conditions are met:
- The curtain is lightweight (voile, sheer, thin cotton or polyester)
- The application is indoor, away from direct prolonged sunlight
- The curtain rod is a standard domestic diameter (16–25 mm)
- The project is temporary or the budget is strictly limited
- Aesthetic finish is not a priority
When to use metal eyelets
Metal curtain eyelets are the professional standard and should always be specified when:
- The curtain fabric is medium-weight or heavy (lined, interlined, blackout, velvet)
- The application is outdoors, in a conservatory, or in a humid room such as a bathroom
- The rod diameter exceeds 28 mm
- A premium or long-lasting finish is required (hotels, show homes, bespoke interiors)
- The curtains will be opened and closed frequently (high cycle life requirement)
- The eyelets will be used on awnings, tarpaulins, or any non-curtain application involving tension or outdoor exposure
At Industria Acosta Pramon S.A. we manufacture curtain eyelets exclusively in metal — brass, stainless steel, aluminium, and steel with decorative finishes — because we believe the long-term performance and appearance of metal is simply not matched by plastic. If you are unsure which material and finish is right for your project, contact us and we will be happy to advise and send free samples.