At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
How do I Choose the Best Curtain Tie Backs?
Choosing the best curtain tie backs can be both easy and fun if you aren't afraid to be creative. There are many types of tie back curtain accessories for sale in stores as well as more unique ones you can put together yourself to add personal style to your home. Whether you use bought or homemade curtain tie backs, the main things to keep in mind are size and overall appearance.
As a general rule, the heavier the drapery, the larger and bulkier the curtain tieback should be. For example, heavy velvet curtains may need to be held back with thick iron tie backs that must be installed into the wall. Lightweight sheer curtains may only require a thin ribbon tie back that is simply tacked into place on each side of the window.
Keeping in with your decor theme or general style is important when choosing tie backs for your curtains. For example, metal leaf-shaped curtain tie backs could be the perfect accent in a room with a lot of plants. Modern, stainless steel tie backs with clean lines would work best in a contemporary living space. Traditional tie back styles could include silk tassels or similar embellishments.
For rustic spaces, rope or another rugged material could be used to fashion drapery tie backs. A simple metal loop attached to the wall could hold the rope curtain tie backs. Tie backs for elegant living rooms could include fine metal chains with small crystal beads or strips of wide satin or velvet ribbon. Much like the difference cabinet hardware can make to the overall look of a kitchen, tie backs often create significant impact in a room. They can add interesting detail to windows, while also serving the useful purpose of holding curtains open to allow sunlight to enter a room.
Since tie backs are located on either side of a window, they tend to capture the eye, especially if they stand out from the wall color. If you prefer a more blended look, choose a curtain tie back color close to that of your wall. The color of the tiebacks should complement the curtains rather than look mismatched. If you have a dramatic style of drapery on a window, make sure to continue the mood in the curtain tie backs. Something too plain in this case is likely to seem out of place and take away from the overall impact of your drapes.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Curtain tiebacks can blend in or catch the eye.]()
By: koleg68Curtain tiebacks can blend in or catch the eye. -
![Curtain tie backs with beaded embellishments add to elegance.]()
By: Vyacheslav PlyasenkoCurtain tie backs with beaded embellishments add to elegance. -
![Heavier drapes and curtains often require stronger, bigger and bulkier tie backs.]()
By: LoloStockHeavier drapes and curtains often require stronger, bigger and bulkier tie backs.
Discussion Comments
@Mae82 - One of the easiest things you can do is take a picture of your curtains and hit the fabric stores and a home decoration shop. See if you can find some lovely thick ribbon and pick up some curtain tie back hardware. There is plenty you can do when you find the right fabric. I think that a simple thick tie with an added attachment so it can fit your hardware is the best way to go.
If you want to get really creative and have themes in any of your rooms you can add elements of that to your fabric. For example I have seashells glued to my drapery hardware in the bathrooms. It looks great.
Can anyone give me some tips for making curtain tie backs that are stylish and easy to make?
I am doing a bit of home renovation and am trying to save on costs. It seems that the small details can really make a big difference when it comes to your budget. I have so many rooms to do that making my own tie back seems like the least I can do to start saving money. I am not the best craftsperson around but I can certainly work a glue gun and sewing machine so hopefully that is enough. I am always up for a bit of a challenge.
@Oceana – I like your friend's belt idea. I might try that out!
I have been using some beaded curtain tie backs, but I don't really like the way they make my curtains hang. They allow them to droop too much, and often, they appear uneven.
The tie backs are actually some necklaces that my aunt gave me. I didn't want to wear them, so I found another use for them. They are clearly not performing as well as I had hoped.
I'm going to see what I can do with my leather belts. My curtains are brown, so at least the tie backs would match.
I have seen some rather easy curtain tie back ideas at work in my friends' homes. They like to use things that they already have in their homes, particularly things that need a place to be hung. This could be called creative laziness.
One of my friends uses belts as curtain tie backs. She used the nails that were already on the sides of the window frames to hang the metal part of the belt on, and she wraps the belts around her curtains and tightens it up as much as she needs.
Another friend of mine had lengthy cables running around his window, so he diverted them to the middle of the frame and used them to hold his curtains back. This doesn't look as good as the belts my other friend uses, but it is functional.
My cousin and his wife live on a ranch, and the décor of their home is western. His wife is very crafty, and she made their curtains and tie backs.
She used burlap to make curtain panels to cover the large front window. She painted horses and cattle on it, and it looks very professional.
For tie backs, she used some of the same rope that her husband uses to rope cattle. She attached actual horse shoes to the wall to serve as loops to hold the tie backs.
I am really impressed by her creativity and her ability to do something like this. I could never have figured out how to put everything together so well.
The curtains my mother bought for my bedroom came with a matching valance and curtain tie backs. I was glad, because in the other rooms, my mother used shoe strings to tie the curtains back, and I had been hoping for something more tasteful.
My new curtains were lacy and white. The tie backs were made of a silky material twisted into a rope. They had soft, thick tassels on the ends.
The tie backs actually looked more elegant than the curtains. I kept them hanging on nails in the exact position they needed to be to hold my curtains back.
Post your comments