What can I use for curtain ties?

When it comes to selecting curtain ties, you have plenty of options to choose from. Curtain ties, also known as curtain holdbacks, are decorative cords or ribbons used to tie open curtains. The main purpose of curtain ties is functional – they keep your curtains out of the way when you want them open. But they also serve as an aesthetic embellishment, adding color, texture and visual interest to your window treatments.

What are the most common materials used for curtain ties?

There are several common materials used to make curtain tie backs and holdbacks:

• Fabric – This includes cotton, linen, velvet, silk and other woven fabrics. Fabric ties can be thick cords, twisted ropes, or flat ribbons. They come in every color and pattern imaginable.
• Leather – Leather curtain tie backs add a natural, rustic vibe. You can find ties made of braided leather or leather cords.
• Rope/Cordage – Rope curtain ties are casual and nautical. Jute, hemp, sisal and other natural fiber ropes are common.
• Chain – Metal chain curtain ties have an industrial chic look. Chains can be brass, silver, steel or other metals.
• Rattan & Wood – Natural woven rattan or carved wood ties complement eclectic, boho or tropical style rooms.

In addition to these materials, you can also find curtain holdbacks made of beads, shells, wrought iron or other metals. The options are nearly endless!

What are the different styles of curtain ties?

Curtain holdbacks come in a variety of styles, including:

• Tie backs – These have a loop at each end to attach to curtains or drapery rings. They can have tassels, beads or other embellishments.
• Holdbacks – Holdbacks have a horizontal rod or hook on one end to attach to the wall or window frame. The other end attaches to the curtain.
• Cords – Curtain cords have a tassel, toggle or clip at the end to gather and tie back curtains.
• Ropes – Twisted rope curtain ties give a nautical vibe. They attach to curtain rings or clips.
• ribbons – Flat woven ribbons are popular for tie backs. They can be grosgrain, jacquard, striped or colorful patterns.

You can also find decorative medallions, finials, rods and other hardware to use with your curtain ties. This allows you to coordinate with your décor and window treatment style.

What length should I choose for curtain ties?

Curtain tie length depends on your specific window and how much you want your curtains held back. Some guidelines on length include:

• For small windows, 24-36″ ties are usually sufficient.
• For medium windows, 36-48″ curtain holdbacks work well.
• For large windows and wide curtains, choose extra long ties 48-72″ in length.

Make sure to measure from where your curtain attaches at the rod down to where you want it gathered back. Add an extra 6-12″ inches so you have enough room to tie the curtains off.

Where should I place curtain tie backs on my window?

Curtain holdbacks are normally placed around one-third to halfway across the window frame. But placement depends on your specific window, wall space and how much light control you want.

If you want your curtains pulled back most of the way, position the holdbacks further out on the sides of the window. For a more subtle gather, place them about one-third of the way across the frame.

Make sure you have enough clearance on the adjoining wall to accommodate the holdbacks. If needed, install additional hooks or anchors to attach your curtain ties.

How do I attach curtain tie backs to my curtains?

There are a few ways to attach your curtain holdbacks:

• Curtain rings – Small metal rings can be sewn into the back of curtains. The tie hooks through the ring.
• Clips – Clips like drapery pins clip directly onto the edge of the curtains.
• Tabs – Sew tabs with buttonholes or loops onto the back of your curtains. The tie feeds through the tab.
• Rod pockets – For rod pocket curtains, feed the tie back through the back of the pocket.

Choose the attachment method that works best with your curtain style and construction. Curtain rings provide a very secure hold and work with most curtain types.

How do I attach tie backs to my wall or window frame?

There are several ways to mount your curtain holdbacks in place:

• Screw hooks directly into the window molding or wall.
• Use adhesive hooks for a damage-free install.
• Mount a decorative holdback base or medallion with screws.
• Use velcro-backed ties on velcro strips for easy adjustments.

For heavy drapes on large windows, install sturdy hardware into wall studs. For lightweight ties, basic hooks or adhesive options are fine. Use the hardware included with your holdbacks or select hooks to match your décor.

Should my curtain ties match my curtains?

Matching or coordinating your curtain ties with your window treatments is the most seamless look. But it’s not strictly necessary. Contrasting ties in a complementing color can add visual interest.

Some ideas for coordinating tie backs with curtains include:

• Matching solid colored ties and curtains
• Ties in the same patterned fabric as patterned curtains
• Colorful ties that pick up an accent shade in patterned drapes
• Metallic or leather ties matching metallic sheers or lined curtains

If you want an eclectic mismatched look, combining contrasting styles and colors of ties and curtains can create fun results. Follow your personal taste!

Should I get casual or fancy curtain holdbacks?

Casual curtain ties like cotton rope or jute work well for informal curtain styles like breezy linen drapes. Elegant options like tasseled silk ties or ornate medallions complement formal drapes in satin, velvet or damask.

But you can also mix and match casual ties with dressy curtains for eclectic styling. Consider both your window treatments and overall room décor when selecting the right level of formality.

What are the best curtain ties for living rooms?

Tie Back Style	Description
Fabric	Choose ribbon tie backs that pick up colors and patterns from your living room decor. Wide grosgrain or jacquard ribbons are versatile options.
Twisted Rope	Natural twisted jute or sisal rope ties complement coastal, cottage, or farmhouse style rooms.
Tasseled Cords	For a tailored look, select textured cords finished with beaded or bullion fringe tassels.
Holdbacks	Ornate medallions or carved holdbacks in wood, leather or wrought iron add classic sophistication.

Aim for curtain tie backs that blend well with your curtains and coordinate with the living room’s color palette and style. Stay simple and understated, or make a statement with bold, eye-catching ties.

What are the best curtain ties for bedrooms?

Tie Back Style	Description
Velvet	Luxe velvet ribbon tie backs complement elegant bedrooms. Choose wide ribbons for a luxurious look.
Sheer	Light, airy ties like embroidered ribbon, lace or crochet work perfectly with breezy sheers.
Tassels	For a tailored bedroom, try tie backs ending in long, elegant tassels.
Chain	Polished metal chain ties or beaded chain tassels add subtle sparkle.

Look for tie backs that coordinate with your bedroom’s relaxing vibe. Soft, lightweight ties in natural materials create a serene, welcoming atmosphere.

What are some budget-friendly curtain holdback ideas?

You don’t have to spend a lot to add stylish tie backs to your curtains. Some budget-friendly options include:

• Cloth ribbon or cording
• Jute, sisal, or cotton rope
• Scarves
• Old neckties or belts
• Fabric scraps
• Hardware store rope or chain
• Painted wooden dowels
• Driftwood

Check out discount home stores, craft stores, thrift shops and yard sales for inexpensive decorative curtain ties. Get creative with materials you have at home, like scarves or old jewelry chains.

Are fancy designer curtain ties worth the price?

High-end designer curtain ties can be gorgeous works of art. Luxury French brands like Le Crin and Duvivier offer sophisticated tie backs made of fine materials like silk, velvet, or glass beads.

While these artisan ties can cost hundreds of dollars each, many buyers feel they are worthwhile investments. Reasons to consider luxury tie backs include:

• They’re unique works of decorative art
• They’re beautifully handcrafted from exceptional materials
• Designer names like Duvivier carry prestige and exclusivity
• They can be passed down for generations

For those seeking museum-quality design and old world European craftsmanship, luxury tie backs may be worth the splurge. But beautiful ties are available at all price points. Shop smartly for your budget and style needs.

What are some quick DIY curtain tie ideas?

You can easily make your own custom curtain ties if you’re crafty. Here are some ideas:

• Cut strips from a tablecloth or bedsheet for fabric ties
• Braid together scraps of fabric
• Wrap suede cording with colorful embroidery floss
• Glue rhinestones, buttons or beads onto plain ribbons
• Use metallic spray paint on wooden beads for shimmery ties
• Cut an old silk scarf into strips

Visit your local craft store for inexpensive supplies like cording, fringe, beads and ribbon. Or repurpose materials you already have at home. With a little creativity, you can make custom curtain holdbacks at a fraction of the cost.

Conclusion

When selecting your curtain ties, think about color, texture, style and the right length needed for your windows. Coordinate the ties with your window treatments and room décor. Choose casual, elegant or eclectic ties to match your personal taste. And consider making your own unique tie backs for a budget DIY project. With so many options, you can easily find the perfect holdbacks to tie your beautiful curtains in style.