How to Tie Curtains

Methods for store-bought and homemade curtain ties

Co-authored by Katherine Tlapa and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: December 21, 2023 References

Curtains add a beautiful touch to any window, and they're great when you want to block out the light. If you want to let the sun into your room, though, you can use tiebacks to hold your curtains open!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Purchasing Curtain Tiebacks

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1
Select tiebacks which match the design of your curtain. Tiebacks come in a nearly endless variety of styles. If your curtains are a solid color, you can choose tiebacks that are the same color or a complimentary shade.^{[1]
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- If you have patterned curtains, try choosing tiebacks that have one or more colors that are present in the patterns.
- You can purchase tiebacks anywhere home furnishings are sold. They can range anywhere from $3.00-$25.00 USD apiece, depending on the style you choose.
2
Close the curtains so that they are covering the window. Your curtains should be wider than your window so they gather into a graceful drape.^{[2]
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- If you're using your curtains as decorative panels, it's okay if they don't cover the entire window. Create a look that you like! Just make sure your curtains have enough fabric that they don't look too bare when you tie them back.
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3
Experiment with the drape of your curtains. Most curtain tiebacks are located between halfway and 2/3rds of the way down a curtain, and about 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the edge of the window.^{[3]
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- For very tall windows, such as two-story windows, you may need to place your tiebacks based on how the curtains look as well as where you can reach to adjust them. You may need to lower the tiebacks to make them more accessible.
4
Install two ³⁄₄ inch (19 mm) cup hooks to hold your curtain tiebacks. You will need one hook for each side of your curtains. These hooks usually screw into the wall easily.^{[4]
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- Simple hooks usually cost around $0.50 and can be purchased at any hardware store.
- For heavy tiebacks or tassels with 2 loops, you may need a larger hook.
- The hook should be hidden by the curtain.
The tieback should fit easily onto the hook when it is wrapped around the curtain.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making Your Own Tiebacks

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A strand of pearls used as a curtain tieback can look pretty and elegant, especially when used with pink or ivory curtains.
A sun bleached piece of rope is the perfect way to top off a sea-worthy room design. This look is perfect for a child's room or a beachy living area.^{[6]
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3
Attach ribbons to a brooch for a sparkly tieback. A pretty jeweled brooch can add a romantic, upscale look to a window treatment.^{[7]
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- You can also use cuff bracelets or even tiaras to add sparkle to your curtains.
- This method will work best if you have 2 similar brooches or if you have your curtains on a track and only need to tie them to one side.
4
Get a boho look by securing your curtains with scarves. Sheer scarves can add a dreamy, bohemian look to your curtains. This style works best with lightweight, floaty curtains.^{[8]
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- Fringed scarves can add a funky rock-n-roll vibe to your window treatment.
5
Switch out tiebacks to inject holiday or seasonal spirit into your decor. Use bits of holiday or seasonal fabric, decorative scarves or runners, or festive ribbons to tie back your curtains. Change them out every season or for each holiday.
- Let's say you have a pair of white panels in your living room window. For Christmas, you might use a red velvet ribbon as a tieback. During October, you might celebrate Halloween with a black and orange polka dot ribbon. During the summer months, you might use a simple white sisal rope or a nautical-themed ribbon.

The Takeaway: Tying Back Curtains

Install two 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) cup hooks next to your curtains, which will hold your tiebacks. Purchase your own set of tiebacks, or make your own with decor like strands of pearls, sun-bleached pieces of rope, or sheer scarves.