We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Tiebacks?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,534
Share

Tiebacks are interior design accessories which are used to hold curtains to the side, allowing light through the window which the curtains normally cover. There are a number of ways to use tiebacks, and a number of tieback styles which people can choose from. Several manufacturers of interior design accessories make a range of tieback styles, and they can also be made at home from a variety of materials.

Often, tiebacks are used to create a specific look and feel with a window treatment. Sheers may be left in place at all times for privacy, with heavier drapes pulled to the side to frame the window and soften the edges of the window. It is also possible to use tiebacks to hold back curtains without sheers in place, in which case people will be able to see in from the outside.

People can also simply use tiebacks as a way to hold drapery open when a window is to be uncovered. The disadvantage using them in this way is that some can require some fussing with the drapes to create a smooth, elegant look, and people may not want to do this every time they pull back the drapes.

Materials like metal, wood, and even glass can be used to create hooks through which drapery is looped. Fabric and cord styles may be designed with velcro, snaps, or hooks so that they can be looped around the drapes and then pulled snug to pull the drapes open. A tieback is often decorative in nature, with ornamental features such as tassels to make it more visually interesting.

Desired height is an important thing to think about when positioning a tieback. Depending on the height, the drapery will curve, billow, and fall differently. It's a good idea to experiment with tiebacks loosely tacked in place to find the perfect height for the window and the fabric. Once the best position is found, tiebacks can be permanently attached.

Some creative home made approaches to tiebacks can be used to save money or play with design schemes. People can make their own cord and tassel tiebacks with supplies from a fabric or sewing store, and they can also make fabric tiebacks with strips of material from the drapes themselves. For a whimsical home made tieback, people may want to consider bending forks or spoons to create a metal loop; the loops can be positioned handle outwards to show off the pattern.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-tiebacks.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.