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Short answer
Tie-backs and holdbacks hold an open curtain to the side, letting in more light and shaping the fabric into a soft curve. A tie-back wraps round the curtain and hooks to the wall; a holdback is a fixed arm or knob the curtain tucks behind. A common height is about a third of the way up from the floor, or level with the window sill. They suit French pleat and eyelet curtains best; S-fold curtains usually look best without them.
Types
| Type | Look | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric tie-back | Made from the curtain fabric or a contrast; neat and matching | Most rooms |
| Tassel or rope tie-back | Decorative and traditional | Formal living and dining rooms, hotels |
| Magnetic tie-back | Clips without a wall hook; quick | Rentals, sheers, light curtains |
| Metal or wood holdback | A fixed arm or knob the curtain tucks behind | Modern and classic rooms; easy daily use |
How high to fix them
- About a third of the way up from the floor: the most common height; gives a long, elegant curve.
- Level with the window sill: lines up with the window and lets in plenty of light.
- About two-thirds up: a dramatic, high sweep; suits tall windows and formal rooms.
Tip
Before drilling, hold the curtain back with your hand at different heights and step back to see which curve you like. Mark the spot on both sides at the same height.
Which curtains suit tie-backs?
| Heading | With tie-backs |
|---|---|
| French pleat | Excellent; the classic pairing |
| Eyelet | Good, for a relaxed swag |
| S-fold | Usually not; S-fold is designed to stack neatly in even waves |
| Sheers | Light magnetic tie-backs work; heavy ones crush the fabric |
Making fabric tie-backs
Fabric tie-backs are usually made from the curtain fabric, stiffened inside so they hold their shape, with a ring at each end. Measure the length by wrapping a tape round the gathered curtain at the chosen height. A contrast colour or piping adds a detail; a velvet or jacquard tie-back can dress up a plain curtain. See Cushion Fabric Guide for matching trims.
Safety and practicality
- Children's rooms: fix tie-backs and holdbacks high, out of reach, or use none. Loose cords and loops can be a strangulation risk. See Curtains for Children's Rooms.
- Daily use: holdbacks are quicker than tie-backs for curtains opened and closed every day.
- Fading: curtains held back in the same folds every day can fade unevenly on sunny windows; a lining helps. See Light-Fastness Explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a tie-back and a holdback?
A tie-back wraps round the curtain and hooks to the wall. A holdback is a fixed arm or knob that the curtain is tucked behind.
How high should curtain tie-backs be?
Commonly about a third of the way up from the floor, or level with the window sill. Higher, about two-thirds up, gives a dramatic sweep on tall windows.
Do S-fold curtains need tie-backs?
Usually not. S-fold curtains are designed to stack neatly in even waves; tie-backs break the look.
Are curtain tie-backs safe for children?
Fix them high and out of reach, or use none in young children's rooms, because loose cords and loops can be a strangulation risk.
Can I make tie-backs from the curtain fabric?
Yes. Fabric tie-backs are usually made from the curtain fabric, stiffened inside, with a ring at each end.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.