13 DIY Curtain Tieback Ideas That Don't Look Cheap

Pull back the curtains and let the sunshine in with these clever and budget-friendly tiebacks and holdbacks.

November 03, 2021

By: Maria Conti

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Photo By: Jill Werderitch

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Debbie Wolfe

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Photo By: Jennie Andrews Photography

Photo By: Cassidy Garcia

Sweet and Simple Twine

Give your window treatments a little extra pizzazz by adding an interesting way to pull them back. It doesn’t have to cost a cent, most of these clever ideas are crafted from upcycled household items. Here, some leftover craft twine provides a simple yet elegant look while cinching back a set of pretty white sheer curtains.

Chic and Secure

These pale pink drapes are straight from our interior design dreams. Get the look by making your own tiebacks out of white, braided rope and a gold snap hook.

Watch the Video: DIY Curtain Tie-Backs From the Hardware Store

Windsor Knot Tiebacks

Old silk neckties are a thrift-store staple, or you may already have some in your closet. Make a dapper statement by using those old ties as new drapery tiebacks.

Get the How-To: How to Use Neckties As Curtain Tiebacks

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Grab a Glass Knob

Repurpose a glamorous glass doorknob into a sturdy, stylish DIY tieback for even your heaviest drapes. We especially love this approach for formal spaces such as a dining room or home office.

Get the How-To: Use a Vintage Doorknob As a Curtain Tieback

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Try Tassels

Whether you live in a bohemian bungalow or a traditional townhome, there’s always space for a set of snazzy, DIY tassel tiebacks in your life. Recreate our step-by-step directions for a casual approach, or switch out the wood beads for a metallic gold for a more formal touch.

Mix Styles

Contrast is the name of the game when creating custom curtain tiebacks. This subtle, sleek black chain appears effortlessly cool against the vibrant salmon drapes. Get the same effect at home by using colors and textures in unexpected ways.

Watch the How-To: DIY Curtain Tie-Backs From the Hardware Store

Braced With Bracelets

Many women's bracelets and men's cuffs are the right sizes for cinching single-width drapery panels. Put bracelets and cuffs to creative use as tiebacks by placing them around drapery panels and hanging freely, or create a more permanent look by attaching them to the wall with Velcro.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Cut the Cord

DIY a set of simple-yet-stylish curtain tiebacks in no time by using a soft, brown leather cord and a removable hook. The neutral leather complements the gauzy, striped curtains and adds to the easy-breezy, bohemian design — perfect for a dorm room or apartment dwellers.

Belted and Beautiful

A belt can make or break an outfit and, as it turns out, can make or break a window treatment, too. Repurpose a sleek leather belt to create custom tiebacks for the drapes in your home office or library.

Get the How-To: How to Use Leather Belts As Curtain Tiebacks

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Natural Texture

Don’t overthink it. Gather your curtains with twisted, classic jute rope. This casual tieback works perfectly in a kid's room, your kitchen or throughout the entirety of your vacation home on the coast.

Watch the Video: DIY Curtain Tie-Backs From the Hardware Store

Industrial Elegance

This thick, industrial chain was spray painted in gold for a glam touch and used to hold back airy white curtains. Copy this approach by mixing soft, floating fabrics with a sturdy, gold-plated metal chain.

Get the How-To: How to Make Gold Chain Curtain Tiebacks

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Nifty Necklace

Get those seldom-worn accessories out of the jewelry box and in plain sight by using necklaces as curtain tiebacks. To ensure the proper effect, stick with necklaces large and thick enough to be seen from different vantage points in the room. If thin pieces are used, they may lose impact and look more like clutter than decorative tiebacks.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Luxe Texture

Load on the luxury in your outdoor cabana or lanai by using thick, flowing fabric to create custom curtain tiebacks. Opt for a monochromatic look and use all-white textile, or recreate this sunny design and fix your curtains with a bold, bright marigold.

13 DIY Curtain Tieback Ideas That Don't Look Cheap

Related To:

Shop This Look

Sweet and Simple Twine

Chic and Secure

Windsor Knot Tiebacks

Grab a Glass Knob

Try Tassels

Mix Styles

Braced With Bracelets

Cut the Cord

Belted and Beautiful

Natural Texture

Industrial Elegance

Nifty Necklace

Luxe Texture

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How to Make Gold Chain Curtain Tiebacks

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