There are a variety of options for holding curtains back, such as decorative tie backs, magnetic curtain holdbacks, and standard drapery hooks. Decorative tie backs use a loop of fabric, such as cord, rope, fringe, or tassels, to hold curtains back.
Magnetic curtain holdbacks use strong magnets to secure curtains in place when they need to be held back. Standard drapery hooks are simple and affordable options to hold curtains back, and they come in a variety of materials, shapes, and colors.
Drapery pins are another option for holding back curtains, and they are a cheap, simple way to give a home a more fancy look. Finally, customers can use drapery tape or tie-top panels to achieve the same look without the need for drapery hooks.
What is the name of the thing that holds curtains?
The object that holds curtains is called a curtain rod or a curtain pole. Generally, curtain rods are made of metal, but come in a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, or other materials. They are generally installed above the top of a window and allow curtains to be hung from it.
Alternatively, curtain rods may also be installed on the wall next to the window, depending on the desired design. Depending on the material and design, curtain rods can vary in price, making them a great option for any budget.
How do you make tie backs for curtains?
Making tie backs for curtains is relatively simple and requires only a few basic supplies. You will need a strip of fabric long enough to fit around the curtain panels, a dowel or another piece of similar stiff material, matching thread, and a needle or sewing machine.
First, measure the width of each curtain panel and add an inch or so to each measurement. Cut the strip of fabric accordingly. For the dowel, you will need to measure the circumference of the tie back and add an extra inch or so.
Cut the dowel to the correct length.
Next, cut a slit in the center of the fabric strip, careful not to cut through both layers of fabric. Insert the dowel into the slit and evenly distribute the fabric around the circumference of the dowel.
Hand-sew or use a sewing machine to secure the fabric around the dowel.
After the tieback is sew, finish the edges of the fabric if necessary. You may do this simply by folding over any raw edges and securely stitching them down.
Finally, attach the tie back to the curtain by inserting press pins or tiebacks j-hooks into the wall for support. Slide the tieback onto the hook or pin and you are done.
What is the standard length for curtain tie backs?
The standard length for curtain tie backs varies depending on the thickness and style of the curtain fabric. Generally, two or three feet of rope, chain, or sash, is required for curtains with a medium- to heavy-weight fabric.
Heavier fabrics require longer tie backs, typically four feet in length, for a secure hold. If the curtains are lightweight or sheer, shorter tie backs will be sufficient, usually two feet in length.
Size may also depend on the size of the window and the design of the tie back hardware. Some decorative tiebacks may require the whole length of a four-foot rope.
How much fabric do I need for a tie back?
The amount of fabric you need for a tie back will depend on the size of the window and the design of the tie back. Generally speaking, you should plan to purchase 1-2 yards of fabric, depending on the size of the window.
If your window is over 36 inches wide or you are creating an intricate design, you may need closer to 3 yards. Once you have accounted for the length of the tie back and the fabric measurements, double the sum of both and add an extra 4 inches for the hems and batting.
If the fabric you are choosing for your tie back is thick or bulky, add an additional 2-4 inches to account for this. Before buying the fabric, make sure to measure your window and the desired design to determine the exact amount you need.
Do curtains look better with tie backs?
Yes, in many cases curtains can look better with tie backs. Tie backs allow you to draw the curtains back off the window to let natural light in and for a more airy feel. They also allow for customization and personalization with different colors, textures, and styles of tie backs.
Tie backs also help keep the curtains off the ground and prevent dirt and dust from collecting on them. Lastly, tie backs are a stylish way to tie a room together as they make a great visual statement.
Do curtains have to touch the floor?
No, curtains do not have to touch the floor; they could be short, mid-length, or even long. Short curtains are usually 36 to 40 inches long, mid-length curtains are usually 45 to 54 inches long, and long curtains are usually 84 to 96 inches long.
It all depends on your preference, room size, and the look you’re going for; for example, if a room is tall, long curtains will make it look more proportionate. Also, it’s a good idea to use a curtain rod that’s at least a few inches above the window, as it allows more light in, and also gives the curtains some extra space to move around.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how long your curtains should be; you could hang them right above the window or let them touch the floor to keep spaces light and airy.
How can I hang curtains without nails?
Some of the most popular methods for hanging curtains without nails include the use of curtain rings or clips, tension rods, tension wire, or Command hooks or strips.
Curtain rings or clips allow you to attach the curtains directly to the rods without the need for nails or screws. The clips attach directly to the poles and can be adjusted to your exact desired height.
To install a curtain rings or clips, you need to simply attach the clips to the rod, adjust the height of the clips for the desired look, and hang the curtain onto the clips.
Tension rods are one of the most popular choices when it comes to hanging curtains without nails or screws. This type of rod is installed by mounting it between two surfaces, such as walls or windows.
Tension rods hold up to 30 pounds, so they can make a great choice if you want to be able to hang heavier curtains.
Tension wire is another option for hanging curtains without nails or screws. This type of wire wraps around two surfaces such as walls or windows, and creates a tension that can help to hold the curtains up.
Tension wire is great for heavier curtains, and it can be adjusted to provide more tension if needed.
Command hooks or strips are a great option for hanging lighter curtains without the need for nails. These hooks or strips are small adhesive strips that can be easily adhered to a wall or window frame and then the curtains can be hung from there.
Command strips can hold up to 5 pounds and are great for lightweight curtains.
Where should you place curtain holdbacks?
The exact placement of your curtain holdbacks will depend on the type of holdback you are using and the type of curtains you are hanging. Generally, when using stationary holdbacks, you will want to secure them directly onto the wall on either side of the window at a height that allows the holdback to easily keep the curtains out of the way when not in use.
If you are using a swag-style holdback, you may want to mount it onto the wall but further down from the top to give the curtains a layered, draped look. If your holdbacks have a long backplate with a finial at the end, you can choose to place the backplate onto the wall right below where the curtains begin and then adjust the finial to the desired height.