Curtains has the potential to transform a room. However, curtains can feel incomplete if a person dont use the proper finishing touch for the curtains. The proper tie back for curtains can frame a window as if displaying jewelry, control the light into the room, and reveal a portion of the view outside the window.
Using the wrong type of tie back for the curtains will make even the most expensive curtains look sloppily in the room. However, using the correct type of tie back can make the whole room feel polished without the individuals in the room knowing the reason for the perceived polish of the space. The secret to choosing the proper tie back for a room is to understand that tie backs performs many important functions for a room.
Tie backs will balance the proportion of the room and add texture to it. Additionally, they dictate the formal or relaxed look that a room will have. Whether a person prefers a more classic look or an unexpected look for the room, tie backs will solve a specific problem in the room.
There are nine different ways to choose a tie back that will enhance the features of the curtains in a way that is beneficial to the space.
Nine Great Ways to Choose Tie Backs
1. Fabric Tie Backs
Using a fabric tie back that is of the same material as the curtains allows for the tie back to dissapear into the curtains when not in use. Additionally, this type of tie back is best suited for a bedroom since the focus of a bedroom should be on the bedding in most cases.
However, a potential problem with fabric tie backs is that the fabric will stretch over time with daily use of the curtains.
2. Rope Tie Backs
Using a rope tie back will give an old-world elegance to the curtains that will not become outdated over time. Using braided cotton or silk ropes with tassels on each end will add sophistication to the curtains.
Additionally, you can hang these ropes on a decorative hook on the wall beside the curtains. The weight of these ropes will allow the curtains to drape without bunching at the top of the curtains. Such rope tie backs are essential for homeowners with more classic furnishings since the rope will echo these design element.
However, the tassels will collect dust over time, so you must shake them every couple of weeks.
3. Metal Holdbacks
Metal holdbacks that are mounted into the wall will add a clean line to the curtains. These metal holdbacks can be made of brass, iron, or nickel.
Additionally, these metal holdbacks create no issues with the fabric since there is no need to tie the curtains behind the metal holdback since the curtain will be hooked behind the arm of the metal holdback. The metal will add design elements to the space since it will remain visible behind the hanging curtains. For instance, a brushed brass metal holdback will warm up the look of curtains with white walls.
Additionally, the installation of these metal holdbacks is permanent to the wall so measurements should of been taken twice and the metal holdback should be viewed as a design element for the room.
4. Leather Tie Backs
Using leather tie backs will provide a slightly rugged look to the curtains. Additionally, leather tie backs will best suit a room that has other natural materials in the space.
For instance, the leather tie back will work best in a kitchen or a study where there are wooden beams or stone countertops. Additionally, leather will work best in a room with wool or linen curtains since the leather will have a better grip on these fabrics than on slippery silk curtains. However, using darker leathers for tie backs will leave marks on curtains of a very light color in the first few months of use.
5. Magnetic Tie Backs
Using magnetic tie backs will solve the problem of individuals needing to drill into a surface that is difficult to drill into. These magnetic tie backs contain two magnets that will pinch into the curtains. There are no hooks, screws, or any other decoration necessary for magnetic tie backs.
This option will be best for travelers or those who rent since these tie backs will not leave marks on the walls. However, very heavy lined or velvet curtains may overwhelm the magnetic tie back since too much weight may make the magnets slip out of the curtains.
6. Vintage Sash Cords
Using vintage sash cords as tie backs will add character to a room. These cords can be hunted for in antique shops or at flea markets. These vintage cords will have faded colors and imperfections that cannot be replicated by purchasing new sash cords. Additionally, vintage sash cords will work best with curtains that are of a neutral color since the curtains will then become the focus of the window.
Additionally, the length of the vintage sash cords may require altering the height of the hook to which they are hung. Using these cords will add character to the space and allow the owner to share their history with others when asked about the cords.
7. Beaded Tie Backs
Beaded tie backs will add another dimension to the light that enters a room since the beaded tie back will catch the light.
Additionally, the beaded tie back will add movement to the curtains since some of the beads may allow the tie back to sway with the curtains. These tie backs work best in rooms that are exposed to afternoon sunlight. Additionally, tie backs with beads will work best for east-facing bedrooms since the beads will soften the morning sun that may enter the bedroom.
8. Ribbon Tie Backs
Ribbon tie backs will provide a sense of effortless romance to a room. Using wide ribbons of velvet, grosgrain, or embroidery will provide visual interest to the window without being too showy. The ribbon will coordinate best with curtains that are of a delicate nature since the ribbon will not overwhelm the curtains.
Additionally, ribbon tie backs will work best in cottages, guest rooms, or nurseries since they will provide a sense of charm to these spaces. Additionally, you can easily change the color of the ribbon with the changing of the seasons. For instance, using ivory ribbons in the winter may be changed to moss green in the spring or deep burgundy in the winter.
9. Knotted Rope
Using knotted rope with decorative ends will add a bohemian or nautical look to curtains. Using thick rope made of natural fiber will add texture to the curtains. Additionally, these knotted ropes can have wooden beads or leather wraps on the end of the rope to give it an organic look.
Additionally, this rope tie back will work best with linen curtains in a beach house or a sunroom since the natural fiber will echo the other natural materials in the space. Additionally, the knots will allow for adjustments to the tension of the curtains in the event that the curtains shrink with the first cleaning of the curtains. Over time, the rope may fray with exposure to the air yet this will add to the charm of the curtains that people seek when furnishing a room.
Whichever type of tie back that is of interest to an individual for their curtains, they should ensure that it solves some problem in the room created by the curtains. For instance, the tie back might be used to tame a curtain billowing on a breezy afternoon or simply change the way that morning light enters a room. These tie backs allow the individual to make a decision about the space that the curtains decorate so that the curtains will be more than merely decorated in their space but will be an essential part of the design elements in the room.
Using tie backs of various types will allow the person to change the mood in the room created by the curtains and will leave them looking at curtains with a new sense of appreciation.
