Curtain hardware comes in different verity like holdback, tiebacks and knobs.

Curtain holdback used to keep the curtains clear of a bed, windows and room divisions. Curtain holdbacks and tiebacks (also called curtain pull backs) are accessories that gather and hold curtains open.

Holdbacks are u-shaped metal or wooden fixtures. Tiebacks are soft goods as opposed to hardware like holdbacks.

Whether you’re making a decorative statement with your curtains or using them to control light and privacy (or both!), there are many options to consider.

Curtain holdbacks are tiebacks serve the same functions, but differ in style and installation process. Next, let’s break down the difference between curtain holdbacks and curtain tiebacks.

Holdbacks vs. Tiebacks: Whats the Difference?

A curtain holdback is a u-shaped piece of hardware that attaches to a wall near a window frame. Pulling a curtain behind a holdback holds the curtain open. Curtain holdbacks are usually made of rigid materials like metal, iron or wood.

If your curtains are functional (vs. decorative), holdbacks are a good choice. Their fixed position makes opening and closing curtains easy.

Curtain tiebacks wrap around a curtain, usually attaching to a hook on the wall. They can also gather a curtain in the middle of a window and hang freely. Tiebacks are made of flexible materials like fabric, rope or cord.

Tiebacks are a good option if your curtains are decorative and usually remain open.

How to Install Curtain Holdbacks and Tiebacks

What height should curtain holdbacks or tiebacks be? Here are a couple of steps to follow when installing holdbacks or using tiebacks:

Measure your curtains. Measure the length of your curtains and divide by three. Curtains can vary in length, but standard lengths are 84, 95, 108 or 120 inches. Standard lengths for cafe© curtains (commonly used in kitchens) are 24 or 36 inches.

Set the height of your holdback or tieback. Hang each tieback hook a third of the way up from the bottom of the curtain. Buffer three inches from the edge of the window. For example, if your curtain is 84 inches long, you would place the tieback about 28 inches from the bottom. A tieback for a 36-inch long cafe curtain would be placed 12 inches from the bottom.

Install or secure the holdback or tieback. Once you've marked the perfect position, you can install the holdback to the wall or window frame, or wrap the tieback around the curtain.

Pro Tip: While these are standard measurements for curtain hardware, remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you done like the way your holdback or tieback looks, feel free to make it higher or lower!

Kwik-Hang makes installing curtain holdbacks a breeze! Simply tap our curtain holdback hooks into the side of your window frame with a hammer or mallet no drilling necessary.