How to Make Curtain Tie Backs: A Practical UK Guide for Stylish Homes

Why Curtain Tie Backs Matter More Than You Think

Curtain tie-backs aren't just decorative. They play a practical role in how your home feels day-to-day.

Well-made tie backs:

• Control natural light without fully opening curtains

• Improve airflow in warmer months

• Protect the curtain fabric from unnecessary wear

• Make windows look wider and ceilings higher

• Add balance and symmetry to a room

According to a 2024 Houzz UK Home Trends report, over 61% of homeowners said minor soft-furnishing updates (like curtains and accessories) had the most significant visual impact during redecorating, more than furniture changes.

Tie-backs are one of those minor upgrades that quietly elevate everything.

Curtain tie backs are both practical and decorative, helping control light while adding a finished look — choosing the right style makes a noticeable difference.

Curtain Tie Backs vs Curtain Holdbacks (Quick Clarification)

Before we begin, let's clear up a common confusion.

This guide focuses entirely on tie backs, as they're ideal for DIY projects and suit most UK homes.

What You'll Need Before You Start

The beauty of DIY curtain tie-backs is flexibility. You can make them from items you already have or tailor them to match your curtains perfectly.

Common Materials Used in the UK

• Fabric offcuts or leftover curtain fabric

• Velvet or cotton tape

• Rope or cord (jute, cotton, braided)

• Ribbons (linen, satin, grosgrain)

• Wooden or metal rings

• Buttons, tassels, or beads

Pro tip from Oxford Homeware stylists:
If your curtains are heavy (like lined or blackout curtains), choose a thicker tie-back material; narrow ribbon won't hold properly.

If you prefer a softer, fabric-led look, tie backs work well; for a more structured finish, metal or fixed holdbacks are often easier to manage.

Method 1: Simple Fabric Curtain Tie Backs (Beginner-Friendly)

This is the most popular and practical method for UK households.

You'll Need

• Fabric strip (approx. 70–90 cm long)

• Scissors

• Iron

• Needle and thread or fabric glue

Step-by-Step

1. Cut your fabric strip to the desired length.

2. Fold it lengthways, right sides together.

3. Sew or glue along the edge, leaving ends open.

4. Turn inside out and press flat.

5. Stitch the ends closed or add loops.

These work beautifully with cotton, linen, or matching curtain fabric, especially in relaxed living spaces.

Method 2: No-Sew Rope or Cord Tie Backs

Perfect if you want something quick and modern.

Best For

• Kitchens

• Home offices

• Coastal or rustic interiors

How to Make

• Cut rope to length (80–100 cm works well)

• Tie decorative knots at each end

• Optional: add tassels or wooden beads

Natural jute rope pairs particularly well with neutral curtains, a style Oxford Homeware customers often choose for Scandi-inspired interiors.

Method 3: Ribbon & Ring Tie Backs (Elegant Look)

This method adds structure without drilling.

What Works Best

• Velvet ribbon for bedrooms

• Satin ribbon for formal living rooms

Thread ribbon through a decorative ring, loop it around the curtain, and tie neatly at the side. This style works exceptionally well with eyelet curtains, where clean lines matter.

How Long Should Curtain Tie-Backs Be?

This depends on curtain fullness and fabric weight.

If your curtains are from Oxford Homeware's lined or thermal range, err on the longer side — it gives a softer drape and avoids strain on seams.

Where Should Curtain Tie Backs Sit?

This is one of the most asked UK styling questions, and it makes a big difference.

General rule:
Tie-backs should sit one-third of the way up from the bottom of the curtain.

Room-by-Room Guidance

• Living rooms: Slightly lower for a relaxed feel

• Bedrooms: Mid-height for balance and privacy

• Dining rooms: Slightly higher for formality

In period homes with tall ceilings, positioning tie backs a little lower helps maintain proportion.

Seasonal Styling Tips (UK-Specific)

Spring & Summer

• Lightweight fabric or rope tie backs

• Lighter colours (cream, sage, soft grey)

• Looser drape for airflow

Autumn & Winter

• Velvet or thick fabric tie-backs

• Rich tones (navy, rust, forest green)

• Firmer hold for insulation

Thermal curtains, popular with Oxford Homeware customers during winter, benefit from sturdier tie-backs that keep warmth in while letting light through.

Matching Tie Backs to Curtain Styles

Matching textures matters more than matching colours exactly. A slightly contrasting tie-back often looks more intentional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-made tie-backs can fall flat if styling goes wrong.

Avoid:

• Tie-backs that are too thin for heavy curtains

• Placing them too high (makes windows look squat)

• Over-matching fabric exactly can look dated

• Using elastic (loses shape quickly)

 

Can You Use Household Items as Curtain Tie-Backs?

Yes, and some look surprisingly stylish.

Popular UK DIY ideas include:

• Leather belts

• Scarves

• Wooden bangles

• Decorative hooks with ribbon

These work best in informal spaces or rental homes where drilling isn't allowed.

Are DIY Curtain Tie Backs Durable?

When made correctly, yes.

A 2023 UK Textile Durability Survey found that well-stitched cotton and velvet tie-backs last 3–5 years under regular use, comparable to store-bought options.

Using high-quality curtain fabric (as in the Oxford Homeware ranges) significantly improves lifespan.

Why Small Details Matter in UK Homes

British homes often rely on soft furnishings to add warmth, especially during long winters. Curtains, throws, cushions, and, yes, tiebacks quietly shape how comfortable a space feels.

At Oxford Homeware, we see customers return not because of significant changes, but because the little things made daily life better. A curtain that hangs well. Light that falls just right. A room that feels finished.

Curtain tie-backs are one of those rare DIY projects that are:

• Affordable

• Practical

• Visually transformative

And once you've made one set, you'll start noticing where every other window could use the same touch.

Final Thoughts from an Oxford Homeware Perspective

Making your own curtain tie-backs isn't about crafting perfection. It's about making your home work better for you, using materials you like, in a way that suits how you live.

Whether you're styling a cosy bedroom, brightening a living room, or simply letting in a bit more daylight on a rainy UK afternoon, well-chosen tie-backs make a genuine difference.

And if you're pairing them with quality curtains that drape beautifully and last, the result speaks for itself.

FAQs: Curtain Tie Backs

Are curtain tie-backs necessary?

Curtain tie-backs are not essential, but they make a noticeable difference to how a room looks and feels. They help control natural light throughout the day, improve airflow in warmer months, and prevent curtains from being constantly pulled back by hand, which can cause wear over time.

From a styling point of view, tie-backs also give curtains a neater, more finished appearance, especially in living rooms and bedrooms where windows are a focal point.

Can I make curtain tie-backs without sewing?

Yes, you can easily make curtain tie-backs without sewing. Many homeowners use rope, ribbon, cord, or fabric tape, all of which can be tied or looped without needles or thread.

Fabric glue is another popular option for simple fabric tie-backs and works well for lightweight to medium curtains. No-sew methods are beneficial for rented homes, quick updates, or anyone who wants a simple DIY project without specialist tools.

Should tie-backs match curtains exactly?

Tie-backs do not need to match your curtains exactly to look good. In fact, using complementary textures or slightly contrasting colours often creates a more modern, intentional look.

For example, velvet tie-backs can add warmth to cotton curtains, while natural rope can soften the look of plain neutral fabrics. Exact colour matching can sometimes feel flat, whereas contrast adds depth and character to the window.

How many curtain tie-backs do I need?

You usually need one tie-back per curtain panel, so two tie-backs for a standard window with two curtains. If you have a single-wide curtain or a door curtain, one tie-back may be enough.

Using the correct number ensures the curtains sit evenly when pulled back and helps prevent unnecessary strain on the fabric, especially with heavier lined or blackout curtains.

Are tie-backs suitable for blackout curtains?

Yes, curtain tie-backs work very well with blackout curtains, but it is essential to choose sturdy materials.

Blackout curtains are heavier than standard curtains, so wider fabric tie backs, velvet, or thick rope provide better support and hold their shape throughout the day. Lightweight ribbon or thin cord may struggle with the extra weight, leading to sagging or slipping over time.