Tiebacks are both functional and decorative elements of a window treatment. They are fabric bands that hold the drapes or curtains back from the window. Releasing one end of the tieback allows the curtain to be closed. The height at which they are attached to the wall is dependent on the style of the window treatment, the size and shape of the window, and functionality required. A few guidelines will assist in determining the correct placement for tiebacks.

  • Tiebacks are both functional and decorative elements of a window treatment.
  • Releasing one end of the tieback allows the curtain to be closed.
1

Guideline

The tieback should be placed at 1/3 the length of the drape, at the halfway point on the length or 2/3 the length. For example, if the drape is 100 inches long, the tieback placement could be 33 inches from the floor, 50 inches, or 66 inches. Remembering that this is a guideline and not a rule is helpful when choosing the tieback position.

2

High Placement

Placing the tieback high, at 2/3 the total length from the floor, or above, will result in the window appearing longer because more window glass is exposed. This is a fairly modern tieback placement and is best suited to casual decor styles such as country or a little girl's room. If the tiebacks are to be functional and not decorative only, they should not be positioned too high for releasing.

3

Midway Placement

Tiebacks placed at the halfway point on the length of the drape create a more formal impression. The drapes will cover a significant portion of the window and create the illusion of a wider, longer window. This is a traditional placement of a tieback and is best suited to full-length drapes.

4

Low Placement

A low tieback position, at 1/3 the length of the drapes or less, suggests a formal decor and the window will appear wider. Most of the window remains covered, and this placement is more decorative than functional.

  • Placing the tieback high, at 2/3 the total length from the floor, or above, will result in the window appearing longer because more window glass is exposed.
  • A low tieback position, at 1/3 the length of the drapes or less, suggests a formal decor and the window will appear wider.
5

Tip

A wide tieback or one with fringe attached will usually be hung lower than a narrow tieback. To check the placement before permanently attaching it to the wall have someone hold the tieback in the desired position.