Anyone Can Learn How To Install Curtain Holdbacks like a Pro

As the name suggests, holdbacks decoratively hold curtains back to let the light in, giving you a light-filled, elegant look for your room. Installing curtain holdbacks is an easy, do-it-yourself project for any skill level.

Tieback or holdback? What is the difference?

Are you confused about the difference between a tieback and a holdback? A curtain tieback is made of soft material or cord. Curtain holdbacks on the other hand, are rigid and decorative being made from various materials such as plastic or metal. They are usually designed to match other curtain hardware like poles and finials.

Holdbacks can be securely attached to a wall with screws or they can be unattached and simply secure your curtain fabric together and out of the way.

Hook-style holdbacks mount directly into the wall with screws that come with the product. To determine where to put your attached holdbacks and to easily install them, follow these simple steps:

1. Measure the distance from the curtain rod to the floor. Divide this by three.

Example: 108” (from floor to curtain rod) divided by 3 = 36”

Next, measure the distance from the edge of the window casing (trim molding) to the curtain rod bracket.

Example: 6” (from the window casing to the curtain rod bracket)

2. Measure up from the floor to one third the height of the curtain (in our example, we would measure up 36 inches). Measure away from the edge of the window casing equal to the distance to the location of the curtain rod bracket (in our example, we would measure out 6 inches). This is the approximate location of the holdback.
3. Position the holdback with the hook toward the window. Make sure that the holdback does not hit the window trim. If it does, move the holdback away from the window until the mounting area of the holdback is flat against the wall surface.
4. Using a pencil, mark the location of the mounting holes on the wall. Screw through the mounting holes using the screws provided with the holdback. If you do not encounter a wall stud, unscrew the screw and insert a wall anchor (sometimes called a molly) into the hole. Insert a second anchor into the other marked hole. Place the holdback back over the anchors and screw the holdback to the wall. Repeat for the other side of the window.

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