DIY Vintage Curtain Tiebacks (Cheap & Easy!)

Looking to give your window treatments a personal touch of elegance? Check out our DIY Vintage Curtain Tiebacks – a great idea for adding a vintage feel with curtain holdbacks, brass hardware, and a touch of creativity. The best part is they’re cheap and easy!

Charming DIY vintage style Curtain tieback made from brass hardware for a dresser or small knob.

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Adding a small touch of vintage-inspired tiebacks to your curtains is like putting the finishing touch on a masterpiece. These exquisite details not only hold your curtains gracefully but also infuse your space with timeless charm.

Whether it’s a classic antique doorknob or tassel tiebacks reminiscent of a bygone era. These accessories have the power to transform your room into a haven of elegance and sophistication. Therefore making every glance towards your windows a moment of delight.

Most of these options can be found at your local craft store & Hardware. My favorite picks are Home Depot & Hobby Lobby.

Choosing Your Hardware

I chose to use some beautiful brass hardware I purchased from Hobby Lobby. Anyone who shops there knows that their hardware, unlike others, comes with a threaded rod installed. However, if you’re purchasing hardware from anywhere else this won’t be the case.

If you want to use hardware from amazon, or any other store you will simply need the threaded rods. Purchasing threaded rods will allow you to use knobs or other hardware from any store.

And still other hardware will install with screws on the backplate itself. So, choose your hardware then adjust the installation accordingly.

How to Make a Vintage-Style Curtain Tieback Cheap & Easy!

Though there are many different types of curtain tiebacks to choose from, this DIY would be considered a wall-mounted curtain holdback. I chose lovely brass hardware from my local Hobby Lobby.

And although there are many great choices available I think it made a splendid curtain holder. They’re a little flair that makes a big impact.

DIY Vintage style gold engraved curtain tiebacks.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vintage-Style Curtain Tiebacks

This process is extremely simple and will only take a matter of a few minutes. Once all your tools and supplies have been gathered let’s begin!

Step one in creating a DIY vintage style curtain tie back is to measure the width from your window.

Step One: Measure Width

I chose to measure 6″ from the inside of my window frame. But in my opinion, you could easily do 7 or even 8″. If you want more of the beautiful vintage knob to show.

Using a measuring tape start inside your window frame. Then mark a small dot where you want to place your hole with a pencil.

The second step to installing these beautiful charming DIY curtain tie backs is to measure the middle depth where you will drill your hole.

Step Two: Measure Depth

The second step to measuring is to make sure your hole is centered.

In my case I have beautiful chair rails I installed for charm. Therefore measuring the depth allowed me to get perfect spacing. Also, ensuring both window curtain tiebacks would be symmetrical with each other.

Make sure to erase your other mark if it wasn’t the same so you don’t get confused.

Step three to installing the vintage curtain tiebacks is to drill your hole with a drill bit slightly larger than your tee nuts.

Step Three: Drill the Hole

Now it’s time to drill your hole! Choose a drill bit slightly larger than your tee nuts. This will allow it to fit in snugly.

My drill bit was a 7/32″ for tee nuts that are #10-32 x 5/16″.

Most hardware from Hobby Lobby has a long shaft, therefore you have to drill all the way into the wall. If you have something other than drywall you will have to adjust.

Step four of installing the DIY vintage curtain tiebacks is to insert the tee nut into the wall with a hammer.

Step Four: The Tee Nut

The next step is to simply insert the tee nut into the wall. Then use a hammer to really get it as flush with the surface as you can.

Step Five installing a vintage curtain tieback using dresser hardware is to simply insert the drawer knob into the tee nut's threaded hole.

Step Five: The Hardware

This particular beautiful knob from Hobby Lobby had a very long glued in shaft. Therefore all I had to do was add a washer between the knob and the backplate. And then screw it into the threaded tee nut.

Just twist until it is tight. Now it’s completely installed!

The completely installed brass hardware as a curtain tieback with black velvet ribbon.

Step Six: The Tieback

Now all you need is the actual tie back! You can use any fabric, ribbon, or string for this. The options are pretty endless.

Here I chose black velvet ribbon. Just make sure to cut a long piece, longer than you might think you need.

A vintage style curtain tieback installed and turned gold with a little bit of rub n buff.

Step Seven: Rub n’ Buff

This step is entirely optional. And depending on the hardware you choose to use, you may not need it.

I loved the original brass, but it seemed rather dull up against the wall. I chose to use Antique Gold Rub n’ Buff to add a bit more luster.

It definitely makes it stand out now and matches the other hardware in my dining room decor.

What is a Curtain Tieback & Why You Need Them

Curtain tiebacks are functional and decorative accessories used in interior design to hold back curtain panels or draperies. This will allow natural light to flow into a room while also providing an aesthetic touch. These simple yet versatile items will add beauty, charm, and elegance to a room without breaking the bank.

  • Enhanced Aesthetics. Curtain tiebacks offer a variety of styles, materials, as well as colors. This allows for seamless coordination with your room’s color scheme as well as decor.
  • Natural Light. Using tiebacks to pull back your curtains or drapes maximizes natural light. Therefore brightening your space and creating a welcoming, airy atmosphere.
  • Personalized Touch. Curtain tiebacks enable personalization through DIY creations using upcycled items, such as old t-shirts, leather belts, or even an antique brooch. Therefore adding a unique, personal flair to your home décor.
  • Affordable Options. Many curtain tiebacks are budget-friendly, making them a cost-effective way to enhance your room’s aesthetics. Thrift stores, craft stores, as well as online marketplaces like Etsy offer a wide selection of affordable and stylish tieback options.
  • Easy Installation. Curtain tiebacks are typically easy to install. So, whether you choose wall-mounted curtain holdbacks, hook curtain tiebacks, or ring hooks it’s beginner friendly. They don’t require extensive tools or expertise, making it a simple DIY project for anyone.
  • Versatile Styles. Curtain tiebacks come in different sizes and different lengths to suit various window treatments. Therefore including curtain panels, drapes, and even bay windows. You can mix and match different styles to create a cohesive and visually appealing look.
  • Low Maintenance. Once installed, curtain tiebacks require minimal maintenance. They hold your curtains in their proper place. Then allowing you to enjoy the benefits of natural light and privacy without constant adjustments.

12 Unique DIY Curtain Tie Backs for Inspiration

Ready to add a personal touch to your curtains? It’s these little details that really make your room look complete. Let’s dive into these DIY curtain tieback ideas, from vintage doorknobs to leather belts, and make your windows uniquely yours!

  1. Crochet Curtain Tie-Backs: Craft your own tiebacks using crochet techniques, incorporating wooden beads or satin ribbon for a touch of elegance.
  2. Vintage Doorknob Tiebacks: Upcycle a vintage door knob or two as tiebacks for a timeless and charming look.
  3. Tassel Tiebacks with Antique Brooches: Create luxurious tassel tiebacks and adorn them with antique brooches for a touch of vintage glam.
  4. Leather Belt Tiebacks: Repurpose old leather belts into rustic and chic tiebacks, perfect for a cozy, natural look.
  5. Pom Pom Curtain Tiebacks: Add a playful touch with DIY pom pom tiebacks, available in various colors to match your decor.
  6. Upcycled Fabric Tiebacks: Use old t-shirts or fabric scraps to craft eco-friendly tiebacks in different sizes and styles.
  7. Wooden Bead Curtain Holdbacks: String wooden beads onto satin ribbon or twine to create earthy and bohemian-inspired tiebacks.
  8. Ring Hook Tiebacks: Utilize metal ring hooks and satin ribbon to fashion simple and stylish tiebacks for a minimalistic look.
  9. Bay Window Curtain Pullbacks: Customize tiebacks for bay windows by incorporating metal hooks and vintage-inspired details for a cohesive and charming window treatment.
  10. Gold Metal Cup Hooks DIY Tiebacks: Add a touch of opulence with gold metal cup hooks and DIY hardware screws, creating tiebacks that exude elegance.
  11. Tassel Curtain Tie Backs: Craft your own tassel tiebacks using various materials and colors to match your room’s decor.
  12. Wall-Mounted Curtain Holdbacks: Install wall hooks or brackets with curtain holdbacks for a sophisticated and space-saving solution.

Vintage Curtain Tiebacks: The Perfect Finishing Touch

In summary, curtain tiebacks are an affordable and effective way to add beauty, charm, and elegance to a room. Their versatility, ease of installation, and ability to personalize your decor make them a valuable accessory for enhancing the overall ambiance of any space.

Whether you opt for a vintage feel, a touch of DIY creativity, or something more classic, curtain tiebacks can truly transform your room with very little investment.

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie

Meet the Author

Hi, I’m Julie! Mother to five beautiful kids, Homeschool Educator, Writer, Handicraft & DIY Enthusiast, Photographer, Thrifter, and Furniture Restorer. Follow along for fun DIY projects creating a handmade home on a budget! Read more about me here→

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