Curtain tie backs can change how a room feels completely. Bad ones make even good curtains look cheap. The right ones pull everything together.
I've been styling rooms on a budget for years. I know what works and what wastes your money.
In this blog, you'll find 19 DIY curtain tie back ideas using ribbon, rope, beads, jewelry, and more.
You'll also learn what makes tie backs look expensive, how to pick the right materials, and how to avoid common mistakes.
We've helped thousands of home decor readers find budget-friendly ideas that work in real homes.Let's get your windows looking great.
What Makes DIY Curtain Tie Backs Look Expensive?
Small choices make a big difference when it comes to how your curtain tie backs look.
The difference between cheap and high-end tie backs often comes down to a few simple decisions.
First, pick materials that look and feel solid. Thick rope, jute, leather, or wooden beads always look more put-together than thin plastic or flimsy ribbon.
Next, match your tie back to the weight and texture of your curtain. A sheer curtain suits soft ribbon while a heavy linen curtain suits rope or leather.
Keep colors balanced and avoid clashing tones. Finally, avoid overdecorating.
Too many embellishments, the wrong height, or materials that are too light can make even a good design look cheap and rushed.
19 DIY Curtain Tie Backs That Don't Look Cheap
These ideas use everyday materials and are easy to make at home, even with no crafting experience.
1. Ribbon and Hair Clip Curtain Tie Backs
Use a wide grosgrain ribbon with a decorative hair clip attached at the front. It holds the curtain neatly in place and takes less than five minutes to put together.
2. DIY Curtain Tie Backs With Ribbon Bows
Cut a thick satin or grosgrain ribbon, wrap it around your curtain, and tie it in a full, neat bow. Trim the ends at a diagonal and seal them to stop fraying.
3. Gold Necklace Chain Curtain Tie Backs
Pick up a chunky gold or brass chain necklace from a thrift store and hook it over a small wall nail. The metallic shine looks high-end without costing much at all.
4. Vintage Bracelet Curtain Tie Backs
Slip a wide bangle or cuff bracelet through your curtain and hang it on a wall hook. Wide gold or silver bangles work best and look great with lightweight curtains.
5. Repurposed Leather Belt Tie Backs
Cut an old leather belt to the right length, loop it around your curtain, and hook it to a wall pin. The natural leather texture adds warmth and a rich, finished look.
6. Minimalist Leather Strap Curtain Holdbacks
Cut a strip of leather, punch a hole at each end, and hook it over a small cup hook on the wall.This clean, simple style works well in modern and minimalist rooms.
7. Handmade Yarn Tassel Curtain Tie Backs
Wrap yarn around cardboard, tie the top, cut the bottom, and fluff it into a tassel. Attach it to a cord long enough to wrap around your curtain for a boho look.
8. Braided Yarn Curtain Tie Backs
Tightly braid three thick strands of yarn in matching or complementary colors. Tie the ends with a knot or add a small bead for a clean, textured finish.
9. Simple Macrame Cord Curtain Tie Backs
Wrap a thick macrame cord around your curtain and tie a square knot at the front. Keep it simple as too many knots can make it look messy and overdone.
10. Decorative Macrame Feather Tie Backs
Tie a few basic knots along a length of cord, then unravel and comb out the ends into a feather shape. Trim with scissors for a neat, boho-style finish.
11. Twisted Jute Rope Curtain Tie Backs
Twist two lengths of jute rope together for a thicker, more polished look and tie the ends with a simple knot. This pairs well with neutral linen or cotton curtains.
12. Nautical Rope Knot Curtain Holdbacks
Tie thick cotton or nylon rope in a basic sailor's knot like a bowline or cleat hitch. This works well in coastal or beach-themed rooms with natural textures.
13. Natural Wooden Bead Curtain Tie Backs
String large wooden beads evenly onto a length of jute cord and knot both ends to hold them in place. The warm wood tone looks great in farmhouse and boho rooms.
14. Colorful Decorative Bead Curtain Tie Backs
Mix different sizes and colors of beads on a strong elastic cord for a playful, fun look. This works well in kids' rooms, nurseries, or colorful living spaces.
15. Faux Flower Curtain Tie Backs
Wire or glue one or two faux flowers from a craft store onto a ribbon or cord base. Keep the arrangement small so it does not look bulky or overdone.
16. Faux Greenery Curtain Holdbacks
Wire a few faux greenery sprigs or eucalyptus stems together and attach them to a ribbon loop. The green tones pair well with almost any neutral curtain color.
17. DIY Felt Flower Curtain Tie Backs
Cut flower shapes from felt, layer them together, and add a button or bead to the center. Stitch and attach them to a ribbon or cord for a soft, handmade look.
18. Decorative Wall Hook Curtain Holdbacks
Mount a decorative hook on the wall in a finish that matches your room hardware and simply loop the curtain over it. No tie back material is needed at all.
19. Vintage Glass Doorknob Curtain Tie Backs
Attach an old glass doorknob to a small wooden block and mount it on the wall. Pull your curtain around it and the glass catches the light in a really charming way.
Tips for Making DIY Curtain Tie Backs Look More Expensive
A few simple habits can make your tie backs look like they came straight from a high-end home store.
- Use natural materials like jute, leather, wood, or cotton instead of plastic or synthetic options.
- Match your hook or hardware finish to other metal accents already in the room.
- Keep decorations minimal. One bead or one tassel looks intentional. More than that looks cluttered.
- Pick a tie back style that fits your room's overall look and feel.
- Install tie backs one-third up from the bottom of the curtain for the best proportion.
Conclusion
Making your own curtain tie backs is one of the easiest ways to refresh a room without spending much.
I've tried many of these ideas in my own home, and the ones that worked best were always the simplest.
A clean leather strap or a twisted jute rope can do more for a room than ten overcomplicated decorations.
Pick one idea from this list and try it this weekend. If you found this helpful, share it with a friend or drop a comment below telling me which one you made first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of curtain tie backs?
A decorative wall hook, a large curtain ring, or a simple ribbon loop all work well. They hold curtains in place without needing a traditional tie back.
How do you make homemade DIY curtain tie backs?
Pick a material like ribbon or rope, cut it to the right length, and attach it to a wall hook. Most tie backs take less than 30 minutes to make.
Are DIY curtain tie backs with ribbon durable?
Yes, if you use quality grosgrain or satin ribbon and seal the ends to stop fraying. A secure knot or clip keeps them in place long term.
What are the easiest DIY curtain tie backs to make?
Ribbon bows, simple macrame knots, and decorative wall hooks are the easiest options. They need very few materials and can be done in just minutes.
Can curtain tie backs be installed without drilling?
Yes, adhesive hooks work well for lightweight curtains and need no drilling at all. They are a great option for renters who cannot make wall holes.
