How to Tie Curtains and Drapery

Learning how to tie back drapery and curtains can increase the light in your home and add interest to your windows. During the day, stylishly tying back your curtains brings in light and improves your interior design. At Barrington Draperies and Shutters in Barrington, IL, we can help you create custom draperies that enhance the look and design of your home, add layers for warmth and insulation, and create a cohesive design.

Choosing Curtains vs. Drapes

If you’re assessing curtains vs. drapes, it’s time to learn the differences. Both hang from a rod, but curtains are made from lighter fabrics that usually allow diffused light to filter through, like cotton, linen, lace, and viscose. Drapes use heavier fabrics, like velvet, wool, and silk, and usually include a liner to darken the room and provide privacy. Drapery fabric may also incorporate prints, patterns, and designs.

Length is also different. Curtains usually cover just the window or hang a few inches below it while drapery touches the ground. Custom drapery usually extends the height and width of your windows, making them look larger and more dramatic, but you can select the dimensions you prefer.

How To Tie Curtains and Drapery

Tying back drapery or curtains allows you to frame the window and allow light into your home during the day. At night, you can release the tie-back so that the drapery or curtains shut, which increases security and privacy. Here’s how to do it:

Step One: Select a Tie-Back That You Like

The tie-back should match your interior design style and be easy enough to maneuver to open and close your drapery. You can use ropes, a magnetic tie-back, a piece of fabric that matches your drapery, tassels, or a metal rod. Or get creative and try a vintage necklace or bracelet for a classic or romantic style or leather straps for a modern farmhouse or rustic design.

Step Two: Hang the Tie-Back

The tie-back should hang about 1/3 of the way up the drapery from the floor to give you a full look that properly frames your window. You can screw it to the wall so it stays in place or attaches to the back of the curtain.

Step Three : Pull Back the Drapes

Pull the drapes into place and wrap the rope or tie back around them, securing it carefully. If your tie-back is moveable, adjust it as necessary.

Contact Us for Custom Drapery Near Chicago, IL

Learn to tie drapery or curtains to increase the functionality of your window treatments. If you don’t have drapery yet, Barrington Draperies and Shutters near Barrington, IL, has thousands of fabrics in rich colors, patterns, prints, and designs to fit any interior design style. Our friendly staff will work with you to make selections and make sure you have everything you need to hang them as you like. We also carry custom bedding and offerupholstery services.

Request a consultation for your new window treatments, including curtains and drapery, by calling, leaving a message on our contact form, or visiting our showroom. We proudly serve Barrington, Palatine, Kildeer, IL, and the Northwest Chicagoland area. Contact us today!