Curtain tie backs are a small detail that can make a noticeable difference in a room. Instead of leaving curtains hanging straight down, a well-chosen tie back can frame the window, bring in more natural light, and add another layer of texture or color to the space.

The best part is that you don’t need expensive hardware to create an attractive look. Everyday materials such as rope, leather, beads, fabric, wood, and even decorative hooks can become stylish curtain accessories with a little creativity.

These 22 DIY curtain tie backs range from simple projects for renters to more decorative ideas for bedrooms, living rooms, dining spaces, and cozy reading corners.

1. Twisted Cotton Rope Tie Backs

Natural cotton rope creates a relaxed look that works especially well with linen or lightweight cotton curtains. Twist or braid two strands together and secure the ends with simple knots.

Choose cream, beige, or soft gray rope for a neutral room, or use a darker shade to create stronger contrast around the window.

Quick Tip: Keep both tie backs approximately the same length so the curtains frame the window evenly.

Create completely from scratch: a realistic editorial home-decor photograph of a bright living room with lightweight cream curtains held open by handmade twisted cotton rope tie backs. A real adult person is naturally adjusting one curtain beside the window. Warm wood furniture, soft natural daylight, subtle woven textures, realistic residential proportions, vertical 2:3 composition, authentic photographic depth, no text, no logos, no watermark, no CGI appearance.

Cream curtains held open with handmade twisted cotton rope tie backs in a bright living room.

2. Leather Strap Curtain Holders

Leather strips can give ordinary curtains a more refined, slightly rustic appearance. Fold each strip into a loop and attach it to a small wall hook beside the window.

Brown leather pairs naturally with wood furniture, while black leather creates a sharper look against white or light-colored curtains.

Best For: Modern farmhouse, rustic, industrial, and contemporary rooms.

Create completely from scratch: a realistic bedroom with soft ivory curtains held by simple brown leather strap tie backs attached to understated wall hooks. A real adult person is naturally standing near the window, arranging the curtain. Warm oak furniture, neutral bedding, soft afternoon daylight, believable materials and proportions, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text, no logos, no watermark.

Ivory bedroom curtains gathered with simple brown leather strap tie backs.

3. Wooden Bead Curtain Tie Backs

Large wooden beads threaded onto sturdy cord create a warm handmade accent. Mix different bead sizes for a casual appearance or keep the beads uniform for a cleaner design.

The natural wood works particularly well when the room already contains timber furniture, woven baskets, or other organic textures.

Create completely from scratch: a cozy dining room featuring neutral curtains gathered with handmade wooden bead tie backs. A real adult person is naturally arranging the beaded tie back near the window. Light oak table, woven dining accents, warm white walls, soft daylight, realistic wood grain and bead texture, vertical 2:3 composition, no text or logos.

Neutral curtains gathered with handmade wooden bead tie backs beside a light oak dining table.

4. Decorative Tassel Tie Backs

Oversized tassels instantly add a decorative touch to plain curtains. Attach a tassel to a simple cord or ribbon and use it to gather each curtain panel.

For a polished look, coordinate the tassel color with an accent pillow, rug, or nearby artwork.

Create completely from scratch: an elegant living room with soft taupe curtains gathered using oversized handmade tassel tie backs. A real adult person is naturally touching one curtain panel. Neutral sofa, textured cushions, understated brass accents, diffused window light, realistic residential interior, vertical 2:3 photography, no text, no watermark.

Taupe curtains decorated with oversized tassel tie backs in an elegant living room.

5. Macramé Curtain Tie Backs

Macramé knots bring texture and a handcrafted feel to the window. A short macramé cord can be looped around the curtain and secured to a wall hook.

Use natural cotton cord for a soft bohemian look, or choose a darker cord for more contrast.

Create completely from scratch: a relaxed bohemian bedroom with white linen curtains gathered by handmade natural cotton macramé tie backs. A real adult person is naturally opening the curtain to let in morning light. Woven textures, wood furniture, indoor plants, realistic fabric and knots, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text, logos, or watermark.

White linen curtains gathered with natural macramé tie backs in a bohemian bedroom.

6. Fabric Ribbon Tie Backs

Wide ribbon is one of the easiest ways to create a temporary curtain tie back. Simply wrap it around the curtain and tie a bow.

Choose velvet for a richer appearance, cotton ribbon for a casual room, or satin ribbon for a more decorative bedroom.

Create completely from scratch: a cheerful bedroom with pale curtains gathered by wide dusty-blue fabric ribbon tied into soft bows. A real adult person is naturally adjusting the ribbon near the window. Light bedding, simple wood furniture, bright natural daylight, realistic ribbon folds, vertical 2:3 composition, no text or watermark.

Pale curtains gathered with wide dusty-blue ribbon bows in a bedroom.

7. Vintage Brooch Curtain Holders

An old brooch or decorative pin can become the focal point of a fabric curtain tie back. Secure it carefully to a fabric band rather than placing a sharp pin directly where it could snag the curtain.

This idea works particularly well with vintage-inspired rooms.

Common Mistake: Using a heavy brooch on delicate fabric.

Better Approach: Reinforce the ribbon or band so the decorative piece doesn’t pull on lightweight curtains.

Create completely from scratch: a vintage-inspired sitting room with floral curtains gathered using decorative antique-style brooch tie backs. A real adult person is naturally arranging the curtain. Aged wood furniture, muted floral textiles, warm afternoon light, realistic fabric and metal detail, vertical 2:3 editorial photograph, no text or watermark.

Floral curtains gathered with decorative vintage brooch tie backs.

8. Wooden Ring and Cord Tie Backs

Wooden rings attached to sturdy cord create a simple architectural detail beside the window. The circular shape adds contrast to the vertical lines of the curtain.

Choose unfinished wood for a natural look or stain the rings to coordinate with existing furniture.

Create completely from scratch: a modern farmhouse living room with oatmeal curtains gathered by handmade wooden ring and cord tie backs. A real adult person is naturally standing near the window. White walls, warm wood furniture, subtle black accents, soft daylight, realistic wood grain and curtain folds, vertical 2:3 photography, no text or logos.

Oatmeal curtains gathered with wooden ring and cord tie backs in a farmhouse living room.

9. Braided Fabric Tie Backs

Turn leftover fabric strips into a three-strand braid. This is a useful way to coordinate curtain accessories with existing upholstery, pillows, or bedding.

Use fabrics with similar weight so the braid holds its shape without becoming too bulky.

Create completely from scratch: a cozy family room with neutral curtains gathered by braided fabric tie backs made from coordinating textile strips. A real adult person is naturally making an adjustment to one tie back. Comfortable sofa, patterned cushion, natural wood, soft daylight, realistic fabric texture, vertical 2:3 composition, no text or watermark.

Neutral curtains gathered with braided fabric tie backs made from coordinating textiles.

10. Jute Rope Curtain Tie Backs

Jute rope offers a textured, earthy alternative to ordinary curtain hardware. A simple loop with a neat knot can be enough to hold lightweight panels open.

Pair it with woven baskets, natural wood, and neutral textiles for a cohesive look.

Create completely from scratch: a warm coastal-inspired room with white curtains gathered using natural jute rope tie backs. A real adult person is naturally opening the curtain. Woven basket, light wood furniture, cream upholstery, bright coastal daylight, realistic jute fibers, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text or logos.

White curtains gathered with natural jute rope tie backs in a coastal-inspired room.

11. Faux Pearl Bead Tie Backs

String faux pearls onto strong decorative cord for a softer, more feminine window accent. This approach works especially well in bedrooms, dressing areas, and traditional interiors.

Keep the pearl strand relatively simple if the curtains already have a bold pattern.

Create completely from scratch: an elegant bedroom with pale blush curtains gathered by delicate faux pearl bead tie backs. A real adult person is naturally arranging the curtain. Soft upholstered furniture, warm neutral walls, gentle morning light, realistic pearl reflections and fabric texture, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text or watermark.

Blush curtains gathered with delicate faux pearl bead tie backs in an elegant bedroom.

12. Wooden Dowel Curtain Holders

A short wooden dowel can become a minimalist curtain holder when paired with simple cord or leather loops. This design is especially useful for a Scandinavian or modern natural interior.

Sand the wood smoothly and finish it appropriately before using it near fabric.

Create completely from scratch: a Scandinavian-style living room with sheer white curtains held open using minimalist wooden dowel tie backs. A real adult person is naturally standing beside the window. Pale oak furniture, neutral textiles, clean architecture, soft overcast daylight, realistic wood texture, vertical 2:3 composition, no text or logos.

Sheer white curtains held with minimalist wooden dowel tie backs in a Scandinavian living room.

13. Floral Fabric Tie Backs

Use leftover floral fabric to create soft loops around curtain panels. This is a simple way to introduce a pattern without covering an entire window in print.

Do: Match one or two colors from the fabric with existing room accents.

Don’t: Introduce several unrelated floral patterns in the same small space.

Create completely from scratch: a cheerful cottage-style room with cream curtains gathered by handmade floral fabric tie backs. A real adult person is naturally arranging flowers in a nearby vase while the curtains frame the window. Vintage wood furniture, soft floral accents, natural daylight, realistic textile detail, vertical 2:3 photography, no text or watermark.

Cream curtains gathered with floral fabric tie backs in a cottage-style room.

14. Brass Hook and Rope Tie Backs

Combine a simple brass wall hook with cotton rope for an understated DIY solution. The brass adds a small metallic detail while the rope keeps the overall look relaxed.

This combination works particularly well with warm white walls and natural wood.

Create completely from scratch: a refined dining area with warm white curtains held open by natural rope attached to small brass wall hooks. A real adult person is naturally pulling one curtain panel aside. Oak dining furniture, subtle brass details, warm daylight, realistic metal reflections, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text or logos.

Warm white curtains held with rope and brass hook tie backs in a dining room.

15. Velvet Ribbon Tie Backs

Velvet ribbon gives a simple curtain a richer texture without requiring complicated construction. Choose a color that echoes a nearby accent chair, cushion, or artwork.

Deep green, navy, burgundy, and muted plum can work especially well in traditional or moody interiors.

Create completely from scratch: a moody traditional bedroom with cream curtains gathered by deep green velvet ribbon tie backs. A real adult person is naturally adjusting the curtain. Dark wood furniture, soft neutral bedding, warm evening window light, realistic velvet texture and fabric folds, vertical 2:3 photography, no text or watermark.

Cream curtains gathered with deep green velvet ribbon tie backs in a traditional bedroom.

16. Ceramic Ring Curtain Tie Backs

Small ceramic rings can add a handcrafted quality to a simple curtain arrangement. Use smooth, neutral ceramic for a quiet look or lightly textured pieces for a more artisanal feel.

Make sure the attachment method is strong enough for the curtain’s weight.

Create completely from scratch: an artisanal living room with natural linen curtains gathered by handmade off-white ceramic ring tie backs. A real adult person is naturally relaxing near the window. Handmade pottery, warm wood, textured upholstery, soft daylight, realistic ceramic imperfections and linen folds, vertical 2:3 photography, no text or watermark.

Natural linen curtains gathered with handmade ceramic ring tie backs.

17. Denim Strip Curtain Tie Backs

Repurpose an old pair of sturdy denim jeans by cutting clean strips and braiding or knotting them into curtain holders.

The blue denim creates an especially casual accent in family rooms, bedrooms, or relaxed home offices.

Create completely from scratch: a casual home office with white curtains gathered by handmade braided denim tie backs. A real adult person is naturally working at a nearby desk. Light wood desk, comfortable chair, simple decor, soft daylight, realistic denim texture, vertical 2:3 lifestyle photography, no text or logos.

White curtains gathered with braided denim tie backs in a casual home office.

18. Chain Curtain Tie Backs

A decorative metal chain can provide a more industrial look. Choose a lightweight chain with a finish that complements existing hardware rather than competing with it.

Black, bronze, or brushed metal can each create a different mood.

Finish	Visual Effect	Works Well With
Black	Graphic and modern	White or neutral curtains
Bronze	Warm and vintage	Wood and earthy tones
Brushed metal	Clean and contemporary	Gray and cool neutrals

Create completely from scratch: a contemporary living room with light gray curtains gathered by slim decorative bronze chain tie backs. A real adult person is naturally walking past the window. Modern sofa, warm wood table, restrained metallic accents, diffused daylight, realistic chain reflections, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text or watermark.

Light gray curtains gathered with slim bronze chain tie backs in a contemporary living room.

19. Wooden Branch Curtain Tie Backs

A smooth, naturally shaped branch can create a rustic handmade accent. Select a dry, clean piece with no sharp edges and finish it appropriately before using it around fabric.

The irregular shape makes each tie back naturally unique.

Editor’s Note: Keep the branch proportionate to the curtain. A very thick piece can visually overwhelm lightweight panels.

Create completely from scratch: a rustic cabin-inspired sitting room with linen curtains gathered using smooth natural branch tie backs. A real adult person is naturally arranging the curtain. Stone fireplace, warm wood furniture, woven textiles, soft afternoon light, realistic branch texture and fabric, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text or logos.

Linen curtains gathered with smooth natural branch tie backs in a rustic sitting room.

20. Crochet Curtain Tie Backs

Crocheted cotton cord adds a soft handmade detail to curtains. A simple loop or braided crochet strip can be finished with a wooden button or small decorative bead.

This is particularly fitting for cottage, vintage, and cozy bedroom styles.

Create completely from scratch: a cozy cottage bedroom with white curtains gathered by handmade cream crochet tie backs finished with small wooden buttons. A real adult person is naturally sitting near the window reading. Soft bedding, vintage wood furniture, gentle morning light, realistic crochet texture, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text or watermark.

White curtains gathered with cream crochet tie backs and wooden buttons.

21. Repurposed Scarf Curtain Tie Backs 

A lightweight decorative scarf can become an unexpected curtain accessory. Fold it into a long band and loosely knot it around the curtain for a relaxed layered effect.

This option is especially useful when you want to change the room seasonally without permanently installing hardware.

Create completely from scratch: a relaxed bedroom with soft ivory curtains gathered using a lightweight patterned scarf as a decorative tie back. A real adult person is naturally changing the curtain arrangement. Neutral bedding, vintage side table, warm afternoon light, realistic scarf folds and fabric texture, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text or logos.

Ivory curtains gathered with a patterned scarf used as a decorative tie back.

22. Oversized Button Curtain Tie Backs

Large wooden or fabric-covered buttons can become charming focal details when attached to simple cord or fabric loops.

Choose buttons that relate to the room’s existing materials rather than treating the tie back as an isolated decoration.

Quick Tip: Oversized buttons work best when the curtains are relatively simple, allowing the small detail to stand out.

Create completely from scratch: a warm neutral living room with simple linen curtains gathered by handmade fabric loops featuring oversized natural wooden buttons. A real adult person is naturally adjusting the curtain beside the window. Soft beige sofa, oak side table, woven textures, bright natural window light, realistic button and linen detail, vertical 2:3 editorial photography, no text, logos, or watermark.

Linen curtains gathered with fabric loops and oversized wooden button tie backs.

Choosing the Right DIY Curtain Tie Back

The easiest way to narrow down your options is to look at the materials already present in the room. Wood and jute create an earthy feel, leather adds structure, ribbon brings softness, and metal introduces a more defined accent.

For everyday curtains, prioritize a tie back that is secure and easy to release. Lightweight fabrics can usually handle simple cord, ribbon, or decorative loops, while heavier curtains may need sturdier attachment hardware.

If you’re decorating a rental, removable hooks and temporary loops can offer flexibility without making permanent changes to the wall.