How to Install Curtain Holdbacks
Curtain holdbacks come in two basic types: hook and post. Hook style holdbacks are shaped like a hook and the curtain fabric gathers directly against the holdback when the drapery is open. Post style holdbacks come straight out from the wall and are adorned with a large medallion or decorative element. Post style holdbacks are used with the addition of tiebacks.
Hook style holdbacks work well for light to medium thick curtains (as measured when the curtain is collected to one side). Lined curtains tend to be heavier and thicker and some hook holdbacks will be too small to restrain the collected curtain. Heavier draperies or situations when a deeper drapery fall is desired are more appropriate for post or stem type holdbacks. The hook style holdback tends to be slightly more casual than the post type but both styles are suited to more formal rooms with more formal drapery choices. Holdbacks used with very thin or single panel type of curtains may make the curtains look wrong.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Holdbacks package as required (including mounting hardware)
- Longer screws of the same size/color as packaged screws (hook holdback only)
- Screwdriver or power screwdriver
- Screw in or insert-type wall anchors sized for screws in package (post holdback only)
- Decorative tieback if needed (post holdback style)
- Optional drill (if you hit metal)
Instructions
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With the drapery already mounted, measure from the top of the curtain to the floor. Divide this measurement by three. For standard height windows your holdback should mount approximately one-third up from the floor.
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Hook holdbacks mount so that the hook curls in front of the window. Place your hook so that the flat mounting area is at the correct height. The screw hole closest to the window should be at least one inch away from the corner (plaster). If you have interior molding the mounting area may not lay flat. Sometimes you can modify the holdback by bending it slightly to accommodate the molding better. Mark your spots.
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Hook holdbacks will screw directly into wood for a firm fit. However, some homes have a metal edging forming a corner just under the plaster. Your mounting screw may hit this metal. Beneath the sheet rock (plaster) there should be a wood stud which is your screw-in target. If you hit metal, pre-drill a skinnier-than-your-screw pilot hole, all the way into the stud. Use your longer screws and screw your holdback firmly to the wall. If you have molding, your short screws should anchor in the molding just fine.
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If you have chosen to hang your drapery so that it opens and collects beyond the edge of the window, (this is currently popular as it allows more light into rooms), then you will make your mark for your post holdback at the correct one-third height and right at the outside (furthest from the window) edge of where your curtain falls.
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Post holdbacks frequently mount beyond stud range. In order to make them solid enough to hold the weight of drapes you need to install wall anchors that expand into the sheetrock for a sturdy mount. Position your post holdback mounting plate over your marks and mark your holes.
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Use a screw-in type plastic wall anchor (or insert type) in the correct size for your screws. Screw in the anchors and then install your mounting plate. These types of holdbacks sometimes hide their mounts with a cover that is part of the holdback. These usually tighten to the wall mount using an Allen (key) wrench provided with their hardware.
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Tips & Warnings
For the best effect select a holdback style that suits the architecture and period of your home. For over-tall windows the one third height measurement may not look right. Enroll a friend to test position your uninstalled holdback along the side of the window. Look at the fall of the fabric from a distance until you achieve the appearance you want. For post holdbacks be sure your mount is secure so that when you use a tieback (drapes are heavy) the pull of the weight against the holdback doesn't pull it out of the wall.
Mounting through plaster in and near corners can quickly become an ugly mess. Be prepared to drill pilot holes and use longer screws to mount your holdback firmly. Remember that fabrics get heavy and will pull against your holdback. Also, every time you unhook to close your drapes there is a chance of wear on the mount area. For this reason, it is important that you screw into wood if possible. If you discover no stud behind the plaster then be prepared to use a wall anchor to strengthen the mount. A little dab of model paint (available at most hobby/craft stores) is an easy fix for a silver screw head that should be another color.
