How to Mount Post Holdbacks

Drapery holdbacks let light into rooms and augment room decor.

Post holdbacks are a decorative pieces of metal or hardware used to hold draperies or curtains in place. You can install post holdbacks on the sides of windows and doors. They also allow sufficient light to enter and illuminate a room when used to pull back drapery. Post holdbacks are both functional and decorative. They bring that extra edge to an ordinary window because they are available in different finishes that can often be matched with the color scheme of curtain accessories. Usually, post holdbacks come with mounting screws and hooks, which makes them relatively easy to mount.

Things You'll Need

• Post holdbacks
• Screwdriver or electric drill

Instructions

1. Measure the size of the windows where you will be mounting your post holdbacks. This will help you find the right post holdback for your window. Larger and heavier drapery will need bigger post holdbacks to hold it well.

2. Measure one of the curtains to determine the distance from top to bottom.

3. Reduce either one half or one third of the measured distance to determine the elevation level of the drapery. Make small marks on the wall using a pencil. This will serve as your reference point later on. Pencil marks are easy to remove without causing a permanent mark or stain on your wall.

4. Test the placement of your post holdbacks by holding them against the marks you made on the wall to check the appearance of the drapery when placed at different heights. It is best to get someone to assist you while doing this. You can also get a second opinion in determining the suitable elevation level of your post holdbacks.

5. Make a darker mark at the final spot of your post holdbacks. This will become your final point of reference.

6. Screw your post holdbacks in place on the spot where you made your mark. Use an electric drill for post holdbacks that require drilling a hole in order to be mounted properly.

7. Repeat Steps 1 to 7 for each post holdback.

Tips & Warnings

• Some windows may have plaster with metal edges. If your window contains metallic edges, you need to drill a hole using a drill bit with a slim diameter. Use a screwdriver after drilling to attach the post holdback.

References

• The Window Treatment Expert: Drapery Holdback and Tieback Ideas
• Curtain Holdbacks: Installing Your Curtain Hold Backs