Instructions for making magnetic curtain holdbacks.
I came across some of these drapery tie-backs when I was in France and I knew they would be easy to make myself.
You will need:
- large buttons
- ribbon
- magnets
- glue gun
Instructions:
- Fist cut 2 pieces of ribbon about 10″ long. Using a glue gun, glue one end of the ribbon to the back of the large button and the other end to the back of the smaller button.
- Glue the magnets on top of the ribbon, pressing them together firmly until the glue is set. If your magnets have an adhesive backing, just peel and press. Make sure you have the correct sides of the magnets facing up – you want them to stick together!
They are really easy to use – no installation required! Simply gather the curtain where you want it pulled back and place the large button in the front and the small button directly behind it on the back of the curtain. These work best with unlined, light to medium-weight curtains.
Magnetic holdback on hemp/tencel curtains by NikkiDesigns
Here are a few more I made:
The holdbacks can also be used in other ways:
Gather a curtain panel up in the center for a decorative effect
Wrap the holdback around the curtain
Other things could be used for the front besides buttons – ceramics, wood, metal, glass, even vintage brooches! If you decide to make some, I would love to know what you decided to use. Keep in mind the weight and size of the curtains when you are making them. A larger magnet may be needed for heavier curtains.
You can find more DIY ideas here:
Love this. Thanks for sharing. I just had to pin this on Pinterest.
Thank you Linda. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the pin!
Hi Nikki, I was so happy to find your site. I applied your easy to follow instructions and now have the most amazing magnetic tie backs. I only spent $16 for what would definitely cost $40 in a high end store. Thank you so much and look for the pics on pinterest shortly.
Hi Melissa. I am so glad you found this DIY useful! Thanks for letting me know. Can you leave a link to your pinterest page when the photos are up?
How did you make the tie backs it looks like a sun and it looke like metal csn you please till me what you use it’s the 4th picture down
I am looking for tie back ideas for my trailer and this is perfect. I don’t want to wrinkle all of the curtain and this will work. Thank you!!
Hi Judy. I am glad you found my idea! Hope it works out well – I would love to see pics when you are done 🙂
Hi Judy! I am looking for our Airstream as well! Do you mind sharing your photos? It’s tricky in an RV… can’t screw into the walls and that poses a challenge. I’m thinking these would be perfect!
I glad I found your site can you recommend something a little more durable? I want to use your idea for my curtains on my Gazebo
Hi Wanda – the larger the magnets you use, the stronger they will be. Some durable outdoor fabrics to use for the tie-backs are hemp and sunbrella!
I would like to buy one of these curtain hold backs how can I contact you and order?
Thanks
Hello. Please email me – nikki@nikkidesigns.ca
Hello Nikki.
I have tones of buttons that I KNEW one day I would use for one of my art projects. I am soo happy that your page was the first I clicked on to find such an easy and beautiful way to design my window and bathroom curtains. I am home recuperativing after a surgery and so this will be a really nice project I can do while I relax. Thank you so much for your post.
Hi Carin. I am so happy that you found this article useful and inspiring! I hope you recuperate well 🙂
I did some today Nikki! I will email you pics. I’m soo happy with them. Thanks again!