Holdbacks

Holdbacks

There are two main types of curtain holdbacks, with both of them holding the curtain off the window in two different ways. The first type of holdback is called an ombre. This consists of a short piece of cylindrical metal or wood which projects horizontally from the wall. The top of the holdback is often finished off with a disc to keep the curtain in place. This type of holdback is fitted near the edge of the window recess, which allows the curtain to be stacked behind the holdback, keeping it from the window area.

The second type of hold back – which is called an embrace holdback – is also fitted near the edge of the window recess. The general design of this holdback resembles a “U” shape; the curtain is neatly folded and placed in to the holdback which then retains the curtain and stops the curtain from encroaching into the window space.

Most embrace holdbacks are finished off with a finial which is fixed to the exposed end of the curtain holdback.

The beauty of holdbacks is that they allow the curtains to drape from the pole or track in a graceful swath of fabric. Ombre holdbacks can also be fixed to the wall above a window opening in the shape of an arch with delicate light weight fabrics such as voile or net curtains draped over them easily and quickly creating a fantastic swag. This is ideal at a bedroom window to soften the more severe lines of a blind or to conceal the rather austere heading of a roller blind.

Curtain holdbacks may also be positioned over a bed either to re-create the look of a headboard, or to recall the elegance of by-gone eras with a beautiful bed drape.

Interior Design Notes

When fixing the holdback to the wall, be sure not to fix it too far away from the window opening or you will expose too much of the wall.