Curtain call for the tie-back

Curtains frame your window, but how do you make the most of your view?  Interior designer Jamie Hempsall takes a look at using tie-backs.

When it comes to dressing windows the best solution is often a pair of curtains, preferably full length if room will allow. They frame your view beautifully and help to create a feeling of opulence. However, with the exception of eyelet designs which tend to stack back at the sides of a window, most curtains have fairly wide headings even when open which can mean they take up valuable window space and reduce light. So how do you solve this problem and create an extra element of drama?

The simple answer is a tieback and I have included images of some of my favourite designs currently on the market. Whilst this is a very traditional solution, tie-back designs continue to evolve meaning that you can find something appropriate for the majority of interior schemes from traditional to ultra-contemporary.

A myth has arisen over how difficult it is to dress curtains using a tieback and, whilst it does take a bit of effort initially, I have rarely found a client who does not pick up the knack pretty quickly thereby enjoying wonderful results.

The trick is to take time initially to dress your curtains with the appropriate folds – you do need a little patience, but it is worth it. Once you are happy with the effect tie them in position with three or four lengths of soft cloth (such as left over lining fabric) evenly spaced down the length of your curtains and leave hung in position for around 72 hours. This will help give new curtains “memory” as to where a fold should be. After that you should find that as you draw them back to gather up in a tieback your curtains will naturally follow the folds you have decided upon.

Using a tieback to draw curtains back not only increases light, but when draped correctly your curtain will have a soft curve that falls gracefully at the side of your window.
 

To achieve the optimum effect attach your tieback either one third down from the top of the curtain or one third up from the bottom of the panel. Hanging a tieback near the top of the curtain will provide the most light, with a short curve which leaves the majority of the fabric hanging at the side of the window. Whilst using a tieback near the bottom of the window is less about light and more about creating a dramatic, long curve.

One of the simplest options for a tieback is to produce a collar or twist made from the main fabric. As a general guide a standard width curtain of about 137cm wide requires a tieback of 60cm, whilst a double with curtain (about 274cm) needs a 92cm tieback.

However, I like to make more of a statement with tiebacks. They are an important tool in your interior scheme arsenal. The world is your oyster when it comes to design, but it is essential that you opt for colours that are included in the fabric of your curtains. Do not feel you have to go with the obvious choice as carefully matching a colour contained in a small detail of the design is a clever reference point and allows you to use it elsewhere in your room scheme.

Price points vary wildly from around £10 in High Street Stores to upwards of £318 for the statement piece Twiggy tie-back from Wemyss Houles – a true joy to behold. Take time to enjoy these wonderfully tactile additions to your window treatment which you should consider as important a decision as your fabric.

Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design. For more details visit Jamie at www.jamiehempsall.com or why not follow him on twitter (JamieHempsall)

Examples shown:
1) Lead Crystal Tie-Back from Zoffany
2) Briati Tie-Back from Designers Guild
3) Taisho Tie-Back from Osborne & Little
4) Orio Tie-Back from Designers Guild
5) Twiggy Tie-Back from Wemyss Houles

Pole stars add final touch to curtains

Yorkshire Post - 12th Aug 2009 - Life & Style Section : Homes

Interiors


It's not just the drapes which make the window. Poles, tracks and pelmets are vitally important, as interior designer Jamie Hempsall explains

It is the attention to detail that makes the difference. This is particularly relevant when you are deciding on the design of your curtains and looking at how to hang them.

The final piece of dressing for any curtain is the pole, track or pelmet that is being used, combined with any method to drawer the curtain away from the window. It is no use just sticking with what was there in the first place – you need to consider your curtains and make bold design decisions.

A pelmet will cover the track and the top of the curtain, ideal for a plain heading. They can hide a variety of sins and add a significant decorative feature. We favour hard pelmets which keep their shape well over the long term. A simple design is preferable. Pelmets are best padded and upholstered in either the same fabric as the curtains or something that tones (for instance a plain fabric which picks up the feature colour from the main pattern).

Decorative headings such as pinch pleat or goblets work well with either a substantial pole (a minimum of 19mm diameter is essential) and rings, or the more decorative track systems available. The pole or track will be visible for the majority of time that the curtains are open, so the design is as an important a consideration as the fabric. Ensure you have enough hanging rings on a pole or gliders on a track to support your chosen design; there is nothing worse than seeing curtains hanging irregularly at the top because someone has stinted on the rings!

If opting for the modern curtain eyelet design the pole is definitely your only choice. Colour, pole width and eyelet size are important considerations. Never opt for less than 40mm rings and a complementary size pole, to ensure a substantial look. Nickel or gunmetal colours in a satin finish work best in modern schemes.

Eyelet curtains should hang straight to the floor, but other heading finishes benefit from the use of curtain tie-backs or hold-backs to sweep the curtain away from the window and create a dramatic feature. Tie-backs usually incorporate a loop that goes around the curtain and is then attached to a hook on the wall, where as a hold-back is fixed directly to a wall with curtains pushed behind it.

Many manufacturers produce co-ordinated ranges of poles & tracks that allow you to match finishes and finials with tie-backs or hold backs for a complete look.

The Soho range from Houles (see main picture) is very modern and super chic. It includes co-ordinated finials and tie-backs in rich, tactile finishes combined with a range of opulent colours to complete your look. Prices from £226.75 for a 180cm pole or £119.25 for a tieback (http://www.houles.com/ - 020 7376 4430).

The Bradley Collection has a plethora of pole and finial designs to add a modern art feel to any room. Their Mio range boasts stainless steel finishes that will work in a variety of environments and finial choices that would not look out of place in a Barbara Hepworth Sculpture exhibition – prices range from around £236 for a 165cm pole with brackets, rings and two finials (www. bradleycollection.com – 0845 118 7224).



Finally, the modern home should also seek out the Lunar collection from stockists of Jones Interiors products. This 28mm pole collection features a beautiful array of wood, crystal and metal finials with co-ordinating hold-backs. Prices start at about £125 for a pole with brackets, rings and two finials and £40 for hold-backs (http://www.jones-interiors.com/).

Jamie Hempsall is a BIDA member and one of the leading interior designers in the region. Visit him at http://www.jamiehempsall.com/ or contact him on 01777 248463.