tieback
TY-bak
/ˈtaɪbæk/
A decorative strip of fabric, cord, or metal hook used to hold a curtain back to one side of a window.
Can refer to either a flexible fabric strap or a rigid metal hook (sometimes called a holdback) mounted to the wall.
The story behind the word. A straightforward compound word that emerged in the 19th century as interior design became highly decorative. It describes the exact physical action of tying the fabric back to the wall to maximize natural light.
Word relationships
- holdback: A holdback is typically a rigid metal or wooden fixture attached to the wall, whereas a tieback is often a flexible fabric or cord strap.
Commonly confused with
- tassel: A tassel is a decorative tuft of threads that may ornament a tieback, but the tieback is the entire functional restraint.
Word family
- tie back (verb): The action of securing a curtain to the side.
Collocations
- magnetic tieback
- tasseled tieback
- rope tieback
Example sentences
- "She fastened the heavy linen curtain with a tasseled tieback to let the morning sun flood the room." Interior styling tips.
Memory hook
It's a loop or hook that you use to 'tie' the curtain 'back'. The strap that holds curtains open.
When not to use
Do not use for the rod itself or the rings that hang the curtain.
Fun facts
- Modern tiebacks now use powerful rare-earth magnets hidden inside fabric spheres, eliminating the need to drill hooks into the walls.
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