Curtain call for the tie-back

They frame your view beautifully and help to create a feeling of opulence.

But 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 tie-back, and I have included images of some of my favourite designs currently on the market. While this is a very traditional solution, their 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 tie-back. 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 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 tie-back, your curtains will naturally follow the folds.

Using a tie-back to draw curtains back not only increases light, but when draped correctly, your curtain will fall gracefully at the side of your window.

To achieve the optimum effect, attach your tie-back either one- third down from the top of the curtain or one- third up from the bottom of the panel.

Hanging a tie-back near the top of the curtain will provide the most light. Using a tie-back near the bottom of the window is less about light and more about creating a dramatic, long curve.

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.

Jamie Hempsall is a member of the British Institute of Interior Design. For more details, visit Jamie at www.jamiehempsall.com or follow him on Twitter.

SUPPLIERS

Wemyss Houles – www.houles.com; 020 7376 4430

Osborne & Little – www.osborneandlittle.com; 020 7352 1456

Designers Guild – www.designersguild.com; 020 7351 5775

Zoffany – www.zoffany.com; 0844 543 4748