We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.
X

The Best Curtain Holdbacks

Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated January 2023

When you want to push the curtains back and enjoy the sunlight, these curtain holdbacks make it easy and stylish.

Scroll Table to Left
  Top Choice A Glam Look Simple Design Best Black and Gold Best Bronze
 
  Amazon Basics
Decorative Curtain Drapery Holdback
HEMOUR
Curtain Holdbacks
Umbra
Basic Curtain Drapery Holdback
MERIVILLE
Decorative Bird Window Curtain Holdbacks
KAMANINA
Decorative Curtain Drapery Holdbacks
 
Our SummaryThese curtain holdbacks are sophisticated and look good in most rooms.A set of elegant crystal curtain holders that sparkle in the light.A pair of silvery u-shaped holdbacks that add a subtle touch of charm and securely hold most curtains.These solid steel bird figurine holdbacks come in four colorful finishes.Curtain holdbacks adorned with textured finials for a classy look.
Pros✓ Metal with dark bronze finish
✓ Hardware included
✓ Black, silver, bronze finishes available
✓ Modern style
✓ Crystal filials
✓ Sturdy build
✓ Classy look
✓ Mounting screws included
✓ Corrosion and fade-resistant
✓ Quality cast metal
✓ Elegant u-shapes
✓ Subtle accent
✓ Match Umbra's Twilight rods
✓ Coordinate will with most décor
✓ Intricate bird figurines ✓ Solid steel
✓ Mounting hardware included
✓ Three finish options
✓ Bronze finished texture
✓ Durable poly resin
✓ Multiple colors available
✓ Make great hook
Cons✗ Protrudes from wall awkwardly
✗ May chip or scratch
✗ Anchors may be wrong size
✗ Smaller than depicted
✗ Ample space needed to mount
✗ Some pressure to buy curtain rod
✗ Sturdy rod but fragile figurines✗ May vary from depiction in color
✗ Larger than expected
Scroll Table to Right
Who is LifeSavvy?
LifeSavvy is an independent publication focused on a single goal: helping you make the best purchase possible. We don’t just recommend the best Dutch oven for your needs, we show you how to take care of it so it lasts a lifetime and we recommend delicious recipes to help you get the most out of owning it too! Read More »
How Did We Research?

15 Models Evaluated

6 Hours Researched

32 Reviews Analyzed

The Best Curtain Holdbacks

Beige curtains held back by a black metal holdback.
Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock.com

Buying Guide for Curtain Holdbacks

A decorative golden curtain holdback mounted to a wall next to a window.
Germain McDaniel/Shutterstock.com

Why buy curtain holdbacks?

Curtain holdbacks are a unique way to add style to your home. They’re more permanent and successful at holding back thick curtains than tiebacks but also give an appealing look for sheer curtains as well. They’re similar to curtain tiebacks, which are made of cloth but don’t hold curtains back as securely as metal or wooden holdbacks, which are mounted to the wall. Curtain holdbacks make a fashionable and functional choice for controlling the light and privacy of a room.

What should you look for in curtain holdbacks?

  • Material: Most curtain holdbacks are metal, but some are heavy-duty plastic or have faux crystal adornments. Consider what material and finish will match the aesthetic of your home best.
  • Design: Curtain holdbacks are often u-shaped or s-shaped to corral the curtains back firmly. Some will be more elaborately detailed than others, so look for something that matches the aesthetic you’re going for in the room. Some of the holdbacks we review are adaptable as hooks for coats, bags, or scarves.
  • Placement: The length of your curtains will impact where you place your holdback on the wall. Consider taking measurements before you make your purchase. And remember to consider the area to either side of your window.

How should you hang your curtain holdbacks?

Your curtain holdbacks should be placed a third of the way up from where your curtain ends. Once you’ve decided where to place them, they need to be mounted to the wall. If they’re the typical u-shape, the opening should point away from the window to hold the curtains effectively. Many people position them straight, but you can also put them at an angle if you find that that works better.

Our Picks for the Best Curtain Holdbacks

Top Choice

Amazon Basics Decorative Curtain Drapery Holdback

These curtain holdbacks are sophisticated and look good in most rooms.

Pros: This set of two decorative metal curtain holders has a pleasing dark bronze finish. The included installation hardware makes it easy to mount these holdbacks to the wall. This product is available in your choice of finish, and the molded finials add a refined sense of style.

Cons: These holdbacks will stick out 4 to 5 inches from the wall, which is not ideal for everyone. The finish can chip or scratch if you’re not careful while installing.

Bottom Line: The holdbacks add an interesting dimension to a room and an orderly appearance to drapes, holding them back in a way that beautifully yet discreetly frames the window.

 

A Glam Look

HEMOUR Curtain Holdbacks

A set of elegant crystal curtain holders that sparkle in the light.

Pros: For a classy look, go for these crystal curtain holdbacks. The mounting screws are included. This product is durable, sturdy, and made with a polished surface that is corrosion-resistant and fade-resistant. You can also use them to hang coats, hats, towels, etc., if you mount them vertically.

Cons: The crystal is smaller than depicted. The included anchors may not fit right, according to some reviewers.

Bottom Line: These eye-catching crystal curtain hooks aren’t for everyone, but they’re perfect for those who love a bit of sparkle. They’re suitable for most rooms, including bedrooms, dining rooms, offices, and living rooms.

 

Simple Design

Umbra Basic Curtain Drapery Holdback

A pair of silvery u-shaped holdbacks that add a subtle touch of charm and securely hold most curtains.

Pros: Made of quality cast metal and formed into elegant u-shapes, these holdbacks by Umbra make a subtle accent for your curtains. The pair coordinates well with many interior decorative themes. While they’re designed for most drapery or window displays, these holdbacks match Umbra’s Twilight single and double curtain rods.

Cons: You may encounter problems with installation depending on your window. Carefully measure each side of your window to ensure you have enough space to mount them.

Bottom Line: We love the Umbra holdbacks because they look lovely alone or with the Twilight curtain rods. The cast has a brushed finish, giving a stylish flair that looks nice with many curtain fabrics.

 

Most Detailed

MERIVILLE Set of 2 Decorative Bird Window Curtain Holdbacks

These solid steel bird figurine holdbacks come in four colorful finishes.

Pros: These high-quality curtain holdbacks feature sweet birds made of thick, solid steel. Choose from three finishes: pewter, renaissance gold, and oil-rubbed bronze. All mounting hardware comes included.

Cons: The rod is sturdy, but the birds may be prone to breakage if not handled carefully.

Bottom Line: These whimsical bird curtain holdbacks are unique. Add them next to windows of any size for a vintage touch.

 

Best Bronze

KAMANINA Decorative Curtain Drapery Holdbacks

Curtain holdbacks adorned with textured finials for a classy look.

Pros: These curtain holdbacks feature a bronze netted texture. They’re made with high-quality polyresin and are available in black, silver, bronze, and champagne gold. Mounting screws and wall anchors are included. This set is suitable for all kinds of curtains and can even be used as hanging hooks for clothes, towels, hats, or scarves.

Cons: The color you receive may vary from the pictures. Some users are surprised by how large the ornamental holdbacks are.

Bottom Line: Enhance your drapery and add a decorative element to your window with these versatile and compatible curtain holdbacks. If you buy these holdbacks and don’t like them, remember their versatility as hanging hooks.

Final Thoughts

Letting more light into your home is easily done with the addition of curtain holdbacks. These decorative options should look great in your home or office.

Rachel Shubin Rachel Shubin
Rachel Shubin is a freelance journalist who is passionate about telling stories. Along with writing reviews for LifeSavvy, she writes a book column for Cape May Magazine and is a reporter for the Cape May Star & Wave Newspaper. When Rachel is not writing, she can be found advocating for mental health awareness and animal rescue, reading novels, exploring Cape May, or working on her polymer clay jewelry business, Piper + Pearl Co. Read Full Bio »
LifeSavvy is focused on one thing: making your life outside of work even better. Want to know more?