What Are Back Tab Curtains? Here’s What You Need To Know

The name itself should be pretty self-explanatory. But what are back tab curtains, to be exact? Well, it looks like your typical curtain with loops sewn at the back lining of the curtain header. It allows homeowners to slide the fabric onto the rod without revealing neither components.

 

what are back tab curtains

If you’re new to the art of curtain designing and window treatments, let me be the first to introduce you to the sophisticated elegance that back tab curtains bring to the table. Most people like to call back tab curtains as hidden tab curtains. 

 

Overall, it gives an illusion of a curtain that is floating in space. It also helps you form an elegant, clean line at the bottom that hangs just above the floor. Another thing to love about these curtains is the absence of any hardware type—no need to worry about attaching clips, rings, or pins.

What makes them unique?

Back tab curtains are popular because of their tailored look that doesn’t necessitate the use of clips, pins, or hooks that can possibly damage the elegant fabric. You might still be wondering what are back tab curtains and what particular look do they provide?

 

Well, you can think of a neatly pleated curtain elegantly floating in your bedroom. The hidden tabs can completely hide the rods and brackets. Its crisp top edge rises above the rod, concealing undesirable curtain hardware. 

 

Back tab curtains made from heavy material do not sag, compared to other types of drapery. The hidden tabs support and evenly distribute the heavyweight that helps it maintain its tailored look. There are also back tab curtains made from lighter materials. However, the sheer fabric cannot entirely conceal the rod and affects the illusion of a curtain floating in space. 

How to hang back tab curtains?

Now we know that back tab curtains are simply curtains with hidden loops of fabric along their backside. Hanging them should be pretty easy to follow. Simply slip the loop onto your curtain rod and rest the rod on the bracket. Make as many manual adjustments as you please.

Tip # 1: Use flat rods

The tabs on the curtain will already give the top a crisp and relatively firm edge. But if you want to keep the tabs and pleats straight, you can use a flat rod instead of round ones. Flat rods will let the tabs relax and result in graceful curtain drapes and crisp pleats. 

Tip # 2: Don’t open and close them too often

Since fabric makes up the tabs, it will be difficult to open and close your shutters from time to time. If you plan on moving your drapes often, you can make them more mobile by attaching ring clips to the top. Adding it at the top part can also add a bit of length to your curtain and encourage pooling or puddling fabric at the bottom. 

Tip # 3: Styling light fabric

If you want a light and airy ambiance in your room or living room, then a lighter fabric can best suit your interior design. However, you might want to be cautious with the rod you will use with sheer back tab curtains. 

 

The light material can’t entirely conceal the rod, so now might be the opportunity for you to show off those decorative rods you have stored. The sheer fabric also goes excellent with clip rings while letting you slide your clutters open and shut more freely. 

Tip # 4: Styling medium to heavy fabric

With medium to heavy fabric like polyester, velvet, and linen, you can easily style them with light decorative fabric such as lace and ruffles. Use rings to pinch sections of the material and create natural folds that look like they are part of the trim. 

How do I style them?

To style your back tab curtains, you have to consider three main elements: length, color, and material. Although you can hang back tab curtains without pins, rings, and hooks, some people like to include these special curtain hardware to switch it up. 

 

Attaching clip rings at the top of the curtain can help you customize the length immediately. You can change the look of your back tab curtain from elegant and floating to sophisticated puddling fabric. It can also help you open and close your shutters with ease. 

 

Rings will let you show off decorative rods if you want to show off solid and pole-style rods and dowels. If you prefer to hide your rods, try to pair back tab curtains with lace and other decorative trims as an ornamental feature. 

Choosing back tab curtains

In choosing any type of curtains, you need to consider the kind of look you are going for. If you want a sophisticated and more tailored look with neatly displayed pleats, then back tab curtains are the way to go. 

 

Don’t forget to take the rest of the interior into consideration. Go back to your color scheme before shopping for back tab curtains. You want to make sure that the material weight and design match the ambiance of your room. 

Summary

In summary, hidden tab curtains are versatile and can be used to satisfy multiple interior design goals. Use it as an elegant floating curtain or a grand drape with fabric pooling at the bottom. Switch it up using rings, pins, hooks to display your decorative rods, and many more. 

 

Now you no longer have to wonder about what back tab curtains. These versatile pieces of fabric are not as hard to work with as some might think. If you’re in love with a particular curtain that doesn’t have back tabs, you can bring out your handy sewing it and transform your ordinary drapery into an elegant back tab curtain.