1. Home
  2. Style

How to hang outdoor curtains around your patio

By

An outdoor space is a perfect place to relax and entertain friends, but if it gets too hot or it lacks privacy, you may be looking for a design solution to help. Outdoor curtains are an elegant way to turn your patio into a private oasis. Not only do they shield you from nosy neighbors and the hot sun, but they are also a chic addition to the overall design. Follow our guide for how to hang outdoor curtains and take your patio from standard to sanctuary in no time.

Ground Picture / Shutterstock

Why curtains?

Outdoor curtains create a dreamy, flowing look reminiscent of a resort. By using them, you designate the space and let visitors know it is the central hub. Curtains also allow you to introduce more of your personal style to the patio. Imagine white panels blowing in the breeze with palm plants nearby or brilliant panels in pops of color surrounded by containers of vibrant plants. Two very different looks, but both beautiful ways to enhance the aesthetic.

Recommended Videos

What to look for

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing curtains for a patio space. First and foremost, make sure to purchase curtains specifically made for use outdoors. These will be waterproof, fade and mildew resistant, and have light-blocking/UV protection. Unlike interior curtains, here, you want the curtain to be a few inches off the ground so it will not collect dirt or be in standing water. If you think you will be opening and closing the curtains frequently, look for ones with anti-rust grommets, which move much smoother and won’t get snagged on the curtain rod. You can also find options with weighted hems to keep them from blowing around.

Pixabay/Pexels

What they can do for you

Curtains can tackle a lot of functions. Whether you have a neighboring house close by or a view you are not too fond of, they allow you to close off what you don’t want to see. Subtly, it tells that chatty neighbor you are engaging in private time. Simply close the curtains and catch up with friends, read a book, or surf the web.

Curtains also work wonderfully for managing all kinds of weather conditions. They keep the hot sun at bay and can be adjusted throughout the day. If a chilly wind is coming from one direction, close the curtains on that side. Fully enclosed, they can even help keep the bugs away.

What to hang them on

Ideally, you will need either a frame or solid structure made of wood or metal to hang your curtains from. This can be as easy as setting posts in the ground as you would for a fence or building an actual frame. Once the patio has posts or wood columns, you can use a curtain or tension rod to hang the curtains. Make sure to select a rod that is made for the outdoors to stand up to the elements. Another possibility is to hang your curtains from a clothesline or rope, but these will only work if the drapery is lightweight. A third option is to use heavy-gauge wire, which is sturdier than rope and faster to install than rods.

If you choose to go the wire-hung route, grab some heavy-gauge steel wire rope, eye hooks, and wall anchors. Use the eye hooks and wall anchors to fasten one end to a solid structure (post, beam, or exterior of your home). Feed the curtain on and get the wire as taut as you can, leading to the opposing structure, then secure it to the second eye hook. Depending on the length, consider if additional support is needed in the middle to prevent sagging.

Finishing touches

Now that you have your curtains up, you can enhance the overall look by adding decorative containers, accent plants, or hanging baskets around your space. Throw pillows in a fabric that works with the curtains will make the seating area look more inviting. Tiebacks made with the same or a coordinating fabric come in handy when the curtains are not in use. It is also good to have clothespins on hand to hold curtains together on breezier days.

Creating a welcoming outdoor patio expands the living area in your home. By upgrading the space with outdoor curtains, yours will be a private gathering spot that showcases your style and offers a retreat to relax in.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Darcey Gohring
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Darcey Gohring is a freelance writer based just outside New York City. She served as the managing editor of New Jersey…
How to make your kitchen design more functional, according to experts
Here’s the best way to make use of your kitchen most efficiently

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where families gather several times a day, making it one of the most used rooms in the house. That’s why the kitchen design needs to be functional and multi-purpose, capable of adhering to your family's needs throughout the busy day.

To get some advice on how to best utilize the space, we spoke to Laurel Vernazza, Home Design Expert at The Plan Collection. Here’s what we learned.

Read more
This Christmas decor idea for your front door and windows is super inexpensive (and fun to experiment with!)
Looking for a unique Christmas door decoration that isn't a wreath? Check out this idea from Tiktok

From traditional Christmas wreaths to the large winterscape window coverings, the holiday season ushers in several opportunities for decorating our doors and windows. However, some ideas have become exhausted after several years of use. After all, you can only change up the classic wreath so many times.

So, if you’re looking for creative and inexpensive Christmas door or window decorations this year, then you need to check out this unique idea.

Read more
Don’t clutter up your space: How to decorate a small living room for Christmas
Here's how to create a beautiful, festive scheme in your small living room this season

If you are ready for the holidays and are biding your time until you can bust out your Christmas decor, you're not alone. This time of year is full of joy as family and friends gather to celebrate and welcome the magic of the season. If you don't have a large living room, there's no need to worry. You can create a beautiful, festive scheme in your small living room this season.

The key is to make the most of the space you have without designing a room that's overly thematic and kitschy. As long as you take advantage of the entire space, use lighting carefully, and invite color into your design, you'll end up with a living room that's warm, cozy, and ready for a little fa-la-la.

Read more