Having an outdoor patio can provide a nice space to relax and entertain. However, a patio with little privacy does not make for much of an escape. Adding curtains or other privacy solutions transforms your public patio into a secluded oasis. Curtains offer many benefits for enhancing a patio, including:
- Escape noise from neighbors, traffic, etc.
- Hide unsightly surrounding views
- Provide protection from sun, wind, and light rain
- Create a feeling of seclusion without moving
Getting Started: Measure Your Patio
Before purchasing or making patio curtains, some measurements will inform what materials you need. Measure both the height and width of windows, doors, or any other openings you plan to cover with curtains. Make notes about which directions sunlight hits your patio and what views you want the curtains to hide. This will help determine how you’ll need to hang and arrange the curtains for optimal coverage and privacy.
Choose Inexpensive Materials
Drop Cloths
Drop cloths provide versatile, heavyweight canvas fabric that can be used as affordable DIY patio curtains. They come in large sizes to cover wide spaces and can be hemmed, painted, shaped, layered, and embellished for endless customization options to match your patio decor. Drop cloths withstand outdoor elements well and their thickness provides excellent privacy while still allowing airflow.
Bed Sheets & Shower Curtains
Old flat sheets and shower curtains also transform nicely into breezy, lightweight patio curtains. Match the fabric color to your existing outdoor color scheme. The thin, gauzy texture allows sunlight filtering and may require double layered for opacity. But the benefit is a nice cooling effect from the airflow. Repurposing these materials you likely already own cuts down curtain costs considerably.
Other Thrifty Finds
For transparent curtains with decorative visibility, patterned tablecloths add a nice touch without breaking the bank. Lightweight tapestries offer an intricate, textured look. Leftover fabric scraps from past sewing projects can be pieced together for eclectic patterns and colors. And secondhand lightweight blankets hung vertically result in breezy, billowy panels.
Pick Your Patio Curtain Rod Option
Buy Readymade Rods
Tension curtain rods provide easy installation spanning between walls or posts. Expandable rods adjust to custom widths. Or standalone mounted poles or pillars anchor vertically in gardens, grass or concrete floors. These readymade hardware options don’t require drilling or complicated setup.
DIY Hanging Options
Mounted Poles & Beams
Copper, galvanized steel or PVC pipes mounted directly to walls or ceilings make sturdy DIY curtain rods. For ceiling mounts, use long pipes and bend for a rounded draping effect. Wooden beams or squared-off barn wood also anchor well for a decorative farmhouse vibe. Use screws or heavy-duty wall anchors to affix these materials.
Temporary No-Holes Hacks
Adhesive hooks like Command Strips allow hanging patio curtains without drilling holes. Screw-in cup hooks along railings or ceilings offer removable, damage-free fastening. Standard wreath hanging hooks over doors lend a quick solution. For the easiest option, simply drape lightweight curtains over branches, vines, garden arbors, railings or other exterior structures.
Hem and Weigh Down Bottom of Panels
Curtains will hang straight rather than billowing without some weight secured along the bottom hems. Fold over the raw edges of fabric and iron into crisp straight lines. Or sew simple straight stitches for a finished hem. To add weight, sew pockets to insert pipe chains, beaded embellishments or pennies spaced every few inches before closing the hem.
Add Length, Width & Adjustability
Hang multiple panels overlapped to cover extra wide patio spaces. Install ties at corners or edges of curtain panels so you can draw the sides back for adjustable privacy coverage. Clip curtain rings rather than sewing panels directly to rods makes taking down and rehanging simple for storage or cleaning.
Protect From Weather Conditions
Since DIY materials aren’t necessarily thick outdoor fabric, spray panels with sealant appropriate for the fabric type to resist moisture damage and sun fading. Adding grommets every foot or so reinforces holes from tearing. Periodically reapply protective treatments. And remove curtains during harsh weather or winter months to extend their lifespan.
Incorporate Whimsical Decor Touches
Personalize patio curtains with painted designs, shaped scalloped trim, ombre dyeing or gradient patterns. Embellish hems and edges with ribbon, tassels, pom poms, beads or seeded embroidery. Arrange panels as swooping swags rather than straight across. Have fun and get creative with colors, textures and arrangements!
You can craft custom patio curtains with some simple planning, practical skills and budget-friendly materials. Transform your public outdoor area into a peaceful sanctuary without breaking the bank. So cozy up in your newfound retreat with your favorite drink under the sunset – your secluded patio escape awaits!
