If you’ve installed beautiful outdoor curtains to create privacy and shade on your patio, deck, or balcony – you know the frustration of watching your lovely curtains blow wildly in the wind.
Unsecured curtains flapping around not only look bad, but all that whipping back and forth can damage the fabric over time. Plus there’s the risk that your outdoor curtains become projectiles in high wind gusts if they aren’t properly weighed down.
Why Outdoor Curtains Need Weighing Down
Outdoor spaces almost always come with some amount of wind factor. Whether a gentle breeze or strong gusts, that moving air will catch underneath loosely hanging curtains and cause them to billow out.
Constant flapping and whipping stresses the fabric, causing wears, tears, and fading sooner than if the curtains hung smoothly. The repetitive motion also strains curtain rods and hardware, leading to breakage or sagging.
In addition to spoiling the appearance of your nicely decorated space, wind-blown curtains no longer serve their purpose of providing UV protection, glare reduction, or a secluded feel.
Loose, unsecured curtains essentially become sails in the wind. In extreme weather, the risk increases of curtains being ripped down or blowing dangerously through the air if they aren’t anchored properly.
#1 Use Curtain Weights
One of the most popular and convenient options for weighing down outdoor curtains are specifically designed curtain weights.
These dense weights come in various forms like tear drop, rectangle, or cylinder shapes. They may be individual weights that attach to each curtain panel or long tubular styles that slide into the bottom pocket or hem.
Free hanging rod weights that loop over the top of the curtain work well for lighter fabrics. But enclosed hem weights or pockets are best for keeping outdoor curtains fully secured in windy spots.
When choosing curtain weights, consider the total weight of your fabric and aim for weighting the bottom around 0.2 lbs per foot width. It’s better to go slightly over than under.
Space weights evenly across the length and test for any billowing areas that may need extra weight. Focus on high wind zones near corners and edges.
#2 Cables and Dog Ties
For a super windproof system, install cables through your curtain tops and secure them tightly into the ground using dog ties, chain stakes, or landscaping anchors.
Measure and cut galvanized steel cables equal to the width of each curtain panel. Attach heavy duty end clips to each end. Feed the cables through the top hem or use grommets if present.
Space the ties, stakes, or anchors evenly underneath the cables. Drive them deep into the ground for maximum holding strength. The cables will keep the curtains pulled tight and immobile.
This system stands up to wind speeds over 50 mph. It allows you to hang light to heavyweight outdoor curtains in windy spots that might otherwise be off limits.
#3 Go Heavy With Curtain Fabrics
One of the most effective ways to prevent outdoor curtains from blowing around is choosing a heavyweight fabric to begin with.
Fabrics like canvas, acrylic, and certain tightly woven polyester blends resist billowing thanks to their density and thickness. They hang straight and are less likely to flap even without extra weighting.
If going with heavy curtains, make sure to get appropriately rated curtain rods and hardware. Reinforced steel or iron rods along with heavy duty brackets can support the weight to hang smoothly.
Consider tracking or multiple support points for extra long heavy curtains. While pricey, high quality heavy panels bring beauty and function to tricky outdoor spots.
#4 Choose Strong Magnets
Magnets make another handy option for securing lightweight curtains in outdoor spaces with metal elements. The magnetic pull helps keep curtains anchored.
Self-adhesive magnet strips that run the hem length are quick and easy to install. Magnetic curtain clips also work for spot weighting any flapping points along the bottom.
On balconies or patios with metal railings, use industrial strength neodymium magnets. Position them to hold the hem to the rails so wind can’t catch underneath.
Test magnets first to ensure the pull strength suits both the curtain fabric and underlying surface. Magnets avoid unsightly weights while discreetly keeping curtains in place.
#5 Stake Curtains Into The Ground
To batten down curtains in outdoor spaces bordered by dirt, grass, or soil – try driving tent pegs or landscape staples along the bottom hem.
Space them evenly across the full length and every few feet along the perimeter. Hammer the galvanized steel or aluminum stakes deep into the ground through the curtain hem.
This creates durable points securing the curtain so wind can’t lift the fabric. Staking works well for heavyweight fabrics with some drape. Make sure to check lengths as the season change.
For concrete, wood, or composite decking, use screw in landscape anchors instead of tent pegs to achieve the same staking effect.
#6 Add Wind Slits
Strategically placed vertical slits in outdoor curtains allow wind to pass through while reducing billowing and stress on the fabric.
Measure and cut evenly spaced wind slits along the length of each curtain panel. They should be just wide enough to let adequate air flow.
Determine wind slit size by curtain width and local wind speeds. Wider, stronger gusts will require larger slits to prevent ballooning of the fabric.
Keep privacy and visibility in mind when cutting slits. They should blend with the pattern and use discreet locations to maintain an uninterrupted look.
#7 Install Wind Panels
Wind mesh panels are designed to allow maximum airflow and wind passage to prevent billowing of curtains behind them.
Mesh wind panels can sandwich between curtain panels or mount below them as a wind barrier. Perforated metal and embroidered open-weave panels also work.
Hook and loop strips make wind panels easy to install onto existing curtain hardware. Consider transparency and visibility when selecting the right fabric density.
Wind panels preserves your curtains’ movement and visibility while eliminating the damaging effects of wind whipping.
#8 Use Weighted Rods
Weighted curtain rods have built-in chambers that allow you to fill them with weights like sand or metal chains.
This gives the rods more density to resist swaying from wind vibrations. It also helps anchor lighter curtains above.
Consider the length and width of your curtains to determine how much inner weight the rod requires. Weighted rods are ideal for light to medium fabrics in moderately windy conditions.
Install as you would regular curtain rods but keep access to the weight pockets for adjusting heft if needed. Weighting rods simplifies installation compared to other methods.
#9 Get Windproof Curtains
If you’re investing in new outdoor curtains, consider windproof styles designed specifically to avoid flapping and billowing.
Features like reinforced hems, structured panelling, ring weights, and built-in wind slits help prevent wind lofting and damage.
Wind resistant rods and hardware paired with windproof curtain fabrics create an all-in-one system engineered to handle even blustery conditions.
While more expensive, quality windproof curtains are virtually hassle and maintenance free. They also tend to be made of fade and water resistant materials.
This gives you stylish, durable outdoor curtains that can withstand the elements regardless of wind conditions.
Preventing outdoor curtains from blowing around in the wind is all about finding the right weighting and anchoring solutions.
For most spaces, high quality weighted curtains or adding extra curtain weights does the trick. Cable systems provide hardcore security for sail-like or damaged curtains.
Don’t let pesky wind ruin your outdoor oasis. With a range of genius solutions, you can secure curtains and keep them gracefully in place.
