How to Hang Outdoor Curtains With Ease
Make the most of your outdoor space by hanging curtains!
Outdoor curtains are the best way to give your pergola, porch or balcony a stylish makeover. They also provide an added touch of privacy, shade and protection from pesky insects.
Today, we’ll show you how to hang outdoor curtains and provide some design inspiration for your next home project.
For more curtain tips and style ideas, check out our blog.
Outdoor Curtains and Hardware: What to Consider
There are two elements to consider when hanging outdoor curtains: the curtains themselves and the hardware to hang them. Let’s break these down.
Outdoor Curtains
- Choose waterproof, weather-resistant and mildew-resistant curtains for wet or rainy climates.
- Choose UV-blocking curtains for hot, sunny climates.
- Select grommet or tab-top curtains for smooth operation. Both styles are available in a wide variety of fabrics, from heavy cotton blends to sheers.
- Consider curtain length carefully, since you’ll open and close your outdoor curtains often. “Puddling” curtains will get dirty faster and may cause a tripping hazard since they pool on the ground. “Float” length curtains may be more practical for outdoor use.
- Remove curtains in the winter for laundering and re-hang when warm weather returns.
Learn how to clean your dirty outdoor curtains.
Outdoor Curtain Hardware
Make sure your hardware can stand up to Mother Nature’s elements for long-lasting success. Constant exposure to moisture leads to rust over time, so choose rust-resistant hardware for best results.
Here are some outdoor hardware style ideas:
- Use galvanized pipes for a rustic or industrial look. Galvanized pipes are steel pipes dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. Galvanized pipes are sturdier and lighter than other pipes, and can handle almost any curtain weight.
- Use tension rods to hang lightweight curtains. If your space is small and your curtains are light, consider using tension rods to hang your curtains. However, if your area is subject to strong winds, tension rods may not be ideal.
- Use rod connectors to wrap around corners. This prevents installation issues when separate rods meet at an angle.
How to Hang Outdoor Curtain Rods
Before you buy any supplies, decide where you want your curtains to hang: on all sides of your structure or balcony, or just some? That way, you can determine how many curtain panels, rods and brackets you need.
Note: Curtain panels usually come in pairs, but you can also buy them individually. Make sure you purchase the correct number based on your need.
Supplies:
- Curtain panels
- Curtain rods
- Curtain rod brackets
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Cordless drill
- Ladder
Tip: Want to hang outdoor curtains without drilling holes? Try Kwik-Hang no-drill curtain rod brackets.
Step 1: Measure Your Space
Determine how tall and wide your space or structure is.
While curtain rods come in many lengths and often extend, curtain panels generally come in just a few standard sizes: 63, 84, 95, 108 and 120 inches.
You can tailor curtains that are too long, but if your structure height exceeds 120” (ten feet), you’ll probably want them custom made.
To ensure your curtains look full when closed, round your measurements up to two times the width of the space.
Step 2: Mark for Bracket Positions
Will you mount the brackets on the inside or the outside of your structure?
Outside mounts provide the cleanest view from the inside and offer a few inches of extra space within your structure.
Measure and mark the location where you want the brackets to go. If necessary, use a level to ensure the brackets align correctly.
Step 3: Install the Brackets
Using a cordless drill (since you may be on a ladder or away from an outlet), install the brackets with their included hardware.
Before attaching the brackets, make sure you leave enough space between your structure and the curtain rod. If the rod is too snug, it will restrict or prevent curtain movement.
Pro-tip: If you’re mounting your curtains on the outside of a wood frame or pergola, save time and money with Kwik-Hang’s damage-free curtain rod brackets. Kwik-Hang brackets take only minutes to install, with no drilling or leveling required.
Step 4: Add Your Curtains
Thread your curtains through your curtain rod, insert the rod onto the brackets, and complete your outdoor space renovation!
Outdoor Curtain Inspiration
Check out these designs for inspiration if you’re stuck in a rut.
Grommet Curtains
Grommet curtains glide effortlessly over curtain rods and are available in a wide variety of fabrics.
Tab Top Curtains
A popular choice, tab top curtains open and close easily and lend a stylish but casual look to any outdoor structure.
Outside Mount Curtains
Mounting curtains on the outside of your structure provides a cleaner look when viewed from the inside.
Balcony Curtains
Have a great view but still want some privacy? Choose sheers that let light in, but don’t completely obscure your vantage point.
Outdoor Curtains with Tiebacks
We love how these curtains tie in the center rather than attached to the pergola’s post, creating a romantic flair.
See how you can use curtain tiebacks for your outdoor curtains.
Kwik-Hang Helps You Enjoy the Great Outdoors
The time is now to make your outdoor relaxation dreams come true! Why wait another season to enhance your backyard oasis when you can hang outdoor curtains without drilling?
Kwik-Hang’s no-drill, no-damage curtain rod brackets are revolutionizing the curtain-hanging process by turning a time-consuming hassle into a simple installation process. Just position the brackets to your woodwork, tap into place and that’s it! Kwik-Hang brackets don’t damage surfaces or require precise measurements.
Kwik-Hang’s curtain rod brackets can attach to structures with woodwork at least 1/2 inch to 1 inch in width, making them the perfect way to install your outdoor curtains — fast.
Try Kwik-Hang’s curtain rod brackets and curtain rods today!
