Home Improvement Ideas Porches & Outdoor Rooms Outdoor Rooms How to Hang Outdoor Curtains: 4 Foolproof Methods Learn the best ways to hang outdoor curtains to give your outdoor space privacy and shade from the sun. By Kamron Sanders Published on March 14, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Kim Cornelison Project Overview Total Time: 30 minutes Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $10 to $50 Whether you want to increase your home's privacy or simply want shade from the harsh afternoon sun, curtains can totally transform your outdoor space. But once you've found the perfect outdoor curtains, you'll need to decide the best way to hang them. Every outdoor space is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all method. Learn four foolproof methods for hanging outdoor curtains, plus how to keep your curtains in top shape, season after season. The 12 Best Outdoor Curtains of 2024 For Added Privacy, Shade, and Style Before You Begin While there are aesthetic differences between each outdoor curtain hanging method that may impact your choice, the most important thing to note is how each method applies to your specific outdoor space. For instance, if you have wrought-iron columns rather than wooden posts, traditional curtain rod hardware won't work. For each method below, we've broken down and explained the outdoor space best-suited for each method of hanging outdoor curtains. Choose the method that works best for your outdoor space, keeping in mind that outdoor curtains need to be mounted securely to account for wind. A poorly mounted outdoor curtain can pull hardware out of a wall or ceiling when blown by the wind, causing damage to your home and posing a safety risk. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Measuring tape Ladder Drill Drill bits Screwdriver bits Adjustable wrench (tensioned wire rope method) Bolt cutters (tensioned wire rope method) Hacksaw (ceiling track method) Materials Curtain Rod Method Outdoor curtain rod with mounting brackets and hardware Ceiling Track Method Outdoor curtain ceiling track with mounting hardware Tensioned Wire Method Bulk 1/8" tensioned wire rope 2 1/8" wire rope clamps 3/8" hook and eye turnbuckle 2 3/8" zinc-plated lag eye bolts Sisal Rope Method Bulk 3/8" sisal rope 2 1/2" eye bolts (optional) Instructions Adam Albright How to Hang Outdoor Curtains with a Curtain Rod The following method for hanging outdoor curtains is best suited for outdoor spaces with solid wood posts, or any surface material suitable for mounting curtain rod hardware. Mount Brackets On the mounting surface, measure down from the ceiling about 2 inches (adjust to fit your brackets). Mount the brackets using the provided hardware. To avoid splitting, drill pilot holes before running screws. If your porch doesn't have suitable posts for mounting but you'd still prefer to use a traditional curtain rod, swap the wall-mount brackets for ceiling-mount curtain rod brackets. Mount Curtain Rod Slide the curtain onto the rod, adjust the rod, and place it in the mounting brackets. If using a curtain rod that is cut-to-fit, measure the distance between the brackets and cut the rod to length using the recommended tools. TRIA GIOVAN How to Hang Outdoor Curtains with a Ceiling Track This method for hanging outdoor curtains is perfect for mounting on solid ceiling surfaces, when mounting on posts isn't possible or preferred. Cut Track to Length Measure the space for the curtains and cut the ceiling track to match the distance using the manufacturer's recommended cutting method (typically using a hacksaw). Mount the Track Install the track into the ceiling surface using the provided hardware, pre-drilling screw holes to prevent the wood from splitting. Unless specified by your manufacturer's instructions, refrain from mounting curtain tracks with anchors. Hang Outdoor Curtains Slide the provided hangers into the track and attach the curtain. Colleen Duffley How to Hang Outdoor Curtains with Tensioned Wire Rope An alternative to bulky curtain rods, tensioned wire rope is great for hanging curtains between posts. Additionally, using wire rope rather than traditional rope allows for a wider variety of curtains to be used, whereas traditional rope works best with grommet curtains. Mount Eye Bolts On each post, securely mount eye bolts opposite one another. Pre-drill the holes to prevent splitting and make driving the bolts easier. Attach Wire to Turnbuckle Run the wire rope through the eye of the turnbuckle and secure it using a wire rope clamp. Attach Wire to Eye Bolt Place the hook of the turnbuckle into one eye bolt, then stretch the wire to the next eye bolt. Run the wire through the eye, pull it tight, then secure it with a wire rope clamp. Cut off the excess using bolt cutters. Hang Curtain Slide the curtain onto the wire then return the turnbuckle hook to the eye. Tighten the Turnbuckle Use a wrench to tighten the turnbuckle until the wire is tensioned and the curtain hangs straight without sagging. How to Hang Outdoor Curtains with Rope Unlike wire rope, traditional rope like sisal can't be tensioned. Even rope that's somewhat tensioned will sag and stretch over time once the weight of curtains is applied. However, some prefer this look, as it complements sisal rope's laidback, natural aesthetic. When hanging outdoor curtains with sisal rope, you have two options: You can attach the rope to eye bolts following the steps above, or you can tie the rope itself around the columns. The latter option makes sisal rope a great option for porches with columns or posts unsuitable for mounting hardware. Plus, no hardware makes outdoor curtains possible for rental situations in which tenants don't have the freedom to drill into the surfaces Brie Williams How to Care for Outdoor Curtains To care for your outdoor curtains and keep them in good condition for years of use, regularly clean them and, depending on your location, take them down and store them during the winter season. This will both protect the curtains and prevent any unnecessary strain on the mounting hardware during long seasons of no use.