How To Keep Outdoor Curtains From Blowing In The Wind
Outdoor curtains have become an increasingly popular choice for outdoor seating areas. Whether you are looking to relax on a patio, a deck, or in a pergola, curtains provide shade and privacy. They come in all forms, from sheer to printed to fully light-blocking.
This addition can provide a pop of color or a sense of intimacy and coziness to your backyard. The fabric will be exposed to all the elements, so it is vital to keep that in mind when making your decision. In particular, wind can be an annoyance to many homeowners.
To keep outdoor curtains from blowing in the wind, you will have to choose heavy materials. By using weights, chains, and rods are excellent ideas to keep the curtains from flying. The types of curtains you choose can make a difference, like getting slitted curtains can reduce the effects of the wind.
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Material Choices Make a Difference
As previously mentioned, the choices for curtains are so plentiful it can be overwhelming to choose what is best. Choosing a fabric that can withstand elements such as rain or snow will go a long way. Many outdoor curtain options differ from indoor curtains in that they are more durable.
Waterproof curtains can be purchased for your patio or deck. You can choose to do it yourself using a waterproof spray or fabric treatment. Polyester is also a popular choice for outdoor curtains as it is more resistant to moisture than absorbent materials like cotton.
When considering the effects of wind on your outdoor curtains, the material is also important. A lightweight fabric will experience turbulence with even the slightest breeze. A heavy or thick fabric will be more resistant to wind.
If the fabric is not particularly heavy, choosing a curtain with an additional layer will help. Choose the extra fabric, such as a liner, and it will help weigh it down.
Most curtains are suspended from a rod. Select a curtain with tab tops rather than hooks, so it is more secured on gusty days. Grommets are also a secure option for hanging curtains. However, the straight edge of a curtain with grommets will not break the wind as well as a tab top curtain.
The tab top curtains create a scalloped effect that allows wind to blow through the gaps between each loop. Without these gaps, the top of the curtain will feel the full force of the wind. It makes the curtain blow the same way taut fabric turns into a sail when hit with the wind.
Weighted Curtains Work Great
Utilizing heavy fabric is not the only option for weighing down outdoor curtains. Many retailers sell curtains with weights at the bottom to discourage them from flying whenever the wind blows.
Purchasing weighted curtains is an excellent option. You can save money or adjust your current curtains with several at-home methods. Find out if double pane windows are hurricane-proof.
Simple Steps to Holding Down Curtains
There are not many steps to keeping curtains from flying in the wind. Listed below is the simple process.
Step 1: Tie the Curtains
Using the hems or the corners, connect a rope or chain to the curtain.
Step 2: Tie the Other Side of the Rope or Chain
Tie the other end of the chain or rope to a wall or something sturdy.
Use Chains To Hold the Curtains Down
The first method is to use a chain. Unlike a rigid weight system, the chain’s flexibility allows for some movement due to wind. A metal chain may be attached to the hem of the curtain.
The weight of the metal will pull the curtain down, so it does not blow everywhere. A metal chain will rust when exposed to the elements, but a stainless-steel chain solves this problem.
This method can be accomplished in two ways. You can unstitch the hem and string the chain through the opening if it is large enough in diameter. If you need a giant hole, you can fold the bottom of the curtain up an inch or two.
Sew the original hem to the curtain, creating a pocket along the length of the fabric. Run the chain through this opening. You will need to sew the sides of this opening closed for both methods, so the chain does not come out.
Rods Will Work As Well
A rod or a dowel can also prevent your curtains from blowing in the wind. Like the chain method, the rod can be pushed through an unstitched hem. It can also pass through the fabric casing at the bottom of the curtain.
Individual Weights Holds the Curtain Down Perfectly
If you do not feel your curtain needs all that extra weight, or you are not able to create a fabric casing on the hem, individual weights can come in handy. There are several options. Magnetic weights can easily be attached by snapping one on either side of the curtain. This is commonly seen as a solution for weighing down shower curtains, but it also works outside the home. Magnetic weights are also one of the least labor-intensive solutions.
Additionally, sachets are available for purchase on sites such as amazon. These are fabric pouches containing weights are attached to the curtain with a few stitches as well. These sachets will be visible at the base of the curtain but serve as an effective solution.
Steps For Putting Weights In Curtains
If you wish to use weights, listed below are the steps to achieve this method. It is less obvious and looks natural.
Step 1: Cut the Hem
Take a razor blade and cut sections of the hem at the threaded area.
Step 2: Place the Weights Inside the Hem
Put the weights inside the hem through the openings recently cut. Many people use washers because they are thin, and you can use many. The option is up to you as to what you wish to use.
Step 3: Sew Up Sections Throughout the Bottom
To keep the washers in place throughout the hem, you will need to sew up along each side of the weights. This will keep the weights in place.
Step 4: Sew Up the Hem
Take some thread and sew up the hem where you cut, closing the openings.
Warnings To Remember When Using Weights
If the weights at the bottom of your curtain are not heavy enough, a strong wind can still overpower them. In this case, your curtains can turn into a weighted projectile.
This can be dangerous to anyone within the proximity or cause damage to furniture nearby. When attaching weights, make sure they are secure as well to avoid damage or injury.
Slitted Curtains Are A Simple Solution
For those looking for the most effective option, try slitted curtains. This method is more labor-intensive and requires some sewing skills but is very efficient at allowing the wind to pass. The idea comes from sheer indoor curtains.
Vertical slits are cut down the length of the curtain with evenly space the slits across the fabric’s width. The slits should be fastened about every foot. If not, the wind will gust through, transforming the slits from an elegant solution to a gaping hole.
Attention to detail is critical. Double stitch the edges to make sure that the fabric does not fray in the wind.
Another option is to attach ties to either side of the slits so that they can be closed when in use. This way, your curtains still provide the shade and privacy you desire. The slits can then be untied when windy or stormy to allow air to pass through.
Other Options To Consider
Other means of securing outdoor curtains include hooks or tarp grabbers. These can be used to hold the base of the curtain to the ground.
A cable or bungee cords can also be threaded through the hem of the curtain and attached to a stake. You may also loop in the ground on either side of the curtain. Dog ties or stakes work well for this purpose if they are placed securely in the ground.
The area surrounding the curtains can come in handy as well. Large items such as furniture or trees and bushes placed in front of the curtains may help break the wind. If your curtains are long enough, furniture or rocks can be used to weigh down the hem as well.
If your curtains are hung from a deck or pergola, you can tie them to the supports or railing when not in use. Alternatively, you can clip the curtains together to form one large curtain. Either of these methods will hold the curtains in place. Check this out if you want to know how much wind your brick house can withstand.
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Shades and Blinds Are a Final Resort
Though not technically curtains, outdoor shades and blinds are an alternative that provides the same shade and privacy as curtains. Shades can be rolled up or hoisted rather than needing to be tied down or weighted. These options are far more rigid than curtains and come in many colors and sizes.
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