Updated at: 06-02-2023 - By: Sienna Lewis

When you try to unwind on your patio this summer, do the wind gusts keep blowing your outdoor curtains into your lap? What are some ways to keep the sun out of your favorite afternoon spot while keeping the curtains closed? We’ve compiled the most effective curtain-control methods in this post.

Though we have no say over the weather, we can limit the billowing effect with some strategically placed curtains. Some solutions to the problem of blowing outdoor curtains are as follows:

  • Curtains that are gathered require a tie-back.
  • You can easily set up a tent with a curtain by threading a cable through the bottom hem and securing both ends to tent stakes.
  • Thread a chain through the hem or fill it with sand or pebbles to make it heavier.
  • The easiest way to hang curtains is to position a rod near the floor and thread the curtain’s bottom hem or grommets through the rod’s holes.
  • The hem should be finished off with some decorative weights.
  • Attach the curtain to a metal rod using magnets.

For more information on how to implement the changes we’ve proposed, please keep reading. The best fabrics for outdoor curtains and blinds, as well as methods to secure them, will be discussed.

How To Mitigate Blowing Curtains

Use A Tie-Back For Gathered Curtains

Pull the drapes together and set them to one side. Hold them in place with a pretty tie-back. When you don’t need complete darkness or complete privacy, use tie-backs. Check out our article on the 13 Different Kinds of Curtain Hooks and Tie-Backs to see some examples. The below rope tie-back would be great for a patio with a seafaring theme. View it on Amazon by clicking here.

Cable The Curtain Hem And Stake Down

Put a stake on each side and run a decorative cable through the hem. Care should be taken around the areas where it has been staked to prevent anyone from tripping. A tent stake driven into the ground or a dog tie-out can be used. Because of their transient nature, curtains used during camping and picnics are best secured with stakes. Tent stakes like those shown below are ideal for use in hard dirt because they can be driven in deeply enough to reduce the risk of tripping. To see it on Amazon right now, just click here.

How To Keep Outdoor Curtains From Blowing In The Wind

Weigh Down The Hem

Attach a chain to the curtain’s hem using a small gauge. It will prevent any snagging or flapping of the curtain and ensure that it hangs down in one continuous motion. You can achieve the same result by filling the hem with sand or pebbles.

Install Curtain Rod Or Rail At Ground Level

Construct a rod or rail on the floor, and then slide the curtain onto it using the bottom hem. Grommets, spaced evenly apart, will allow the fabric to be attached to the rod and give it a more refined appearance. To lessen the risk of people tripping over the rod, it should be attached to the floor with the smallest possible gap. To see this rod on Amazon, click here.

Decorative Hem Weights

Put cute weights on the curtain’s base every foot to keep it from blowing in the wind. The below insect weights clip on easily and give your outdoor space a garden vibe. To check them out on Amazon, please click here.

Magnetic Connection

Put magnets in the curtain’s hem, and then hang it so that its back is against a frame.

How Do You Secure Outdoor Blinds?

You can prevent damage to your outdoor blinds by following any of these steps:

Glue Magnets To The Window Casting And Blind

The metal rods at the bottom of the blinds are caught by the magnets, which keeps them from flying around. Magnets should be affixed precisely where the bar makes contact with the blinds. If you paint your magnets to match your railing, they’ll look like they were always meant to be there.

Clip Bottom Of Blinds To An Anchor Point

Mount a clip at the blind’s base and an anchor to the ground or floor. Blinds that are properly installed and connected should be taut. Utilize a flat-lying anchoring device to eliminate any potential tripping hazards.

How Do You Hang Outdoor Curtains?

Let’s take a closer look and some suggestions for the many decorative ways outdoor curtains can be hung.

Use A Classic Curtain Rod

Outdoor curtain rods can be drilled into wooden frames for easy installation. The rods used in the outdoors have been treated so that they won’t rust or fade. It’s important to coordinate the rod’s design with any outdoor metal fixtures or furnishings.

This rod can be seen on Amazon by clicking here.

As long as the curtain material is lightweight, tension rods can be used in buildings with brick or stone columns. A tension rod may not hold up well in high winds, so keep that in mind.

If you want to know how to make your curtain rod and drapes weatherproof, read this.

Use Wire to Hang Curtains

If you want to save money on curtain rods, consider using wire. The wire cable, eye hooks, and wall anchors should be made of heavy-duty steel.

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  1. One end of the wire should be attached to a nearby column or post using an eye hook and wall anchor.
  2. Dress the wire with the curtain.
  3. Maintain a taut wire and fasten it to a wall anchor and eye hook on the other end. If the wire needs to span a large area, it can be prevented from sagging in the middle by adding an eye hook and wall anchor to the center of the structure and threading the wire through it.

Create a Floating Outdoor Curtain

Sometimes we construct patios or decks without supporting columns or a roof, making them perfect for installing drapes. A floating curtain effect can be achieved by using a simple frame to hang curtains on the patio. Remember that curtains on a floating surface have a tendency to billow, so you’ll need to use one of the aforementioned methods to keep them in place.

Although we’ll be using wood in this quick guide, feel free to substitute whatever durable, outdoor-friendly material you prefer.

  1. Install pillars by nailing vertical boards to the outside edges of the patio deck. Alternately, you can cement the boards into the ground by digging holes.
  2. Put eye bolts or curtain hardware into the pillars’ tops.
  3. Get a rod and hang it up, then slide the curtains onto it.

How do I Keep Outdoor Curtains From Sliding On The Rod?

  • Magnets can be used to stop the curtain from moving further along the rod.
  • If you need a seal, a rubber band will do the trick. Find a rubber band that matches the color of the rod so it won’t stand out.
  • Attach a double-sided adhesive strip wherever you want the curtains to stop.
  • Adjust the rings so that the end clip is now visible from the outside of the mounting.

What Fabric Is Best For Outdoor Curtains?

Make sure the fabric you buy is suitable for outdoor use before you buy it. Special treatments are applied to outdoor fabrics to make them more resistant to the elements.

Solution-Dyed Acrylic Fabrics

These fabrics last longer in the sun than those that haven’t been treated. Their lightfastness of 2,000 hours means they can be left out in the sun without fading. Having a high thread count also makes them heavier, which helps them resist the wind. Since they are designed to look like indoor upholstery, they come in a wide range of colors and patterns.

To view this item on Amazon, please click here.

Polyolefins and High UV Polyesters

After solution-dyed acrylics, the next most durable materials are polyolefins and High UV polyesters. They are designed to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight by having a lightfastness of 1,500 hours. They are available in a wide variety of styles and materials.

These sheer drapes are ideal for achieving a carefree, beachy ambiance. Visit Amazon by clicking here.

Spun Polyester

However, because of their low cost, spun polyester fabrics need to be replaced more frequently. It is easily faded because of its low lightfastness. It’s convenient for those of us who like to switch up our decor frequently or who keep their curtains stored away inside.

Use these drapes to give your deck a touch of Morocco. To see it on Amazon, just click here.

How To Keep Outdoor Curtains From Blowing In The Wind

9 Genius Ways to Keep Outdoor Curtains From Blowing

1. Consider Buying Heavier Curtains

If you know you live in a windy area, investing in heavier curtains is a great first step.

If the curtains are light, the wind will have a harder time moving them. You’re probably right in thinking that heavier curtains won’t be as practical. But if you really give it some thought, would you rather spend money on sheer curtains that you’ll just blow around all day until they’re barely noticeable? This is a terrible plan. To avoid alienating everyone you know, you’ll need to find a middle ground.

To be clear, we are not referring to blanket weight when we say “heavy” curtains. If you’re worried about picking a curtain that works for both of you, it might be a good idea to get some second opinions from people who have done it before. It could be the seller, or it could be friends who have already purchased the curtains.

Manufacturers’ growing awareness of the windy factor is reflected in new curtain designs. This is why there are curtains of varying thicknesses and weights. You, of course, should know yourself best before making a decision.

2. Weigh Them Down

This easy trick will stop the curtains from flapping in the breeze and create a serene atmosphere that will allow you and your guests to take in the curtains’ full splendor.

There are a number of approaches you could take. The most common method, however, involves fastening a weight to the bottom of the curtains to prevent them from being blown away. There is a great deal of leeway in choosing how to allocate these weighed components.

Some people use heavier fishing weights, which can be sewed into the curtain’s hem. Stitching pockets into the curtains as you go will keep the sinkers from shifting around as you move the panels.

For more, see also: Can Clothes Be Dried in a Microwave?

What if you don’t have any interest in sewing?

Really, that’s not a big deal. Another option that does away with the need for pockets is to simply hang the sinkers from the bottom of the drapes.

You can also use weights the size of washers if fishing weights don’t work for you. Another option for keeping curtains from flapping in the wind is to use weighted rods to attach to the bottom of the drapes.

But if you haven’t already, you can inquire with the vendor about whether or not the price includes curtains. Doing so will save you money and allow you to rest easy knowing you aren’t wasting time considering other possibilities.

3. Tie Them up to the Railings

What do you think of the plan to attach the drapes to the porch or deck railings? It’s possible that your mind is wandering to lofty concepts while simple, inexpensive options are sitting right there, waiting to be used.

On windy days, you can make use of deck or porch railings to keep your drapes in place. To implement this plan, all you need is a rope or cable lying around the house, which you can use to secure the drapes.

The drawbacks of this approach? Just one. This method may not work if the curtains are too far away from the railings. If they are, though, you’ll quickly see that this is a straightforward way to solve the problem.

You can impress your guests with your impeccable taste by playing around with the curtains in a variety of ways, all of which depend on your level of imagination.

4. Keep Them Curved

Curtains that are scalloped at the top are less likely to flap around in the wind. If the wind is very strong, you shouldn’t tighten the drapes at the top because this will cause the curtains to flap around uncontrollably.

The curtains can be blown over by the wind thanks to the drape effect. As a result, there is much less sluggishness and more peace and tranquility. Curtains with tab tops and deep cuts are the ones you should look for if you plan on doing any window dressing.

5. Cable and Dog Ties

Cables and dog ties are used in this method, as the name implies, to maintain order in open-air curtain settings.

What’s more, the process is as easy as the method’s name suggests. All that’s needed to implement this strategy is to acquire some cables and thread them through the drapes. Then, drive dog ties or dog chain stakes into the ground to keep them in place.

Isn’t that going to be quite pricey?

Not at all. Dog leashes are inexpensive and simple to find in any pet store. If you need a solution but don’t have a lot of money to spend, this is a great option to consider.

For a related discussion, please refer to Can You Make Holes in Apartment Walls? (Along with Patchwork Solutions)

The mechanism underlying this is equally straightforward. Simply anchor the dog stakes or dog ties into the ground and attach the cables to them.

Then, conduct some tests to verify that the curtains are still moving. While you’re at it, make sure the dog ties are secure enough to withstand the occasional gust of wind.

6. Magnets Could Be a Great Choice

This is yet another ingenious plan that could prevent your curtains from flapping all day.

There is no complexity to the idea whatsoever. Your curtains will be able to stick to a metallic surface behind you if you install magnets at the bottom. Metal rods can be fastened to the deck or another door frame.

This method is commonly used to keep blinders from flying off in the wind. However, the method is also suggested for use on drapes because of how well it works.

The only real difficulty you’re likely to face is locating magnets powerful enough to hold on to the metal bar without being ripped off by the wind. If you can’t find a magnet powerful enough, your plan may not work, and you should look elsewhere for inspiration.

7. Make Wind Slits

One more choice is to look into using wind slits. Advertising agencies employ this method to keep street banners and billboards from being blown away.

If your curtains are large enough, you can use a pair of sharp scissors to cut vertical rows into the surface of the fabric to keep the wind from blowing them up. If you can, fold and stitch the edges of one or two of these rows so that they don’t fray.

Cuts can also be made on the reverse side of the pleat, which will hide the incisions even more when the drapes are back.

8. Block the Wind

There is a problem due to the wind. If you take care of it, you won’t have to worry about ruining your expensive curtains in the process. However, this plan will only succeed if your outdoor conditions are ideal.

You can use your deck as an illustration if you have installed curtains there. It’s possible that rearranging the furniture in the room to create wind barriers would be a great choice in that situation. Curtains can be kept in place not just by the furniture but also by placing decorative objects like vases with flowers in an area where the wind cannot move them.

Check out this article for some additional reading on the subject:

The setup may also permit placing a bench, piece of furniture, or other useful object directly on top of the item. However, this will only be successful if your curtains are long enough to touch the ground or other surface.

It’s a smart idea to block the wind with things like furniture and decorative items like flower vases. However, keep an open mind as you figure it out; it’s unlikely to be a silver bullet.

9. Clip the Drapes

If you clip your drapes together, the wind won’t be able to blow them apart. A heavier surface is more difficult for the wind to toss up and down when you do that.

As with some of the other approaches we’ve considered, this one may not provide a permanent solution, but it will significantly mitigate the current disruption.

If your curtains are white or another light color that shows dirt easily, you should use stainless steel clips that won’t leave marks.

Are Outdoor Curtains Worth Trouble?

Shade is always a concern when enjoying time outside, but curtains can help. When the temperature outside is extremely high and the sun is directly overhead, you will be very thankful for the curtains. That is to say, curtains will provide a respite so that you can take in the scenery outside.

But are the curtains really worth the hassle they cause when the wind blows through? Isn’t it a tad excessive to tie them up, search for the magnets, and rearrange the furniture?

Curtains, in fact, are a fantastic tool for enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home. Covering the designated areas is only the beginning; add some character wherever possible.

The wind is just another thing that won’t prevent you from having fun in the great outdoors. You can keep the wind from blowing your curtains away now that you know a few tricks to use against it.

Several of the options we’ve provided should be useful to you, depending on your situation. Select the option that best addresses your needs and provides you with a long-term fix.

But if you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to evaluate what kind of curtains you need before you go shopping. So, you should know that not every curtain option will work for you. Having a specific goal in mind when shopping for curtains can help you avoid frustration when trying to find a solution to problems like the wind constantly blowing them away.

How to Secure Outdoor Curtains

Even though outdoor curtains are a great way to block the sun, keep the bugs out, and add style to your patio, porch, or deck, you should take precautions to prevent them from blowing in the wind.

1. Create Wind Slits for Your Curtain

Have you ever pondered the means by which businesses prevent their advertising banners from being blown down by the elements? Simply put, it’s a Wind Slit. Typically, businesses will have wind slits—half moon-shaped cuts through the banner’s rod—made to lessen the impact of wind on the banner. To create wind slits for your outdoor curtain, simply make cuts along the fabric’s vertical grain.

Curtains can be held in place with one or two rows of slots; the edges should be folded and stitched to prevent fraying. Using wind slits will lessen the force of the wind against your curtain, preventing it from being blown away.

How to cut wind slits in a banner. A curtain intended for use in the outdoors can be treated in the same way.

2. Buy Heavy Curtains

Buy Heavy Curtains

The ability to cut wind slits into every curtain is not always possible. Instead, you can simply invest in thicker drapes. Curtains that are heavy and thick will help to absorb the force of the wind. Some may balk at the thought of purchasing heavier curtains, but they serve a dual purpose. They are less likely to flap around in the wind and, in contrast to sheer curtains, provide greater privacy from prying eyes and shade from direct sunlight.

3. Weigh Them Down

Curtains that aren’t weighted down can be blown away by the wind. You can use a variety of techniques and supplies to add some heft to your curtain. Chain, rod or rail, fishing weight or sinkers, etc. are all viable options for securing your curtain. Put these items on the curtain’s hem or bottom to keep it from flapping around. You can also use a cup hook or tarp grabber that is permanently installed in the floor and a rope that is threaded through the curtain’s hem.

4. Strap Them to Your Railing

Strap your outdoor curtain is to have it strapped to the railing or post

Strapping your outdoor curtain to a railing or post is another option for keeping it in place. A rope can be used to secure the curtain to the rails or post of a porch, patio, or other outdoor space. You won’t be able to take advantage of this cheap option, though, if your curtains aren’t in close proximity to the rails of your outdoor area.

5. Block the Wind

Block the Wind

The specifics of this technique will be determined by the design of your porch or deck. You can shield yourself from the wind by rearranging the outdoor furniture. You can keep the wind from tossing your curtains by positioning a heavy piece of furniture in front of them or by using an awning, a retractable roof system. A windbreaker that doubles as a decorative accent is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

There are a few things to keep in mind before you pick out your outdoor curtain. The motivation behind installing an outdoor curtain will determine these details, as well as the final product you settle on. Here are some things to think about when picking out an outdoor curtain:

How to Choose A Secure Outdoor Curtain

Protection from Harsh Sunlight

Outdoor curtains are commonly purchased to provide shade from the sun. Curtains can provide a solid barrier from the sun’s rays when the heat becomes intolerable. For this reason, you should give some thought to the fabric composition of potential outdoor curtains. When it comes to blocking the sun, certain fabrics excel, but the trade-off is that they let in no daylight.

While some materials will completely block out the sun, others will let in a fair amount of natural illumination. Less dense fabrics will let more light through. In contrast, darker clothing will shield you from the sun’s rays. In addition to shielding you from the sun’s rays, these fabrics can also shield the wood of your patio from damage. The insulating properties of heavier fabrics are not limited to their weight.

Privacy

Next, think about how well the curtain will keep prying eyes out. As you are outside, people passing by or an overenthusiastic neighbor could potentially interrupt your peaceful time. The best curtains for this function are those with a heavier fabric. This fabric is thick enough that no one can see through it, protecting your privacy.

Durability

Treating your curtain well will ensure its longevity and allow it to withstand all types of weather. Polypropylene is the ideal material for your curtain. Polypropylene is chemically inert, inexpensive, resistant to moisture, and simple to wipe clean.

Consider Elements and Check Care Requirements

Consider your home’s setting when making a final decision on an outdoor curtain. Since the curtain will be exposed to sunlight, it is important to choose one that can withstand ultraviolet rays (UV). A mildew- and water-resistant curtain is the best choice if you reside in a cold climate or an area with frequent rainfall. All-weather treatment is applied to outdoor curtains to ensure their longevity and resistance to the elements. This is why there are particular needs for their care. Before making a fabric purchase, make sure you know how to properly care for it.

When choosing outdoor curtains, you should give careful consideration to all of these factors. With careful consideration of all these factors, picking the wrong outdoor curtain is next to impossible. Now that you know what to look for, it’s important to know which materials are ideal for outdoor curtains. In order to choose the outdoor curtain that is best suited for your space, you should be familiar with the best materials and features available for outdoor curtains. You can’t go wrong with these fabrics for your patio drapes:

Acrylic

Acrylic is a great option for your outdoor curtain. Curtains made from acrylic fiber are a type of artificial fiber. They are simple to care for and dry quickly because they absorb so little moisture. They also hold up well against moths, chemicals, and the sun. Acrylic outdoor curtains are mildew- and shrink-proof, soft to the touch, and easy to maintain. In addition, acrylic outdoor curtains can be found in a wide range of colors and designs, letting you pick the perfect option to complement your existing furnishings.

Polyester

Polyester is yet another option for creating weather-resistant drapes for the outside. Polyester is a manmade material, like acrylic. Polyester is long-lasting and inexpensive to manufacture. Polyester, in contrast to acrylic, has a rougher texture and less expensive feel, although some types of polyester are as smooth as acrylic. Polyester doesn’t wrinkle and doesn’t lose its shape when exposed to water. You can find an acrylic fabric in any color to complement the decor of your home.

Polypropylene

In terms of curtain fabric, this is by far the most common option. In addition to being non-polar and having a partially crystalline structure, polypropylene also has some useful properties. Polypropylene is heat- and chemical-resistant, as well as transparent, tough, and moisture-resistant. However, polypropylene easily oxidizes and burns. Insulation can also be achieved with polypropylene. For those who prefer a different spelling, polypropene is another name for polypropylene.

Curtains designed for the outdoors are made from materials that are impervious to the effects of wind, rain, and sun. In addition to being resistant to moisture, they also resist shrinking. Your outdoor area will look great and last for a long time with these three fabrics. You shouldn’t use indoor fabrics or materials like cotton or canvas outside. These textiles take in a lot of moisture, making them vulnerable to the growth of mold and mildew as well as sun damage. A curtain made of synthetic fiber is ideal for use in the outdoors.

Conclusion

Depending on how your outdoor area is set up, you can use a variety of different techniques to safely secure your outdoor curtain. If your outdoor curtains, for instance, are not touching the railings, you cannot strap them to the railings. Avoid going into debt by creating a budget. Make sure the curtain you purchase is in keeping with and enhances the exterior design of your home.

As an added bonus, we have included some advice specific to outdoor curtains, such as the best way to secure blinds and the most weather-resistant fabrics. We have more posts about curtains for you to check out before you leave.