As the weather begins to warm up, many people are looking for ways to spruce up their outdoor living spaces. One simple and effective way to add some style and privacy is by hanging curtains on your pergola. Pergolas don’t need to be so opened up; if you’re to cover them, you can! While trees and vines like wisteria can take years to fully cover pergolas, one option you can do instead would be to opt for outdoor curtains.
Is hanging them a challenge? While this task may seem daunting for those, who have never hung curtains outdoors before. Fear not, because it’s actually pretty easy! There are different ways to hang outdoor curtains, so you can say that it’s about as simple as hanging up curtains that are meant for inside the homes. So, here is everything you need to know about hanging outdoor curtains on a pergola!
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Outdoor Curtains
When it comes to outdoor curtains for your pergola, choosing the right fabric is crucial. You need to look into this before anything else because there is a wide variety of fabrics out there for outdoor curtains. You want a material that can withstand harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, and sunlight without fading or deteriorating quickly. For the most part, pergolas are fairly open to elements such as wind, rain, and harsh UV rays.
So you have to choose a fabric that’s mold-resistant, waterproof, can resist UV rays, and maybe even opt for one that’s windproof too. You’re not immediately limited to one or two types of fabric; if you’re wanting to create an elegantly styled pergola, then sheer outdoor curtains could be an option, but overall you have to think about the weather and what elements the curtains will be exposed to so you can get the most for your money and the best experience outside.
Selecting Hardware: What You Need to Know
Selecting the right hardware is crucial when it comes to hanging outdoor curtains on a pergola. The ideal hardware will not only ensure that your curtains look stylish and elegant, but it should also hold up against the elements of weather like wind and rain. When you're selecting hardware for this project, consider its durability, material composition, and cost-effectiveness. You have the standard hardware you’ll need, such as a rust-free curtain rod (strongly recommended as indoor curtain rods don’t cut it).
With that in mind, you’re going to need to figure out whether you’re going to install the curtain rod by drilling it in, or if you’re going to go with a drill-free alternative, such as tension rods for the framing/ doorways of the pergola. But it’s not only the curtain rod you’ll need to think about, are you wanting to avoid wind moving your curtains when there’s gusts? In case you do, you’ll then need additional accesories such as tiebacks or weighted bags.
Measuring Your Pergola
Before you begin hanging curtains on your pergola, it’s important to measure the area where you’d like to install them. Start by measuring the width of each section of your pergola where you want curtains to be hung. Be sure to add about 2-4 inches (around 5 to 10 cm) to each measurement for fullness and coverage. If using grommet top panels, divide this number in half as there will be two panels per section. After that, you’ll need to measure the height of your pergola from the bottom edge of the canopy frame or beam down to where you want your curtain rod placed (usually just above eye level).
Again, be sure to add a few extra inches here for hemming and attaching hardware. You'll also need to determine how many sections or panels will be needed based on these measurements. Finally, you’ll need to double-check all of the measurements you made before making any purchases or beginning the installation process. Accuracy is key, so make sure you do a thorough job.
Preparing Your Pergola for Installation
Before you begin the process of hanging outdoor curtains on your pergola, it’s important to properly prepare the structure for installation. First and foremost, ensure that your pergola is sturdy enough to support the weight of both the hardware and fabric. Above all else, make sure you do this, as outdoor curtains and curtain rods combined can be fairly heavy. The last thing you need is for your pergola to become a safety hazard and crash down. Additionally, consider any potential issues with wind or weather exposure in your area and choose fabrics that are durable enough to withstand these conditions. All of this is going to add up and make a difference.
Adding Final Touches: Tiebacks and Decorative Accents
After you install your gorgeous outdoor curtains on your pergola and you’re happy with the result, you’re going to want to take a look at some additional and optional touches. Patio accessories for your pergola can have a way of making a major difference! For your curtains, you could look into some elaborate tiebacks for your curtains on days when the sun is mild. You could even add some unique decorations to your outdoor curtain rod, such as a leaf, as this really helps in setting a theme! But it’s not only about the curtains; having additional accents for your pergolas, like lanterns, string lights, or potted plants, can really bring your outdoor living space together into that oasis that you’ve been after!
Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Curtains Looking Great All Season Long
After you've successfully hung your curtains on your pergola and you’re completely satisfied with how everything is going, you’ll need to think about maintenance. Since your curtains are going to have to handle dirt and debris blowing in the wind, you can count on them getting dirty every once in a while. You want them to look great throughout the season, so cleaning and maintenance are an absolute must! It’s vital to keep in mind that all outdoor curtain fabrics need to be handled differently. While some may be fine in a washing machine, others may only be able to handle spot-cleaning with a lukewarm cloth. So be sure to read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
After the summer has ended and the leaves are beginning to fall, it’ll be time to take down your outdoor curtains and move them somewhere until the warm and sunny season comes back. A cool, dry place that doesn’t have direct sunlight or moisture, like a closet, would be the best option. Overall, you need to handle your outdoor curtains with care, just as you would your indoor curtains. With a lot of care, you can count on these making your pergola look gorgeous for years to come!