(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Posts on Robyn’s French Nest may contain affiliate links. You can see our full disclosure details here.)

Our first set lasted us for almost two years, so for about $50, I think it’s a good return on my investment!  To be honest, here in Florida, even the most expensive outdoor curtains don’t last forever either!

If you’re looking to bring the indoors out this spring, try adding soft textures to a pergola, gazebo, or covered porch.  With this easy DIY idea, you can have outdoor curtains with little cost or time!  Check it out!

How to Make Inexpensive DIY Outdoor Curtains

Materials Needed:

• Canvas drop cloth (I used the 6′ X 9′ but you can modify that to fit your space.)
• S hooks (I used the silver, but they also come in bronze and black.)
• Curtain clips
• Jute rope

Steps to Make DIY Outdoor Curtains

Step 1: Get the wrinkles out

After you’ve gathered all of your materials, you may want to knock the worst of the wrinkles out of your drop cloths with a steamer.  The wrinkle release cycle on the dryer works great too.  With our Florida humidity, I just let them fall out over a few days! ????

Step 2: Cut or fold outdoor curtains to desired length and attach curtain clips

Depending on your space, you will have measured already to make sure your drop cloths are the correct size.  Our gazebo height (around the perimeter) is 8 feet, so I used a 9 foot long drop cloth and folded it over.  You could choose to cut it to the desired length, but I personally like the folded look and it was easy to do!

I measured 12″ down and clipped on a curtain clip every 6 inches or so.  Since it is going to bunch together, I didn’t worry about being too precise here.

Step 3: Hang outdoor curtains

This step is quick and easy!  Simply place the S hook over the rod and attach the curtain clip hooks.

At our old house, we had a large covered porch but it did not have a curtain rod and I wasn’t willing to spend the money for outdoor curtain rods. We used a staple gun and pleated/folded the outdoor curtains along the porch. It worked perfectly and looked really pretty.  That is an easy option for a porch area that doesn’t have rods.

Step 4: Secure outdoor curtains

This step may depend on your specific space.  We live just a couple of miles from the ocean and it is often breezy here.  The outdoor curtains would be flying around (and off their hooks) without us having them secured.

My hubby helped me by tying a good knot with thick jute rope, while I loosely gathered the outdoor curtains around the gazebo post.

Tip: Let the ends of the rope hang a little bit for a decorative look.

Step 5: Secure the rope

Again, this step may depend on the space you are using.  We get a lot of rain and as the rope gets wet, it tends to slide and everything starts looking messy!  To secure the rope, we put a nail through the rope, into the post, and it helps hold everything in place no matter the weather conditions!

If your area is not as open to the elements, you may not need to take so many steps to secure your outdoor curtains.

Furnish and Decorate Your Outdoor Space!

Here are some basic steps to bring the indoors out and create a comfortable outdoor living space.

Basic outdoor living room essentials:

• Start with an outdoor rug.  There are a lot of great options out there and you can find similar ones HERE and HERE.
• Add seating.  I like to mix and match just a bit, making sure that every seat has some kind of small tabletop like THIS or THIS nearby to hold a drink!  This loveseat would blend with a lot of styles!
• For a small space, a conversation set like this (ON SALE RIGHT NOW!) is perfect for relaxing and dining too!
• Use an outdoor coffee table or fire pit in the middle to tie it all together.
• If your space allows, add an outdoor chandelier!  We used this vine ball that we got at a vintage market.
• Add an outdoor throw blanket and pillows to soften the hard lines and make the space feel cozy.
• Finish it up with a few accessories, such as lanterns, baskets, potted plants, and hanging plants (these hanging planters are only $6 and look so good!).  You can add a pot to it in whatever style accents your decor!
• Poufs make great accents as well and are perfect when you have extra guests!

Enjoy!

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  Posts on Robyn’s French Nest may contain affiliate links. You can see our full disclosure details here.)