Outdoor Curtains: How to Choose, Measure and Hang Them

Outdoor curtains turn a porch, pergola or patio into a room. They block low afternoon sun, add privacy from the neighbors, soften the wind and make a covered space feel finished. The catch is that outdoor curtains have to survive sun, rain and mildew, and they only look right when they are the right size. Here is how to choose the fabric, measure the space and pick a heading style.

Choose a fabric made for outdoors

Indoor curtain fabric fades and grows mildew within a season outside. Look for a solution-dyed outdoor fabric, where the color runs all the way through the fiber instead of being printed on top. Sunbrella outdoor curtains are the most popular choice: they resist fading and mildew, and most Sunbrella fabrics are water and stain repellent, so a light rain beads off.

• Solid outdoor fabrics give shade and privacy on a porch or cabana.
• Outdoor sheers filter the light and soften the view without blocking it. See Sunbrella outdoor sheers.
• Blackout and privacy lining can be added to solid indoor and outdoor panels for full shade. It is not added to sheers, since it would block the light they are meant to let through.

How to measure for outdoor curtains

1. Width: measure the opening you want to cover, post to post or along the rod. For a pair that closes in the middle, each panel covers half of that width.
2. Drop: measure from the rod (or from where the ring or hook sits) down to where the curtain should end. Outdoors, most people stop the hem about ½″ to 1″ above the deck so it stays out of puddles and dirt.
3. Order the finished size you want covered. We sew curtains with about twice the rod width in fabric so they hang in full folds, so do not double your width yourself.

Panels wider than 52″ are joined with a center seam. Not sure how many panels you need? Our curtain size calculator works out the panel width and length from your rod width and drop.

Pick a heading style

• Tab top: fabric loops slide onto the rod. Relaxed and easy to open and close.
• Back tab: the tabs sit hidden behind the curtain for clean, even folds from the front.
• Rod pocket: the rod runs through a sewn channel. Best for curtains that stay mostly in place.
• Pinch pleat: stitched pleats on a stiffened header for a tailored look. See pinch pleat curtains.

Where outdoor curtains work best

Covered porches, pergolas, gazebos, cabanas and pool houses all benefit from curtains on the sunny or windward side. On an open pergola, choose a heavier solid fabric, and tie panels back in strong wind. Match the curtains to your Sunbrella cushions for a space that looks planned rather than pieced together.

Caring for outdoor curtains

Brush off loose dirt, rinse with a hose and let the panels dry hanging. For spots, use mild soap and lukewarm water. Taking curtains down for the winter, or during storms, will make them last longer.

Questions about outdoor curtains

Are outdoor curtains waterproof?

Most Sunbrella fabrics are water repellent rather than fully waterproof: light rain beads off, but a downpour will soak through. They dry quickly and resist mildew.

Can I use outdoor curtains indoors?

Yes. Outdoor fabrics work well in sunrooms and bright windows where ordinary curtains fade.

How long should outdoor curtains be?

For a floor-length look, stop about ½″ to 1″ above the deck or patio so the hem stays clean and dry.

Ready to order? Build yours with the custom curtain builder and see the price as you go.