Hanging outdoor curtains is a great way to add privacy, shade, and style to your outdoor living spaces. Using rope instead of traditional curtain rods allows you to hang curtains in areas without mounting points, like gazebos, pergolas, and decks. With some simple supplies and these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to hang your outdoor curtains anywhere using rope.
Choosing the Right Rope for Hanging Outdoor Curtains
When selecting rope for hanging outdoor curtains, you’ll want to choose a durable, weather-resistant material that can withstand the elements. Here are some good options:
- Nylon rope – Nylon is strong, flexible, and weather-resistant. Look for braided nylon rope that won’t unravel or stretch over time. 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch diameter nylon rope works well for most outdoor curtain applications.
- Polypropylene rope – Similar to nylon rope, polypropylene is a synthetic option that stands up to weather and resists rot and mildew. It’s also lightweight and floats. 3/16 inch poly rope is a good choice.
- Cotton rope – 100% cotton rope has excellent knot strength. Look for twisted or braided rope that has been treated for UV and water resistance. 1/4 inch cotton rope is recommended.
- Stainless steel cable – For a contemporary look, stainless steel cables can also be used in place of rope to hang outdoor curtains. 1/16 inch cable won’t rust and will last for years outside.
Considerations
- Opt for rope that is rated for outdoor use and select the proper diameter to support the weight of your curtains.
- Match the rope color to your curtains or decor for a cohesive look.
- Purchase extra rope to allow for adjustable length and sag from curtain weight over time.
Gather Your Supplies
In addition to an appropriate rope for the task, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
- Curtain grommets or clips to attach the curtains to the rope.
- Carabiners, rings, or screw eyes to connect the ends of the rope.
- Cable ties, zip ties, or rope clips to tightly secure the rope to stationary points.
- Eye bolts or screw hooks if mounting the rope to walls or ceilings.
- Tensioner or turnbuckle to keep the rope taut.
- Scissors and tape measure.
Plan Your Rope Mounting Points
Before hanging your rope, decide where you want to mount the ends. Ideal mounting points:
- Have a clear path between them. Ensure the rope will easily span the entire area you want to cover.
- Are secure. Choose rigid, sturdy surfaces like wood posts, beams, walls, or even trees.
- Allow for adjustment. Mounting points higher than your finished height gives room to tighten the rope as needed.
Measure the distance between your planned mounting points and cut your rope to size with a few extra feet to work with.
Attach Rope Ends
With your rope cut to size, it’s time to secure the ends. Here are two common methods:
Rope to Eye Bolts
Eye bolts screwed into walls or ceilings make solid end points for your rope.
- Screw eye bolts into place at your pre-planned points.
- Use a figure 8 knot to tie one end of the rope to the first eye bolt.
- Wrap the rope through any necessary pulleys or guides.
- Pull the rope taut across your hanging area.
- Tie off the second end to the eye bolt with another figure 8 knot.
- Add a tensioner anywhere along the rope span to keep the line tight.
Rope to Stationary Objects
You can also tie off your rope to beams, posts, handles, or other stable points:
- Tie one end of the rope to the first anchor using a reliable knot like a bowline knot.
- Thread the rope across the space, through any necessary pulleys.
- Tie the second end to the far anchor point with another sturdy knot.
- Install a tensioner along the rope and tighten.
The key is securely fastening the rope so it can hold the curtain weight without sagging.
Hang Curtains from Rope
Once your rope is tightly anchored at both ends, it’s easy to hang curtains. Just clip or tie the curtain top edge or grommets to the rope using curtain rings, carabiners, or other hanging hardware.
Some tips:
- For long spans, hang clips or rings periodically along the rope to easily attach multiple curtains across.
- Choose appropriate hanging clips for your curtain style and weight. Pinch pleat hanging clips work well for most standard curtains.
- Use an overlapping technique, attaching each curtain slightly over the previous panel, to fully cover the space and prevent light gaps.
- To remove curtains for cleaning, simply detach the clips from the secured rope which can stay in place.
Adjust Length as Needed
It’s normal for new rope to stretch a bit and sag under the curtain weight. Make occasional adjustments by:
- Tightening turnbuckles or tensioners to retighten the line.
- Pushing up grommets or reattaching clips if rope stretches between attachments.
- Raising eye bolt locations to shorten the line as it relaxes.
Proper tension will keep your outdoor curtains hanging smoothly.
Rope Care and Maintenance
To help your rope last:
- Check for signs of wear like frayed ends and replace as needed.
- Wash nylon or polypropylene rope periodically with mild soap and water.
- Let rope completely dry before reinstalling to prevent mildew.
- Consider taking down rope during extreme weather or winter to extend its lifespan.
- Reapply UV protectant to cotton rope once a year.
With the right rope and a sturdy mounting technique, you can easily hang outdoor curtains anywhere. Follow these tips to create shade and privacy exactly where you need it in your outdoor living areas using rope.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Outdoor Curtains with Rope
What kind of rope should I use to hang outdoor curtains?
The best ropes for hanging outdoor curtains are weather-resistant synthetic ropes like nylon, polypropylene, or even stainless steel cable. Look for braided or twisted ropes that won’t rot or fray. 1/4 inch nylon and 3/16 inch polypropylene are good all-purpose options.
How do I hang curtains from a rope between two trees?
Use eye bolts or hook screws secured into the tree trunks as end points. Tie off one end of your rope to the first tree, run the rope between pulleys or guides, pull it taut, and tie off the other end to the second tree. Use sturdy knots like bowline or figure eight knots. Add clips along the rope to hang your curtains.
What kind of knots should I use for hanging outdoor curtains?
Some of the best knots for hanging outdoor curtains include the figure eight knot, bowline knot, and trucker’s hitch. The figure eight and bowline knots are great for tying the rope ends to your stationary mounting points. A trucker’s hitch allows you to easily tension the rope as needed.
How much sag should I allow in the rope?
It’s best to install rope for hanging curtains slightly tighter than you need it to account for natural loosening over time. As a general rule, allow no more than 2-4 inches of sag in the middle of the rope span to avoid significant drooping. Use turnbuckles and tensioners to tighten as required.
How do I stop the curtains from sliding along the rope?
Use curtain clips made specifically for pinching onto rope. These grip the rope to prevent sliding. You can also knot the rope or use cable clamps or clips to create stop points along the line for clipping curtains into place. Adding rings periodically gives more attachment points too.
How do I take down outdoor curtains on a rope?
The benefit of using rope is that you don’t have to take down the entire system each season – just the curtains! Clip rings allow you to easily detach curtains from the rope for cleaning or storage while leaving the rope and mounting hardware in place for rehanging next season.
Conclusion
Hanging outdoor curtains with rope is an adaptable, removable way to create privacy anywhere. Nylon and poly rope stand up well to weather and provide strong support. Follow the steps to securely anchor both ends of your rope and use appropriate clips to hang your curtains. Add tensioners as needed to keep the rope tight as it ages. With the right materials and some DIY know-how, you can create beautiful curtained spaces outside using rope.