Installing curtains outdoors can add privacy, shade, and style to your patio, porch, or deck. While outdoor curtains typically require a rod or track to hang, there are some clever ways to hang curtains outside without installing hardware. Here is a detailed guide on how to hang outdoor curtains without a traditional curtain rod.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Curtains
When selecting fabric for outdoor curtains without a rod, look for materials that can withstand wind, moisture, and sunlight. Good options include:
- Canvas – Durable, heavyweight cotton material that resists fading. Easy to clean.
- Sunbrella – Made from 100% acrylic fibers, Sunbrella is water-resistant, UV resistant, and breathable.
- Polyester – Affordable option that is wrinkle-resistant and dries quickly. Look for UV-treated polyester.
- Outdoor vinyl – Waterproof and long-lasting, though can get hot in direct sunlight.
Opt for solid curtains over patterned to avoid busy designs competing with your outdoor space. Neutral colors work well outdoors. Consider unlined or lightly lined curtains that won’t trap heat and moisture.
Measure the width and length of your outdoor space carefully, allowing for extra length so the curtains don’t blow open on windy days.
Hanging Curtains Using Clamps
One easy way to hang outdoor curtains is by using clamps attached to your eaves, beams, or other surfaces.
Materials Needed:
- Outdoor curtains
- 4-6 Curtain clips per pair of curtains
- 4-6 Spring clamps per pair of curtains
- Tape measure
- Pencil
Steps:
- Measure the width of the space where you want to hang the curtains. Add at least 6 inches to this measurement for overlap.
- Cut your curtains to the measured length using sharp scissors. Singe the cut edges with a lighter to prevent fraying.
- Mark pencil lines along the eaves, beam, or other surface above where you want the curtains to hang. Space clips every 6-12 inches.
- Open a spring clamp and position it over the marked line. Screw the clamp closed tightly.
- Clip each curtain ring or clip onto the closed clamps. Slide the cut panels onto the rings.
- For a chic look, tie ribbons around the panels where they meet in the center.
The spring clamps can grip a variety of surfaces like wood, metal, and PVC. Move them to easily adjust curtains.
Using Strong Magnets
Powerful magnets available at hardware stores provide another method for hanging outdoor curtains without rods.
Materials Needed:
- Outdoor curtain panels
- Industrial-strength disc or rectangle magnets, 4 per panel
- Self-adhesive magnetic strips, enough for mounting area
- Tape measure
Steps:
- Cut your fabric to the desired length. Treat cut edges to prevent unraveling.
- Determine where you want the top edge of the curtains to hang. Mark a line to guide magnet placement.
- Measure and cut magnetic strips to fit mounting surface – eaves, ceiling, etc.
- Stick strips horizontally along the marked line, spaced equal distances apart.
- Place disc or rectangle magnets near the top corners and center edges on back of each curtain.
- Hold panel in place against the magnetic strips to secure. Adjust magnets as needed.
The strong magnets will keep the fabric panels anchored despite wind. Simply slide them over to open or close curtains.
Hanging with Command Hooks
For a temporary curtain solution, Command hooks make it easy to hang lightweight outdoor drapes.
Materials:
- Lightweight polyester or nylon curtain panels
- Command large hooks, at least 6 per panel
- Command outdoor medium hooks, 6 per panel
- Tape measure
Steps:
- Cut fabric to desired length. Hem edges or use an outdoor sealant.
- Measure and mark installation points for large hooks along mounting surface. Allow for overlap.
- Remove liners and press hooks in place firmly for 30 seconds.
- On the back of each curtain, stick medium hooks 1-2″ from edges, spaced evenly.
- Carefully align curtain hooks with installed large hooks and press together firmly.
- Readjust hooks on panels and mounting points as needed for optimal hang.
Check curtains frequently as wind or moisture may loosen adhesive. Replace hooks when no longer sticky.
Hanging from Eye Bolts
For a very secure hold, installing eye bolts into wood, brick, or other solid mounting materials works well.
Materials Needed:
- Outdoor curtain fabric
- 4 eye bolt screws per panel
- 8 washers and wing nuts per panel
- Power drill
- Masonry drill bit (if installing in brick)
Steps:
- Determine eye bolt spacing based on curtain width. Mark where to drill.
- If installing in wood, pre-drill holes slightly smaller than bolt diameter. For brick, use appropriate masonry bit.
- Drive eye bolt screws into pre-drilled holes until snug and washer can spin freely.
- Cut fabric panels to length. Heat seal edges to prevent fraying.
- Attach screw-on wing nuts to eye bolts, leaving 1/4″ gap between nut and screw.
- Punch holes through top hem of curtain panels. Slide holes over protruding eye bolts so curtain sits below washer.
- Screw on the wing nuts tightly over fabric to sandwich in place.
- Close curtains by sliding panels along bolts or open by lifting off.
The eye bolt curtains can handle substantial wind without blowing about. Simply unscrew nuts to remove panels for laundering.
Hanging with Shower Curtain Clips
Plastic shower curtain clips offer an adjustable way to hang outdoor curtains temporarily or seasonally.
Materials Needed:
- Outdoor fabric cut to size
- 12-20 plastic shower curtain clips per panel
- Cordless drill
- Eye screws or cup hooks
Steps:
- Determine spacing for hardware. Mark where eye screws or cup hooks will be installed.
- Drill pilot holes if needed. Secure eye screws or screws for cup hooks into mounting surface.
- Cut and hem or seal fabric edges of curtain panels to size.
- Divide shower curtain clips evenly across top hem of each panel.
- Twist shower curtain clips onto installed hardware, clipping fabric in place.
- Readjust clips as needed to create optimal overlap and hang.
- Slide clips left or right to easily open and close curtains.
Shower clips allow quick seasonal changes. Use S-hooks instead to hang from eaves or beams without hardware.
Outdoor Curtain Ideas and Tips
- For breezy areas, use heavy canvas or layered panels to prevent billowing.
- Install side ties to keep panels from blowing outward and maintain privacy.
- Hang outdoor curtains a few inches wider than the space to allow for movement.
- Use Command hooks for temporary blackout curtains on RVs, patios, or balconies.
- Clip patterned curtains over solid panels to switch up looks easily.
- Install side rods or holdbacks if you need to slide curtains open frequently.
With some simple hardware and weather-resistant fabrics, you can create an outdoor oasis without the need for complicated tracks or rods. Experiment with different hanging techniques to find the best option for your space and decor style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Outdoor Curtains Without a Rod
Can I hang outdoor curtains without drilling holes?
Yes, there are a few good options that don’t require drilling into walls or ceilings. Command hooks, magnetic strips, or shower curtain clips can all be used to hang outdoor curtains without modifying the structure.
What kind of curtains work best outside without a rod?
Look for tightly woven, durable fabrics like canvas, Sunbrella, or polyester instead of loose weaves that can blow about in the wind. Unlined panels will move better outdoors.
How do I make DIY outdoor curtains?
Measure your space, allowing extra length. Cut fabric to size and singe edges to prevent fraying. Pick an easy hanging method like Command hooks or clamps. Attach your preferred hardware, slide on the custom curtain panels, and adjust until they hang how you want.
What weight fabric is best for outdoor curtains?
Medium to heavyweight fabrics between 8-15 ounces per square yard work best for outdoor curtains in windy conditions. Very lightweight sheers will blow easily unless layered.
How long should outdoor curtains be?
Measure the height where you are mounting the curtains and add at least 6 inches if using clamps or 12-16 inches if using more permanent hardware. The extra length helps prevent curtains from blowing upward.
Can I use regular curtains outside?
Curtains made from indoor/outdoor transitional fabrics may work outside for a season or two. But for best results long-term, choose materials specifically designed as outdoor or patio curtains.
Conclusion
There are many creative options for hanging curtains outside without needing to install permanent rods or tracks. With heavy-duty fabrics, sturdy hardware, and the right techniques, you can easily add beautiful, functional curtains to your outdoor living space using any flat surface. Experiment with different heights, lengths, and materials to create the perfect private oasis right on your deck, patio or porch.