You’ve installed your outdoor curtains on your property and they’re looking breathtakingly beautiful. However, there’s only one thing that’s ruining your ultimate experience; the wind that keeps them flying around.
Good news; there are creative solutions you could implement today and put this problem behind you for good. In this article, I’ll be showing you 9 straightforward and practical ways to keep your curtains from blowing.
Without further ado, let’s get down to business.
9 Genius Ways to Keep Outdoor Curtains From Blowing
1. Consider Buying Heavier Curtains
Buying heavier curtains is an excellent place to start, especially if you know that you live in a windy place.
When the curtains aren’t heavy, the wind won’t blow them around easily. Yes, as you must be thinking, it might not be of great convenience buying heavier curtains. But think about it, would you rather buy light curtains that you will blow about all day to the extent it’s as though there are no curtains in the first place? Not a good idea. You’ll need to reach some compromise so that you don’t end up losing all your friends.
However, when we talk about heavy curtains here, it’s not blanket heavy we’re referring to. If you think you’ll have a problem trying to pick the type of curtain that meets you halfway, consider asking around for opinions from people with experience. That could either be your seller or friends who have previously bought the curtains.
Manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of the windy factor and this awareness reflects in the type of curtains that are now entering the market. That’s why you’ll find that there are curtains with varying levels of heaviness or lightness. It’s you to know what works best for you before making your selection.
2. Weigh Them Down
It’s a simple hack that will transform the ever-blowing curtains into a calmness that will make both you and the other occupants appreciate the true magnificence that the curtains bring to your home.
There are several ways you could go about this. But the most popular one is to attach some weight at the bottom of the curtains so that the wind isn’t able to lift them. The options for these weighted elements are numerous and so it depends on your personal preferences.
For instance, you can use heavier fishing weights which you’ll then need to sew into the bottom hem of the curtains. As you sew them, try and stitch pockets to prevent the sinkers from bunching up and down, especially when you’re sliding the curtains.
What if sewing is not something that you’re into?
That’s not a problem at all. Alternatively, you have the option of hanging the sinkers from the bottom of the drapes, which will eliminate the need for pockets.
In case fishing weights aren’t a good choice for you, you can also use weights that are the size of washers. You could also consider using weighted rods to attach them to the curtains’ bottom to prevent them from blowing.
But in case you haven’t bought the curtains yet, you can ask the seller if there are curtains that come with this package. That will save you some few bucks and give you peace of mind that you don’t go troubling yourself with other options.
3. Tie Them up to the Railings
How does the idea of tying the curtains to your deck railings or porch railings sound? Sometimes, you might be thinking of grandiose ideas while free and easy solutions exist at your fingertips.
You can take advantage of deck railings and porch railings to secure your curtains on windy days. All you’ll need for this idea to work is a rope that’s loosely hanging around your living space or a cable so that you can tie the curtains up.
The downside to this method? There’s just one. If your curtains aren’t close enough to the railings, this method might not be practical. But if they’re, you’ll soon realize that it’s a simple yet effective option.
Depending on how creative you want to get, you can come up with several fancy ways of playing around with the curtains so that when people look at them, they’ll wonder at the kind of stylish person you are.
4. Keep Them Curved
Scalloping your curtains at the top is another great way of reducing the impact of the wind. You shouldn’t tighten the drapes at the top, as this will make the curtains flap around uncontrollably, especially when the wind is extreme.
The drape effect makes it possible for the wind to blow over the curtains. In the process, it significantly reduces the dragging, thus resulting in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. In case you’re considering going shopping for curtains, you should prefer those that have tab tops and come with deep cuts.
5. Cable and Dog Ties
As the name suggests, the method entails cables and dog ties to keep outdoor curtains calm.
What’s even better, the procedure is as simple as the name of the method. To apply this method, simply get some cables and run them through the curtains. After that, secure them to the ground using dog ties or dog chain stakes.
Won’t that cost you a lot of money?
No, it won’t. If anything, the dog ties are cheap and readily available at pet stores. This option is a good choice if you don’t have a lot of money to spend yet to want a solution that will work brilliantly.
The working mechanism here is simple too. You only need to secure the cables to the dog stakes or dog ties, place them on the ground and that will be it.
After that, run a few trials to see if the curtains are still flying around. While at it, check and ascertain that the dog ties are stable such that they won’t fall over when the wind tries to be stronger than usual.
6. Magnets Could Be a Great Choice
This is another creative idea that could solve the problem of your curtains blowing about the whole day.
The idea is simple as it can get. You place magnets at the bottom of your curtains in a manner they’re able to attach to a metallic surface that will be placed behind them. As for the metal rod, you can attach them to whichever door structure you’re using, such as the deck.
This idea is popularly used in preventing blinders from being thrown around by the wind. However, due to their effectiveness, the method is also recommended for use on curtains.
The only challenge you’re likely to encounter is finding magnets that are so strong that the wind will not rip them off when they attach to the metal bar. If you don’t find a magnet that’s strong enough, the idea might not be viable and you would rather consider the other options.
7. Make Wind Slits
Wind slits are another option you can consider exploring. It’s a technique that advertising companies use to prevent their street banners and billboards from being hurled away by the wind.
If your curtains can accommodate, you can make vertical rows of cuts on your fabric’s surface, which will prevent the wind from inflating the curtains. Have one or two of these rows; fold and stitch the edges if you can use them to don’t fray.
You can also do incisions on the backward fold of the pleat so that the slits you’ve made aren’t visible, especially when the curtains are pulled back.
8. Block the Wind
The wind is the problem. That means if you deal with it, you’ll not need to tamper or interfere with your beautiful curtains. However, the idea only works if your outdoor setup is favorable.
A good example here is if you’ve got a deck where you’ve fitted some curtains. In that kind of setup, one of the options that can work out great is shifting around furniture in a way that they’re able to block the wind. Apart from the furniture, you can use decorative items or flower vases in a position that prevents the wind from moving the curtains around.
If the setup allows, you can also set a bench, furniture or any other convenient item directly on top of the item. But that might only work if your curtains are long enough so that the bottom can reach the floor or surface.
The idea of blocking the wind using furniture, decorative items or flower vases is a good one. However, it’s likely not going to solve your problems entirely and so as you work it out, you need to have an open mind.
9. Clip the Drapes
You can reduce or eliminate the impact of the wind on your curtains by clipping the drapes together. When you do that, you create a heavier surface that the wind cannot easily toss up and down.
Like some of the other methods we’ve already looked at, this one might not completely solve the problem, but it will drastically reduce the disturbance’s intensity.
It’s a good idea to use stainless steel clips that won’t leave marks on your curtains, especially if yours are white or any other color that will quickly display dirt.
Are Outdoor Curtains Worth Trouble?
Of course, curtains provide a good shade if you like to sit and relax on your deck or porch. When it gets swelteringly hot and the sun is beating down on you, those are moments you’ll find yourself appreciating the curtains the most. In other words, curtains will give you a reprieve so that you get to enjoy the outdoors.
But with all the trouble the wind causes with the curtains, are they worth your attention and time? You know, all hustle while tieing them up, looking for the magnets and moving furniture around, isn’t it that little too much?
The truth is, curtains are an excellent tool for complementing the beauty and look of your space. They go beyond the essential function of covering the intended spaces and so you should always throw in a personal flair.
Nothing, not even the wind, should stop you from enjoying your outdoors. Now that you know a few tricks you could pull on the wind to stop it from flapping away your curtains, you’ve got the upper hand.
Depending on your specific needs, you should find several solutions from our list that apply to you. Choose the one that makes the most sense and gives you a lasting solution to your predicament.
But if you haven’t yet bought the curtains, it’s a good thing to start by assessing your need so that it may inform the kind of curtains you get. In other words, not every type of curtain out there will suit your needs. Having a clear picture of what you’re looking for in curtains will save you unnecessary headaches when it comes to things like finding the right solution for the wind that just can’t stop blowing them away.