Patio Curtains And Enclosures

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Decor And Privacy With Patio Curtains

The moment weather permits, we love to spend our time outdoors. Having a nicely furnished and comfortable patio not only provides an oasis to enjoy and relax after work, but it greatly increases the value of our home. By adding patio curtains, we can instantly transform our patio into a stylish outdoor room that can be perfect setting for a family party, a romantic dinner or a space for kids to play.

There are a few styles for the top where the fabric hangs.

• Tab top - the fabric has an array of little loops of fabric that jut out and into which the rod is inserted.
• Rod pocket - the fabric is folded or rolled on top to create a long, tubular opening for the rod.
• Grommet - the fabric has holes cut into the top at regular intervals into which the rod is put.

Enclosures Offer All-Around Protection

Vinyl or plastic enclosures are great for protecting the deck against weather in general, but also keeps the guests dry and comfortable when the external conditions are too rough. Here's a video from the Enclosure Guy who shows us samples of their product.

Weather Resistant Fabrics Are Best

Patio curtains have to cope with sun, rain, bugs, mildew, dust and anything else mother nature dishes out. That means that not just any curtain fabric would do. Patio curtains materials have to be able to resist fading by being UV resistant, to breathe, so that the space does not get stuffy, to be washable, water resistant and bug-proof. Sunbrella fabrics are relatively affordable with all of the above qualities, starting at about $3.00 per square foot.

Liner Curtains Keep Out The Cold

If you want to use your patio year around, you might want to think about adding patio curtains that are also weather-proof. That means that they have to be lined with an insulating liner that would keep the cold outside. Such curtains tend to be heavy, so it is best if they are installed just before the cold season, sort of like winter tires.

Cotton Duck

Cotton duck or duck cloth is very popular fabric curtains because it comes in a range of colors, it is natural and it provides almost complete privacy. It is easy to maintain, just throw it into your washing machine at the end of the summer and get it ready for the next year.

Polyester And Voile Are Light

Sheer, light curtains, made of polyester or cotton voile, add a sense of luxury and opulence to your outdoor space. They soften the hard lines and filter the sun, transforming your patio into a romantic retreat.

Netting Keeps Out Mosquitos

Mosquito netting is another great solution. It is inexpensive, it comes in a range of colors and it will not only keep bugs away, but, if draped generously, will look just like any other sheer curtains. Installing mosquito netting patio curtains costs one third of installing permanent mosquito screens.

Accessorize To Personalize

Patio curtains come with grommets, rod pockets, or tabs to accommodate curtain rods. If you choose with grommets, make sure that they are rust-proof. Otherwise the rust will leak on the curtains and make unsightly stains. Solid colors not only provide privacy, but block fair amount of sun, keeping your outdoor space cool and pleasant, saving you money on energy for running a fan. Sheer fabrics are softer and more romantic, and breathe better, but do not keep away the sun, and prying eyes of your neighbors, as well as solid curtains.

Roof Too?

If they work for outdoor curtains, outdoor fabrics can also be used to create a roof over your porch, if you do not have one, creating an outdoor room you can use for al-fresco dining or just reading a book in the shade. It is fairly easy to create a wooden or metal frame for the roof. Get the help of your neighbors, especially if they will be invited to share barbecue and cold drinks in the shade of your new patio roof. Moreover, these fabrics work well for gazebos, decks, and even pergolas. Take a look at our page on the screened patio for a more comprehensive solution.

Works On Patio Doors

The door leading into the patio benefits from having a curtain to keep out light and heat. Here think about putting it on the outside rather than the inside. Why? Because some of the light that enters the window gets converted into infrared radiation and then trapped inside the house, heating it up. A physical barrier on the exterior side of the window prevents the light energy from ever entering in the first place. These are called patio door treatments or window treatments for the patio door.