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DIY Patio Curtains from Drop Cloths (with no sewing)

Are you looking for a simple solution for the summer sun beating down on your patio?  These DIY Patio Curtains from drop cloths may be exactly what you need to add a bit of shade to your outdoor space.  Bonus- you can make these curtains with no sewing!

Are you looking for a simple solution for the summer sun beating down on your patio? These DIY Patio Curtains from drop cloths may be exactly what you need to add a bit of shade to your outdoor space. Bonus- you can make these curtains with no sewing!

Our back patio faces west and even though it’s covered, the relentless Texas sun bakes our patio between the hours of 2 and 7 pm.  The heat makes it impossible to enjoy our patio until the sun dips below the treeline.

We’ve looked into a few shade options, but everything has been out of our budget.  We finally decided to give some simple patio curtains made from drop cloths a try.

no sew curtains from drop cloths

The curtains have been up for over a month now.  I wanted to fix up the porch a bit before trying to get photos and posting about the curtains, but it’s already well into July and before you know it, summer will be over.  (Plus my hubby brought home that monster of a baby pool you see in the photo, so I figured it really doesn’t matter now anyway…)

no sew curtains from drop cloths

What makes these curtains so great is we bought enough of the drop cloths, so when you pull the curtains open, they are wide enough to reach all the way across the open space between the cedar posts.  Blocks every bit of the sun!

no sew curtains from drop cloths

DIY Patio Curtains from Drop Cloths

Disclaimer:  As I am sure you know, any cotton fabric left bunched up after being rained on, will mold/mildew.  Drop cloths are made from cotton. To ensure your curtains will last, be sure to open them so they can air dry after it rains.  If you live in a perpetually wet/humid climate, you might want to spring for the special outdoor fabric.

For the curtains I used:

(Someday, I hope to get real Sunbrella outdoor curtain fabric.   At $15.00 per yard with a 12 ft tall and 60 foot wide opening, I don’t even want to calculate how many yards I would need… OK, I calculated it, I would need almost 60 yards, ouch.)

[irp]
 

To make the curtains, I didn’t want to spend too much time sewing these in case they were a bust, so we simply folded the top over and used metal clip rings to hang them.

I considered using some inexpensive curtain hanging accessories from Ikea, but we were afraid with only one support in the middle, the curtains would sag.  So instead, hubby put together a few metal conduit and brackets from Lowes and spray painted them oil rubbed bronze.  They blend right in!

I used 1 4 x 12 Drop Cloth to use for ties.  I just cut the fabric into strips and braided them, but if you wanted a more upscale look you could go with these indoor/outdoor tiebacks.
 

 

No Sew Drop Cloth Patio Curtains

 

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100 Comments

  1. Trish - Mom On Timeout says:

    First off your house and patio is just amazing! I love how these curtains turned out – so smart! Featuring you today at Mom On Timeout – thanks for sharing!

  2. Katie's Nesting Spot says:

    Love your no sew curtains and I LOVE your backyard. I am jealous of how big your patio is, it looks like a hotel now. Great project!

  3. Featured you!
    Stop by and see!
    Stacey of Embracing Change

  4. Your patio is so gorgeous!! I love outdoor curtains, them make any space feel 'resort-like'. I can't wait to tackle my outdoor area, it currently resembles a building site.

  5. Great job….I love these! I just tweeted about them!!
    ~~~rhonda~~~

  6. Baked In The South says:

    I love this idea!

  7. Brooke Waite says:

    These are fantastic!! We also live in a very sunny, hot climate (AZ) so these would be a perfect solution to the heat! 🙂 I'm a new follower and would love you to visit my new blog!! Thanks for the inspiration!

  8. Heaven's Walk says:

    What a great idea for a beautiful patio area! We have the same problem with our back porch. No roof though. I'm whining to the husband all the time about building a roof over it…then I can use your curtain idea. Thanks for the inspiration! It look fabulous!

    xoxo laurie

  9. Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer says:

    Wow you really have a huge patio. I know what you about the sun baking you between 2 – 7, since our yard faces SW we have the same thing. Your drop cloth curtains look really nice, I used the same for our patio and I just love them. My don't close so I envy you on that. That is one big pool, do you ever take a dip? So glad you shared your creative inspiration with Sunday's Best!

  10. They really look great against your posts and your house! Nice job!

  11. Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker says:

    Looks fantastic! I need to try this!

  12. Wow, your patio looks great!! Liz

  13. Helen Deeds says:

    Pinned this! I love the look. I house sit for a lady who has curtains similar to these…when I ever get my own house then I will be doing this!

    Helen
    Blue Eyed Beauty Blog

  14. The Moerks says:

    These look fabulous, what a great idea. With the light coming through them it would make such a pretty space. I also love the look of your house.

  15. MyTwoCents says:

    What a creative idea. Your patio is gorgeoualso! Thanks for posting

  16. Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap says:

    drop cloth is the best! LOVE that stuff! indoor, outdoor…looks great!

  17. Shannon and Betsy @ 2ndstorysewing.blogspot.com says:

    Awesome and I love your huge patio- I was just about to do those curtains myself and we sold our house..our new house doesn't have a covered patio..so the project is on hold for now! But you did a great job- can't believe they are no-sew, they look great!
    Shannon

  18. shopannies says:

    must say I am a bit jealous of your wonderous patio love it and the curtains are so beautiful and free they look like they have always belonged come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

  19. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says:

    these are fabulous!!! i am pinning this idea! 🙂 hopped over from tt&j.