Chic in Cheektowaga

This popular stop on our Open Gardens in July tour uses colorful sheers for this pergola. And it looks dynamite with the planting and artwork colors!

Buffalo Niagara gardeners like the look of breezy curtains outside – softening the look of anything they attach themselves to. They also know they make any outdoor space look cozy and room-like. They help separate areas in a yard, enclose more personal spaces, block out the sun, and create privacy.

“You can embellish nearly any outdoor space with curtains.”

You can embellish nearly any outdoor space with curtains:

Gazebo
Deck
Pool area
Pergola
Balcony
Porch
Hot tub
Any quiet spot in the backyard

Almost any part of your garden can benefit from design-y classic stripes, or a bohemian vibe, a rustic gingham, a hippie tie-dye, a billowy beach-like shears, spicy Tuscan flare, lacy and feminine touches, a shabby chic look, or elegant solid panels – anything that compliments your architecture and outdoor room theme.

Private on Prospect

This secluded oasis, tucked between two garages, is made all the more private with red satin-y, tied-back curtains.

Outdoor curtain hanging is no more difficult than indoor curtains.

Buying Pre-made Curtains
Finding pre-made outdoor curtains to suit your size/color/taste is easy enough. Big box stores do sell them, so do fabric stores. Bed, Bath & Beyond; Target, and other stores do sell them seasonally or online. Design options are a bit limited. You will end up with curtains that someone else likely will have, if that matters to you.

Making Your Own
The best material for outdoor curtains is olefin fabric. Olefin, also known as polypropylene, is a solution or pigment-dyed fiber that's easy to clean and inherently UV resistant. The best fabrics for making them are not the cheapest; and unless you have the skills to make your own, the cost can be high for custom curtains.

They’re called performance fabrics – the most popular brand is Sunbrella, but there are other options too. The better the fabric, the longer they’ll last.

Fabrics to avoid would be cotton and canvas, as they absorb a lot of water and do not dry quickly. Cotton is at a higher risk of mold and mildew as well.

Hanging them
The easiest way to install is with a tension rod placed inside the supports of a porch or walls. Curtain rods made for outdoor use can also be installed on a wall, ceiling or inside mount. Drapery rods are easy for mounting curtains. Some exterior spaces don't have the a structure to support rod installation. If this is the case, consider using heavy-gauge exterior steel wire rope to mount your draperies.

Lovely on Lafayette

These classic curtains with fringed valance appear to be bespoke for this Elmwood Village porch.

Outside curtain care

Outdoor curtains are susceptible to an environment unlike their indoor kin.

It’s suggested that loose dirt be brushed off, use a solution of Woolite or Dawn dish washing soap, and water. Use a soft-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry.
Color-safe bleach can be used to help eliminate stains
The bottoms of curtains can get worn by wind and repetitive brushing up against their base or poles/posts they hang on. Consider using tie-backs. If they’re in an extra breezy spot, having eyelets and cable strung through the bottom hem (or a dowel or rod) can keep them in place.
In our region, bringing them in each winter and putting them back out in spring will add years to their life.
Under no circumstances should you dry clean performance fabrics. Curtains with metal rings/eyelets are not recommended for washing machines.

Alternates to curtains might be outdoor blinds (bamboo, or fabric), shutters, or even sun-filtering patio shades and sails.

Classy and glassy on Richmond

No one says a curtain has to be fabric. This curtain of colorful bottles is a striking art (and conversation) piece in this popular garden on Garden Walk Buffalo.

Below are curtains caught in Buffalo Niagara gardens, mostly gardens you can visit during Garden Walk Buffalo, Open Gardens on Thursdays and Fridays in July, or one of the many weekend garden tours over our beautiful Buffalo summers.

Buffalo Style Gardens

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“Where would you put curtains in your own garden if you were to add some? Leave a comment below...”

Pergola curtains in Lockport

This comfortable sitting area under a pergola includes many items that make it more room-like - carpet, upholstered seating and even windows!

Colorful on Livingston Street

Orange and turquoise turns heads and stops traffic!

Elegance in South buffalo

This Rutland Street garden feels all the more gracious with the billowing sheers along the entire back deck.

Boho chic in Johnson Park

A purchased structure with voluptuous curtains makes this seating area feel luxurious in this, one of Buffalo’s oldest neighborhoods.

Solid on the Kent-Ton Garden Walk

These solid-colored curtains coordinate with the porch awning for a harmonious look.

Swag on the Ken-Ton Garden Walk

Matching the plant colors give a natural look to this back porch.

Entrancing on the Town of Tonawanda Garden Walk

These curtains decorate this “She Shed” and also are practical – the doors can be open – and bugs out!

Parkside privacy

This structure and curtains provide some privacy from neighbors and define this small sitting area.

Dapper drapes on Mariner Street

This garden, on Garden Walk Buffalo and our Open Gardens in July tour, uses on-point patterned curtains for privacy and to accentuate a beautiful porch.

Orange in Orchard Park

This unique set up allows the shade to be on the side of this pergola that gets the most sun - and can move as the sun moves! Carpet, coffee table, credenza - its a room in the middle of the garden

Practical and pretty in Williamsville

This curtain, actual a shower curtain, hides an area of hoses, wheelbarrows and other garden implements of destruction.

Pop of color on Richmond Avenue

Inherently dark spaces can be brightened with panels of color.

Airy in Ken-Ton

Visualizing breezes is easier with sheers that block less-than-inspiring views.

Framing views on Lancaster Avenue

The outdoor cooking area of this garden is made all the more colorful with a contemporary print.

Room-defining elements on Lancaster Avenue

The author’s backyard deck. Drapes surround a built-in hot tub platform, but things like an outdoor carpet, a tall arbor/wall between neighbors, a garage wall with a pear tree-espalier, dining tables, a kitchen area, and even a “roof” of an umbrella make this space as intimate as any comfortable room in a home.

Blog post and photos by Jim Charlier, co-author of Buffalo Style Gardens: Create a Quirky, One-of-a-Kind Private Garden with Eye-Catching Designs. Read his garden design blog, ArtofGardening.org.

Curtains in Buffalo Gardens