Black and White Striped Outdoor Curtains - A Chic Outdoor Decor Choice

Black and white striped curtains have been a popular interior design choice for decades, lending a classic yet contemporary vibe to any space. In recent years, using black and white striped curtains outdoors has become an exciting new trend in exterior decor. These bold striped curtains can completely transform the look and feel of a patio, porch, pergola or any outdoor living area. The contrasting stripes make a strong visual statement and bring eye-catching style to your outdoor space.

Outdoor curtains in general add privacy, provide shade, and help block wind. Black and white striped outdoor curtains deliver these practical benefits while also providing a dramatic pop of pattern and color. The striped design looks clean, crisp and modern when hung in an exterior space. Black and white stripes are timeless yet on-trend, with a versatility that works with any outdoor aesthetic from farmhouse to industrial to coastal chic.

Benefits of Black and White Striped Outdoor Curtains

There are many advantages to choosing black and white striped curtains for your outdoor decor:

• Add visual interest - The bold stripes make a statement and create eye-catching contrast.
• Provide privacy and sun control - Curtains filter sunlight and create seclusion.
• Define spaces - Curtains can designate specific functional zones like dining areas.
• Protect from weather - Curtains act as shields from wind, rain and cold.
• Easy to match - Black and white complements any color scheme.
• Classic style - Stripes are always in fashion and never go out of style.

Black and white striped curtains are a great choice for any outdoor spot where you want to add flair. Hang them on a covered patio or above a deck to designate an intimate seating nook. Use curtains to partition areas of an open layout backyard. Or dress up a porch or poolside pergola with whimsical stripe accents.

Choosing the Right Stripe Style

Black and white stripes come in a variety of widths and spacing combinations. Narrow pinstripes make more of a textural impression, while wide horizontal stripes create a bolder graphic look. Wider stripes tend to suit larger outdoor spaces better. Here are some common stripe widths for outdoor curtains:

• Pencil stripes: 1/4" to 1/2" wide
• Narrow stripes: 1" to 2" wide
• Medium stripes: 2" to 4" wide
• Wide stripes: 5" to 8" wide
• Extra-wide stripes: 9" to 12" wide

The spacing between stripes is also important. Curtains with stripes close together make more of an abstract pattern, while stripes far apart have a separate horizontal line look. Average spacing options include:

• Solid stripes: No space between stripes
• Narrow spacing: 1/2" to 2" gap between stripes
• Medium spacing: 2" to 4" gap between stripes
• Wide spacing: 5" or more gap between stripes

Whether you prefer narrow or wide, solid or spaced, the stripe width should suit the scale of your outdoor space. Wider, more widely spaced stripes tend to work best for large patios and backyards. Attractive alternatives to basic black and white stripes are black and white outdoors with a thin accent color stripe or black and white striped curtains with a bold black border along the bottom.

Ideal Fabrics for Outdoor Use

Since outdoor curtains will be exposed to sun, wind and moisture, they should always be constructed from weather-resistant fabrics designed to stand up to the elements. These are some of the best fabric choices:

• Acrylic - Acrylic fibers are solution-dyed for UV resistance. Acrylic curtains are thick, low maintenance and water repellent.
• Polyester - Polyester has excellent fade resistance. Curtains made of 100% polyester are durable, quick drying and easy to clean.
• Olefin - An outdoor-friendly synthetic fabric that is mold, mildew and stain resistant.
• Sunbrella - This popular brand of performance fabric is designed specifically for outdoor use.

No matter what fabric you choose, be sure to look for options marketed as "fade resistant", "weather resistant", "mildew resistant" or specifically for outdoor use. Avoid natural fibers like cotton, linen or silk that will quickly deteriorate outside.

Hanging Options for Outdoor Curtains

Outdoor curtains can be mounted in several ways, depending on your setup. Here are some common hanging solutions:

• Curtain rod - Install a galvanized or stainless steel rod designed for outdoor use.
• Rod pocket - Curtains with a top rod pocket for easy curtain rod insertion.
• Grommets - Curtains with rust-proof metal grommets at the top for hanging.
• Tie tops - Curtains with strings at the top to tie around beams or poles.
• Tab tops - Buttons or tabs sewn along the top to attach curtain hooks.
• Clip rings - Curtains with built-in clip rings for attaching to a pole or overhead support.

Make sure to use corrosion resistant hardware designed for outdoor use. For the best performance, choose curtain headings optimized for your specific installation method.

Measuring Outdoor Spaces for Curtains

To determine the optimal curtain dimensions for your outdoor space:

1. Measure the width of the area you want to cover. For full coverage, curtains should extend 6-12 inches past the edges of the space.
2. Measure the height from the top of the planned rod or hanging point to just above the floor or railing bottom.
3. Add at least a 6 inch top hem allowance and 6 inch bottom hem allowance when ordering curtains.
4. Order each curtain panel at least 50% wider than the space measured for optimal fullness. Extra fullness helps the curtains hang and stack better.

Follow these steps and you'll end up with perfectly fitted black and white striped outdoor curtains. Keep in mind that it's easier to hem long curtains than to make them larger. So when in doubt, go a bit longer than your measurements.

Caring for Your Outdoor Curtains

To keep your black and white striped outdoor curtains looking fresh:

• Take curtains down during extreme weather like storms or high winds. Rehang once conditions improve.
• Rinse curtains with a garden hose occasionally to wash away dirt and debris.
• If needed, wash curtains gently in cold water on delicate cycle. Air dry only.
• Steam wrinkled curtains to refresh their appearance. Do not iron.
• Use mild detergent and spot clean stains immediately before they set.
• Store curtains in a dry place like a shed or garage over winter or when not in use.

With proper care and maintenance, quality black and white striped outdoor curtains will endure for many seasons of alfresco enjoyment.

Inspiring Outdoor Spaces Using Striped Curtains

Black and white striped outdoor curtains offer almost endless possibilities for enhancing exterior spaces. Here are just a few inspiring ideas:

• Frame a cozy lounge area on a covered deck or patio. Hang bold striped curtains on two sides to delineate the seating space.
• Divide a large patio into separate zones like dining and lounging with hanging curtain partitions.
• Create a cabana vibe around a pool with breezy black and white striped curtains.
• Use different widths of stripes together for an eclectic boho look. Mix patterns and pair with solids.
• Hang floor-length striped curtains along a porch or pergola for tropical flair. Top with cafe lights.
• Layer curtains over wood shutters or french doors leading out to a patio or balcony.

The design options are endless with these graphic black and white striped curtains. They provide privacy while allowing you to still enjoy the views. Outdoor curtains can transform even the simplest space into your own secluded sanctuary.

Black and white striped curtains are the perfect accent to upgrade any outdoor living area. The classic stripe pattern adds style and visual interest to patios, porches, decks and more. Made from weather-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella, these curtains provide UV protection, enhance privacy and help block wind.

Quality striped outdoor curtains will last for years. Experiment with different stripe widths and placements until you find the look that best suits your space. Add matching throw pillows, rugs and other accents for a harmonious outdoor oasis with timeless appeal and a chic ambiance.