Choosing the Best Balcony Curtains for Apartments
Adding curtains is one of the easiest ways to enhance any apartment balcony. The right curtains not only provide privacy, shade and temperature control - they also inject style and transform your outdoor oasis into a more enjoyable living space.
But with so many curtain options on the market, how do you select the best curtains for your apartment balcony? What design factors should you consider? What installation tips will ensure your curtains have the proper fit and function?
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to choose the optimal curtains to maximize your apartment balcony. Let's get started!
Benefits of Installing Balcony Curtains
Here are some of the top reasons to consider adding curtains to your apartment balcony or patio:
- Privacy - Obscure views from neighboring balconies, windows and buildings for increased privacy.
- Sun control - Curtains create shade and block harsh sunlight and UV rays from overheating your balcony.
- Temperature regulation - Reduce heat transfer through windows by creating a buffer against hot and cold outdoor temperatures.
- Noise reduction - Curtains absorb sound and muffle outside noises from traffic, construction and noisy neighbors for a quieter space.
- Aesthetics - Choose stylish curtains to complement your decor and create an inviting ambiance outside.
- Protect furnishings - Safeguard outdoor furniture and rugs from sun damage and fading.
With the ability to customize your privacy, ambiance, comfort and design, it's easy to see why installing balcony curtains is a smart upgrade for any apartment.
Considerations for Choosing Balcony Curtains
Selecting the perfect set of curtains for your apartment balcony depends on assessing a few important factors:
Privacy Level
Think about how much visibility or obscurity you want from your balcony. Sheer curtains provide partial screening while still allowing soft light in. Blackout curtains or layered curtains give maximum privacy and light blocking.
Noise Reduction
Materials like heavy velvet or polyester thermal curtains can noticeably muffle outside sounds like traffic. Acoustic insulation curtains with sound-absorbing backings offer even more noise reduction.
Wind Resistance
Balconies often experience gusty conditions. Curtains made of tightly woven fabrics like canvas stand up to wind far better than delicate sheers. Sturdy grommets, thick overlays and weighted hems also help.
Color & Design
Will solid colors or bold prints coordinate better with your existing outdoor decor? Consider colors that complement your interior color palette for visual continuity. Try out patterns and textures for added flair.
Installation Type
Will traditional rod-hung curtains work or should specialty tracks or motorized curtains be installed instead? Motorized curtains offer convenient remote or app operation.
Features
Consider energy-efficient blackout linings for temperature control or light-filtering sheers for soft lighting. Straps, ties or weights can secure curtains in windy spots.
Easy Maintenance
Outdoor curtains should be made of durable, all-weather materials that are mold, mildew and fade resistant for easy care. Wrinkle-free polyester or stain-proof acrylic are good choices.
Popular Types of Balcony Curtains
When selecting materials and styles, some top balcony curtain options include:
Canvas Curtains
- Affordable, casual curtains perfect for balconies
- Durable, weather-resistant cotton canvas
- Provides privacy while allowing air circulation
Sheer Curtains
- Lightweight polyester or silk allow soft filtered light
- Provides partial visibility obstruction
- Often used for layering with blackouts
Blackout Curtains
- Thick opaque fabrics completely block outside light
- Help insulate against noise and temperature changes
- Ideal for bedroom balconies or media rooms
Thermal Curtains
- Contain insulating linings to improve energy efficiency
- Reduce heating/cooling expenses for windows
- Help maintain indoor temperatures
Motorized Curtains
- Electronically open and close with remote controls
- Offer convenient operation and automation
- Great for hard-to-reach curtains
Measurements Needed for Your Balcony Curtains
Taking accurate measurements ensures proper fitting curtains for your balcony. Measurements needed include:
- Width - Exact window frame width from edge to edge
- Length - Distance from top of rod to floor, plus extra length
- Height - Floor to ceiling to determine total drop length
- Recess size - If recess mounted, measure inset depth
- Overhang - Window frame overhang projecting past wall
Account for the extra length required for a stacked pooled look. Add 2-3 inches for ideal window coverage. High ceilings require long curtains.
Features That Enhance Balcony Curtains
Certain features help improve the functionality, convenience and appearance of balcony curtains:
- Grommets - Reinforced holes for hanging curtains easily.
- Back tabs - Fabric loops stabilizing back of curtains.
- Thermal linings - Insulated backings help conserve energy.
- Blackout linings - Thick backings prevent outside light entry.
- Noise reduction - Special acoustic materials absorb sounds.
- Straps - Loop straps help tie down curtains in windy conditions.
- Weighted hems - Sewn-in weights prevent blowing up in wind gusts.
Features like grommets make installation easier while weights and straps improve stability. Consider features that enhance both form and function.
Tips for Measuring and Hanging Balcony Curtains
Follow these tips to ensure proper measurements, installation and hanging:
Carefully Measure Your Balcony
Use a steel measuring tape for accuracy. For floor-length panels, measure from rod to floor. Record the precise width and height. Include any alcove depth.
Calculate the Appropriate Length and Drop
To cover the window fully when drawn, curtains should be 2 to 3 times the height of the window. For high ceilings, allow even longer lengths.
Select Sturdy Hardware Suited for Curtain Weight
Choose extendable traverse rods or reinforced brackets designed to bear the weight of outdoor curtains without sagging over time. Follow any manufacturer instructions.
Evenly Space and Use Sufficient Hanging Hooks
Distribute hooks every 6-12 inches to prevent sagging and tearing. Do not overload individual hooks. Use enough hooks for the panel width.
Follow Safety Best Practices
Ensure rods and curtains do not impede doorways or violate fire codes. Use non-flammable fabrics. Inspect hardware and curtains regularly for damage.
Proper installation preserves the look and function of balcony curtains while preventing accidents from overloaded fixtures.