Outdoor Drapes with Grommets - Style and Protection for Patios

Creating an inviting outdoor living space can be a rewarding project, but also presents unique decorating challenges. The elements are not kind to typical indoor fabrics and finishes. This is where the right outdoor drapes can make all the difference in providing shade, privacy, and protection from the effects of weather.

Outdoor drapes fitted with grommets are an especially smart choice. The reinforced holes of grommets offer durability and make hanging drapes smooth and easy. Compared with other options like tie tops or rod pockets, grommets are a cut above when it comes to performance and longevity in outdoor settings.

Benefits of Grommeted Outdoor Drapes

There are many advantages to choosing outdoor drapes outfitted with grommets over other types of outdoor drapery:

• Withstand wind, rain, and snow - The thick brass holds up better than flimsy metal rings or fabric ties.
• Add privacy - Opaque fabrics block views when you want seclusion.
• Handle frequent use - The heavy-duty metal grommets won't bend, pull out, or break.
• Have reinforced stress points - Extra layers of fabric around the holes prevent ripping.
• Offer easy installation - Just slide the pole through the grommets for smooth sliding.
• Come in variety - Choose from many colors and patterns to match your style.

In addition to these functional benefits, grommeted outdoor drapes provide aesthetic advantages as well. The neatly aligned rows of grommets create a clean, uniform look compared to sagging tie tops or messy clip rings. Grommets allow the drapes to hang smoothly and stack neatly when opened and closed. This gives a polished, upscale appearance perfect for creating an inviting outdoor living space.

Why Grommets Beat Other Outdoor Drapery Options

Grommets have clear advantages over other outdoor drapery options that simply don't stand up as well.

Clip Rings

Clip rings connected to thin ropes are unreliable in the elements. The metal can bend, allowing the fabric to blow around, and the ropes easily fray and break. The dangling ropes quickly end up looking unkempt and ragged. Trying to slide drapes along bending clip rings is also much more difficult compared to smooth grommets.

Tie Tops

Knotted tie tops are prone to stretching out unevenly from weather and use. This causes the drapes to hang and sag awkwardly on one side. The loose knots also easily come untied, resulting in gaps and uneven coverage. Tie tops lack the uniform look of orderly grommet rows.

Rod Pockets

Fabric rod pockets quickly wear from friction against the hanging pole. This leads to tearing and makes adjusting the drapes difficult. The bunched pocket also lacks the clean lines of grommets, giving amessier look. Over time, rod pockets hold dust and dirt, creating an unsightly appearance.

Plain Holes

Regular holes or slits in the fabric easily fray and expand over time. Wind and weather deteriorate the edges without reinforced grommets. The openings stretch out into ragged slots that allow more light and air to pass through. This reduces privacy and makes the drapes less effective.

Selecting the Best Fabrics

While grommets themselves are study, the fabric matters when choosing outdoor drapes. Look for these long-lasting, weather-resistant fabrics:

• Acrylic - Resists fading, mildew, and sun damage but is budget-friendly.
• Polyester - Colorfast, easy to clean, and water-resistant for durability.
• Olefin - Moisture-wicking properties prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Canvas - Tough, thick woven fabric that withstands wind, rain, and UV rays.
• Mesh - Allows airflow while blocking sun and providing privacy.

Heavier fabrics like canvas and polyester work best for outdoor drapes in high-wind areas. For hot climates, breathable mesh allows air circulation while still providing shade and seclusion. Olefin's moisture resistance helps outdoor drapes maintain their vibrant colors and appearance in humid environments. Consider adding acrylic or polyester linings for additional insulation or light blocking when needed.

Key Features to Evaluate

When shopping for outdoor drapes with grommets, look for these desirable features:

Grommet Size

Larger grommets around 2 inches wide better support heavier fabrics and resist pulling out. Compare grommet size to the weight of the drapes and hardware to ensure adequate strength. For drapes over 8 pounds, choose larger grommets at least 1 3/4 inches across.

Grommet Spacing

More closely spaced grommets, with 8-10 inches between, provide more hanging points for a smoother drape. This prevents sagging since the weight is distributed across more grommets. Wider spacing up to 12 inches can work for sheer lightweight fabrics under 5 pounds.

Fabric Weight

Heavier, tighter woven fabrics like canvas, polyester, and olefin hold up to weather better than light sheers. Avoid drapes under 3 pounds per panel unless lined or layered, as wind can easily whip lighter fabrics around despite grommets.

Lining

A blackout or insulating liner helps block light and keeps heat in or out, as needed by climate. Blackout lining provides daytime privacy, while insulating liners control temperature. Look for breathable polyester linings to avoid trapping moisture against outdoor drapes.

Opacity

Thicker opaque fabrics prevent light and prying eyes from invading your outdoor privacy. Sheer drapes should be double layered or combined with a solid opaque panel for full coverage when closed.

Achieving the Perfect Fit

Carefully measure the area you want to cover to ensure you get outdoor drapes with grommets that fit correctly:

• Measure across the full width from end to end.
• Account for stacking and gathering by allowing extra width.
• Include room for length below the top edge.
• Factor in height of the hanging rod or pole.
• Leave clearance above and below the mounting hardware.

Add 20-30% to the total width to allow attractive draping rather than pulled tight. For length, allow at least 4 inches of overlap beyond the hardware. More generous lengths create beautiful cascading folds.

Tips for Hanging Outdoor Drapes

Use these tricks to securely install your outdoor drapes to withstand the elements:

• Reinforce connections with clear caulk for stability.
• Use flat head screws anchored deeply into wall studs.
• Install screw eyes into sturdy overhangs or ceilings.
• Space drapery hooks closely along poles or cables.
• Utilize freestanding supports where needed for coverage.

Outdoor drapery hardware is available in durable materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and powder coated metals that resist rust and corrosion. For added security, use locking drapery hooks that clip tightly into grommets. Wall brackets with pivoting arms allow adjustable positioning.