Weighing Down Billowing Patio Curtains

Outdoor curtains can add style, privacy, and protection to patio spaces. However, these curtains will billow and flap in the wind if left unweighted. Using weights is an effective solution for keeping outdoor curtains hanging straight and preventing damage from excessive movement.

Attaching weights along the bottom hem or integrated into pockets evenly weighs down the curtains. This allows them to hang neatly and avoid blowing inside out or straining the hanging hardware. The right weights keep outdoor curtains in place without pulling them down.

Why Outdoor Curtains Need Weighing Down

Outdoor curtains serve various functions, from blocking sunlight and views to framing a space beautifully. However, the open-air environment poses some challenges for hanging curtains outdoors. Even a gentle breeze can make curtains start swaying and flapping uncontrollably. Weights help outdoor curtains maintain their form and position regardless of weather conditions.

Preventing Billowing and Flapping in Wind

Outdoor spaces fully expose curtains to winds that can easily catch the fabric and make it billow outwards. Weights sewn into the hems or attached to the bottom edges resist these gusts of wind. The pulled down by gravity, keeping the panels hanging straight down rather than blowing sideways. This prevents the unsightly, messy look of billowing curtains.

Stopping Curtains Blowing Inside the House

If outdoor curtains are hung in breezeways or porches connected to the home, flapping panels can blow inside and knock over furnishings. Weights secure the vertical positioning of the curtains, so wind flows around them without pushing them inside. This protects interior decor from getting disturbed by wind-blown curtains.

Making Curtains Hang Straight for Best Appearance

Unsecured curtains end up twisting on their rods or gathering unevenly to one side when faced with wind or weather. This looks quite unattractive. In contrast, weighted curtains maintain a neat, orderly look, enhancing the aesthetic ambiance of outdoor rooms. The weights keep panels hanging straight down in a uniform, orderly fashion.

Reducing Strain and Damage from Curtain Movement

Excessive flapping strains curtain hardware and seams, causing tearing or broken rods over time. It also wears out the curtain fabric more quickly. The constant motion weakens threads and connections. Weights support the panels to minimize motion-induced damage for longer-lasting outdoor curtains.

Choosing Appropriate Weights for Outdoor Curtains

The most common solution for weighting curtains involves using purpose-made weights designed to tack neatly into bottom hems without sagging curtains down in the middle. However, for heavier curtains or stronger winds, alternative weighting approaches help keep curtains secured vertically.

Long, Heavy Items Work Best

The most effective outdoor curtain weights feature elongated shapes that distribute weight evenly across the bottom hem. Options like metal chains, plumbing pipes cut to size, rods, or fishing weights when placed end-to-end prevent curtains from swaying while helping them hang straight.

Options like Metal Chains, Rods, Pipes

Heavy metal chains, iron rods, galvanized steel pipes, or plumbing supplies work well for weighting outdoor curtains in windy spots. Attaching them along the width of curtains pulls down more surface area to resist gusts. Cut them evenly to distribute weight proportionately.

Where to Place Weights for Maximum Effect

Position weights closest to the edges and ends of the bottom hems to keep the vertical edges weighted evenly. This prevents an imbalanced look with sides blowing unevenly. Space weights out proportionally for smoothest hanging results.

Calculating How Much Weight is Needed

Attach enough weights so curtains hang straight yet able to sway very lightly. As a rule of thumb, use 1-2 pounds per linear foot of curtain. However, adjust based on curtain fabric density, dimensions, and typical wind levels in the space.

Sewing Weighted Hems and Pockets

For an integrated weight solution, sew purpose-made vinyl, metal, or plastic weights inside curtain hems or panels. This conceals weights tidily while dispersing weight evenly across the lower edges of the curtain.

Placing Weights in Bottom Curtain Hems

Sew a rod pocket or individual weight pockets along the inner side of curtain hemlines. Slide weights in evenly once curtains are hung to prevent swaying or movement in wind.

Creating Internal Pockets to Hold Weights

Sew discrete vertical pockets at regular intervals across the lower half of curtains to hold chain, pipe, or rod weights discreetly inside curtain panels themselves for very smooth hanging results.

Sewing Evenly-Spaced Channels for Weights

Adding curtain weights inside shapely fabric channels sewn horizontally provides very even weighting distribution for smooth hanging results. This also conceals the weights neatly inside.

Tips for Quick and Easy Sewing of Weights

Using fusible hem tape makes quick work of securing weighted hem pockets. Consider having a sewing shop add weights and channels professionally for more complex curtains.

Buying Ready-Made Weighted Curtains

Many retailers now sell outdoor curtains with built-in weighting options. These make weighting curtains very simple with weights neatly integrated into the construction.

Advantages over DIY Weighting

Factory-made weighted curtains feature neatly sewn internal pockets or hem channels with weights inserted proportionately so panels hang beautifully right away without adjustment.

What Features to Look for

Seede for curtains made with fade-and-mildew-resistant fabric with UV protection and water repellent coatings. Plus those with rustproof, weather-resistant weights for longevity.

Reviews of Top Weighted Curtain Products

Top-rated weighted outdoor curtain options include the Sunset Trading patio curtain panels with concealed hem weights. Also, the Texsport weighted outdoor curtains made durable for wind.

Where to Source Weighted Patio Curtains

Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon stock weather-resistant weighted patio curtain panels. Also check specialty retailers like Grandin Road and specialty drapery workrooms.

Installing Weights in Existing Curtains

It is easy to add weights to existing outdoor curtains without sewing skills. Creative solutions give DIYers an easy option for weighing down curtains.

Adding Weights Without Sewing

Use binder clips or shower curtain clips to temporarily attach pipe, chain, or other weight materials along bottom edges. Avoid outdoor spaces with sprinklers as moisture loosens grip.

Using Velcro to Attach Weights

Self-adhesive Velcro strips adhere weights anywhere along curtains hems for adjustable, removable weighting. Use industrial strength Velcro for reliable grip.

Creative Ideas for Weighting Curtains

Attach carabiners, purse handles with clasps, or dog leash clips to bottom hems to add dangling weights like galvanized pipes or tubes filled with pebbles securely.

Solutions for Large or Heavy Curtains

Use multiple binder clips to attach a wooden dowel rod or chain to distribute weighting across wide curtains. Space clips regularly to prevent sagging in the middle.

Choosing Other Outdoor Curtain Weights

While metal chains, pipes, and purpose-made vinyl weights are popular, other materials can serve as improvised DIY weights suitable for weighing down outdoor curtains in windy conditions.

Alternative Weight Materials

Materials like wooden dowels, PVC tubes filled with sand or metal nuts, gallon jugs with water, and rectangular steel barbell weights available at the gym provide heavy, durable alternative weight options.