Outdoor Curtains with PVC Rods

This is not a new project, but it has been raining here for over a week (what a blessing), and we have been craving some time outdoors.
I love to plant, and we usually plant tons of flowers. But instead we decided to warm up our porch with curtains. Fabric softens any space. And we spend lots of time outside (when its not 110).

I did plenty of research, and wanted to get Sunbrella, but it cost mega $$. Then even tried to find inexpensive canvas duct, but with all the yardage needed, that started to add up too!

So while at Wal Mart, I spotted these clearance curtains for $9 for a package of two.
The perfect tan color, that will hide dirt.
For the rods I used PVC (like I did here) with 90 degree elbows.
I primed and painted them black, then rubbed a little antique gold on.
To make removing them easy, I cut the top part out of each right elbow, so I can just slide them a little to the left and pop them up and out.

Instead of tie backs, I put in a small eye screw into each post and used chocolate grosgrain ribbon.

They are lightweight, which is great for when it's windy, so that they don't turn into sails.

There is a RIT dye that provides UV protection for up to 35 washes. Imagine the possibilities. That means any fabric can become outdoor fabric.

As you can see, we live on a pond, where a lot of people walk, bike and play. We have gotten so many compliments on the curtains.

Such little cost for a big effect. The curtains were $45. The PVC was less than $10, and I had the rest of the supplies.


I am joining Julia's fabulous, Hooked On Party. If you have not visited her blog yet, make sure and take a look. Be careful though, it's addictive.

Comments

Sunny said…
Hey there, lady. The curtains make it look so inviting and soft. Great job.
I love your beautiful home and the setting! The curtains are very elegant! What a beautiful place to live!
Jenn said…
Beautiful! Looks totally upscale and fantastic! Nice job!
JOY said…
BEAUTIFUL! The curtains and your view! Thanks for visiting my blog and for your great curtain idea! I'm going to do this - off to Walmart I go!
Your home is gorgeous. Right now the exterior of my home has much to be desired. It's and older home and the yard was torn up during the previous owner's addition. The yard never recovered. Anyway, I love the curtains. It gives your poarch such a lush, expensive feeling...and it's Wal-Mart! Gotta love that!
This looks amazing! I'm so glad I found your site. We've been wanting to do this for our front porch so I'm heading to Walmart to see if I can get a great deal as well!
Sims Family said…
That is so beautiful! I have seen your blog before from Kimba's link. You are so talented!
Great idea! I'll bet dropcloths would work too. I did something similar on our gazebo except I used white {bad idea, but they were washable}. Your patio and yard is lovely.
Janna said…
Your house is beautiful! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I decided to look around your blog, and found myself looking through all of your posts. You are very talented and you inspire me to be more creative.
Thanks!!
annechovie said…
Ingenious! They look great. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a great weekend and God bless!
Pam said…
Beautiful. The curtains turned out great and such a great price. Love the property and the last shot is my fav for sure. I love hot air balloons! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Pam
dmvoccola said…
Thank you, Alyshia, for leaving a comment on my post about my son leaving for boot camp. I need every kind word sent my way these days. That said, thank you for leaving a comment that led me to your blog. I love meeting new people and seeing something *different* out there in blog land. I have only read your porch curtain post, but have plans to check out all previous entries throughout the day. I'll do a little between each project I tackle today--one being posting after my near month break. I do hope that I can restrain myself from hanging curtains on my back porch with so many other pressing things to do. Perhaps not. :)
ok, you are brilliant. Those curtains make your home look like a high dollar mansion! Seriously, it's an awesome look. :)
Decor To Adore said…
The drapes turned out just beautifully! Pat yourself on the back. :)
Christine said…
This project is awesome! And your house is beautiful!
Super fabuliscious! You are so smart with your design, girl! I bet your neighbors are all wanting to hire you now. Just gorgeous!

~Misti
Terry said…
Great, just great.
Anne said…
These rock. Kinda like you. ;0)
AdronsCatherine said…
Holy cow! Wow! I am so in love with your blog - you have fabulous taste ;o)

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog - and for taking the time to say hello :o) Nice to meet another fabric hoarder lol! I'll have to post pics of my fabric all boxed up and waiting to be put away...
Wow those are fantastic! And what a view you guys have! I'm so glad you stopped by to say hello on my blog, I love reading through yours!
KatBouska said…
What a deal!!! They look awesome and your house is amazing!
they look gorgeous, I'm trying to do something similar with our new house too... well done!
Those look fantastic from the water and you can't beat the prices! Great job.
Gorg house! I love the curtains, and the pvc pipe rods are genius!

-Erin
SusanD said…
Hey Alyshia, Thanks so much for your kind words. I've enjoyed reading about you and viewing some of your projects. Can't wait to see how you decorate for the holidays. I'm always looking for decorating ideas. I truly need all the help I can get. I'll be back to visit. Have a great week. Blessings, SusanD
Saranne said…
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Saranne said…
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my picture...gave me the opportunity to connect with your wonderful blog! How creative and fun you are! Will be passing you on to my creative daughter, who just bought their first home which needs LOTS of TLC! Have a wonderful week! Saranne
Moore Minutes said…
WOW!! This is amazing. I want to do this! And your home is absolutely gorgeous.
Wow, really well done. It looks amazing. You are a decor queen!
Aja said…
These are too cool! I love outdoor curtains. Nice job finding some inexpensive panels that look fabulous!

Aja
Gina Sisco said…
My first visit to your blog, OMG, I will be back. Your home is stunning, elegant, and homey all in one. I just started reading one post, and kept reading, reading, reading until I found your outdoor curtain post, I had no idea the dye works that way, Sunbrella fab was out of my price range. Thank u for this valuable information and for the inspiration. You rock the blogworld!!!
Unknown said…
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Unknown said…
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Unknown said…
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Anonymous said…
Hi - I just came across your blog re: your outdoor curtains. I love what you were able to do at such a great price!

2 - questions - (1) now that is has been a couple of years, how are your PVC rods/hangars holding up? (2) how did you attach the ellbows to the wall?

I am looking to do something similar on my patio that will allow easy removal for washing or to avoid bad weather.

Thanks in advance and keep up the great work!

Chris
Austin, TX

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