Add Shade + Privacy With Outdoor Drapery Panels

Turn your outdoor space into a shady, peaceful retreat by giving ready-made drapery panels a quick and easy designer update.
Add Privacy to Your Outdoor Room
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Materials Needed:

  • outdoor drapery panels
  • measuring tape
  • pencil
  • notepad
  • chalk
  • drapery hooks
  • plastic or metal drapery rings
  • outdoor drapery hardware
  • galvanized metal pipe
  • galvanized metal flanges
  • galvanized metal elbows
  • galvanized metal threaded nipples
  • exterior screws
  • drill
  • extension cord
  • fabric steamer

Measure Height of Space

Use a measuring tape to determine the necessary height for the panels. Jot this measurement down to ensure ready-made panels with the proper length are chosen.

Measure Height of Space

©Sarah Dorio Photography

Sarah Dorio Photography

Choose Drapery Panels

Outdoor drapery panels are commonly available in acrylic, linen and polyester construction. Depending on the intended look for your outdoord, keep in mind that linen will naturally wrinkle and appear more relaxed; acrylic is the most stiff and is likely to look more utilitarian; and polyester can look more tailored.

Choose Drapery Panels

©Sarah Dorio Photography

Sarah Dorio Photography

Measure and Mark Hook Placement

To properly outfit ready-made panels with drapery hooks, use a measuring tape to space each hook 6 inches apart and approximately 2 inches down from the top. Once all hooks are laid out, mark their placement with chalk.

Measure and Mark Hook Placement

©Sarah Dorio Photography

Sarah Dorio Photography

Install Hardware

Use a drill and exterior screws to install the galvanized metal pipe, flanges and elbows or exterior drapery hardware. Once the hardware is installed, slide the drapery rings in place.

Add Hooks

Referring to the chalk marks you made, attach the drapery hooks to the back of each panel.

Add Hooks

©Sarah Dorio Photography

Sarah Dorio Photography

Attach Panels to Rings

Place the hooks inside each drapery ring of every panel that you're hanging. The more panels that you use, the more snug a fit. Once all panels are hung, use a steamer to remove any wrinkles.

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