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Outdoor curtains can provide decks, patios, and porches with shade, privacy, and style—meaning they need to be both practical and pretty. Whether you want to block harsh afternoon sun, keep neighbors’ prying eyes out of your space, or simply make your patio feel more like an outdoor room, curtains can make a big difference.
But with so many options on the market, finding the right fit means making choices about material, size, and the amount of sun, wind, or privacy protection you need. Fabrics like acrylic and olefin offer the best fade and weather resistance, while double-grommet options and weighted panels are ideal for windy areas. UV rating and hanging style are worth considering, too. This guide breaks down the best outdoor curtains across every category to make your decision easier.
- BEST OVERALL: Exclusive Home Cabana Light-Filtering Grommet Curtain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PureFit Outdoor Curtain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SHEER: Winston Porter Hottinger Solid Sheer Outdoor Curtain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PRIVACY: Bonzer Waterproof Outdoor Privacy Curtain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST UV-RATED: Sun Zero Valencia UV-Protectant Outdoor Curtain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DOUBLE-GROMMET: Nicetown Double-Grommet Weighted Outdoor Curtain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR WIND: Covers & All Curtain With Clear Vinyl Panel
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
The following curtains for outdoor porches can make your space feel more comfortable and luxurious. Read on to learn more about the best outdoor curtains available today.
Best Overall
Exclusive Home Cabana Light-Filtering Grommet Curtain
Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at The Home DepotThe Exclusive Home Cabana grommet curtains check all the boxes for outdoor use: they’re made from water-, mildew-, and UV-resistant polyester that allows you to keep them up across seasons, and they’re heavy enough to hold their shape in the wind. Plus, the light-filtering fabric ensures outdoor areas still feel bright and open while providing privacy from neighbors and passersby.
These outdoor patio curtains come in 19 colors and 11 sizes, and each set includes two panels to cover larger spaces more economically. Each panel has eight rust-proof stainless steel grommets for easy installation, and they fit standard curtain rods up to 1.25 inches in diameter.
Best Bang for the Buck
PureFit Outdoor Curtain
Buy at AmazonThe PureFit outdoor curtain is an affordable single-panel option that comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors to suit almost any outdoor space. Since it’s made of polyester, this outdoor gazebo curtain’s lower price does come with a drop in quality, meaning it likely won’t last as long as olefin or Sunbrella options. However, it’s still weather-resistant (including rust-resistant grommets) and tear-resistant, and you can take it down during the offseason to help increase longevity.
As a semi-sheer curtain, each panel offers some privacy while allowing filtered light through. Just be aware that the lightweight fabric can blow around in breezy conditions, so shoppers in windier climates may want to add outdoor curtain weights.
Best Sheer
Winston Porter Hottinger Solid Sheer Outdoor Curtain
Buy at WayfairLight outdoor sheer curtains that shift slightly in the wind can give a patio a beachside vacation feel, and this polyester curtain from Winston Porter has pretty much perfected the light and airy look. That said, it’s best to take these decorative curtains down in the offseason to ensure multi-year use.
This single-panel pick comes in two sizes and colors—white and ivory—and the fabric tab tops mean there are no metal parts that can grow rusty. While such light colors and sheer material can make staining or damage more visible, these curtains are machine-washable for easy upkeep.
Best Privacy
Bonzer Waterproof Outdoor Privacy Curtain
Buy at AmazonFor complete privacy in an outdoor space, the Bonzer waterproof outdoor curtain is a strong pick. Made from thick, 100 percent polyester that’s Oeko-Tex-certified free from harmful substances, these curtains are designed to block outside views, making them ideal for creating a secluded retreat on a patio, porch, or balcony.
Available in 13 colors and 15 size options, these privacy curtains are machine-washable for easy care. The fabric is waterproof and colorfast on both sides, and the rust-proof grommets allow for smooth opening and closing. They also let just a bit of filtered light through, ensuring your space doesn’t feel totally dark or uncomfortably closed off.
Best UV-Rated
Photo: AmazonOutdoor curtains can provide excellent sun protection, and the Sun Zero Valencia curtains provide UPF 50+ UV protection that blocks at least 98 percent of the sun’s rays. Made from polyester, they’re fade-, stain-, and water-resistant to ensure they hold up, and the vertical cabana stripe design comes in a range of colors to suit different outdoor spaces.
This pick works well for pergolas, gazebos, decks, and patios, and the rust-proof grommets fit standard curtain rods up to 1.5 inches in diameter. Just note that the lightweight fabric may be prone to blowing in the wind, and the stripe pattern only appears on one side, meaning the back is plain.
Best Double-Grommet
Nicetown Double-Grommet Weighted Outdoor Curtain
Buy at AmazonWith grommets along both the top and bottom edges that allow a curtain rod, rope, or weights to keep the panel anchored, the Nicetown double-grommet outdoor privacy curtain is a solid choice for shoppers who need curtains for a breezy area. Their thick, triple-weave fabric is waterproof to hold up against high wind and heavy rain, and each panel is machine-washable for easy cleaning.
While these weighted thermal curtains come in 19 colors and 14 size options to suit a range of spaces, brighter shades may fade quickly in especially sunny spots, so those options may be better in shadier places.
Best for Wind
Covers & All Outdoor Curtain With Clear Vinyl Panel
Buy at Amazon Buy at Wayfair Buy at Covers & AllIf you get a lot of wind but still want to enjoy the outdoors year-round, the Covers & All vinyl panel curtain might be your best choice. This durable, reinforced curtain is made from waterproof PVC-coated polyester with reinforced seams and rustproof brass grommets that resist tearing and fraying. It features a see-through vinyl section that lets in a lot of light, though it also reduces overall privacy.
Because the grommets on this pick run along the top and bottom, it’s meant to be installed as a panel rather than a hanging curtain so it doesn’t flap around in the wind. If you buy directly from Covers & All, you can customize the curtain—and even add designs for commercial use—to ensure it fits your space.
FAQs
Buying outdoor curtains is pretty straightforward, but a few tips can make the process easier. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Start with intended use: consider whether shade, privacy, blackout, or style matters most to narrow down your options quickly. Then think about material, as synthetic fabrics hold up better outdoors than natural ones. Finally, factor in hanging style and ease of care.
Tiebacks can keep curtains in place when not in use, and outdoor curtain weights can prevent them from becoming unwieldy when they are.
Yes! Anyone with basic sewing know-how can make outdoor curtains—just be sure to use the right material to ensure durability.
No, it’s not the best idea to use indoor curtains outdoors since they aren’t made to withstand the elements. However, if you just want a decorative touch on a sunny day, indoor curtains will work fine as long as you bring them in before bed.
It depends on individual preference. While a bit of pooling may look elegant and offer better protection from wind, curtains that don’t touch the floor will stay cleaner. Mounting outdoor curtain rods higher is an easy way to get long curtains up off the ground.