If you’re thinking about adding outdoor curtains to your patio or porch but don’t know which ones to buy, you’re in the right place! I recently tested different options, including IKEA curtains and Amazon outdoor curtains, to see which ones worked best. I’ll share what I learned so you can make the best choice for your space.
IKEA vs. Amazon Outdoor Curtains: Which One is Better?
IKEA curtains are popular because:
- They are cheap
- They come in longer lengths to make windows look taller and wider
I already had IKEA curtains in my dining and living area, so I thought using them for my porch would make everything flow nicely. But after testing them outside, I found some big differences compared to the Amazon curtains I bought:
| Feature | IKEA Curtains | Amazon Outdoor Curtains |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cotton | Polyester |
| Sunlight | Lets in some light | Blackout curtains |
| Weatherproof | No | Yes |
| Durability | Not great for outdoors | Made for all weather |
While the IKEA curtains were fine indoors, they didn’t hold up well outside. They soaked up water, weren’t fully waterproof, and didn’t block as much sun. The Amazon curtains, on the other hand, are blackout curtains, which means they block light and provide better shade in hot summer months.
Are Outdoor Curtains Waterproof?
I tried making the IKEA curtains weatherproof by using a wash-in water repellent product I found on Amazon. It’s supposed to make fabric waterproof in the washing machine, but it didn’t fully work. Some parts stayed dry, but water still seeped through in blotches.
That’s when I decided to just buy weatherproof curtains instead of trying to DIY it.
Choosing the Right Color for Outdoor Curtains
Outdoor curtains come in many colors, including neutrals like beige, white, and gray, as well as bold shades like red, navy, and teal. However, bold colors tend to fade in the sun over time. Many reviewers complained that darker colors, like mocha and navy, lost their brightness quickly.
To avoid sun fading, I recommend sticking with neutral tones like beige or white. That’s what I chose, and so far, they still look great!
Getting the Right Size and Preventing Damage
I bought four curtain panels, each 52 inches wide by 108 inches tall. Right out of the package, they looked great, but I needed to hem them because they were too long.
Why is hemming important?
- Prevents damage – Long curtains can snag on rough floors and tear over time.
- Keeps them clean – Curtains that drag on the ground collect dirt quickly.
- Makes them look better – A perfect length gives a neat, polished look.
I noticed my curtains started to tear from rubbing against the textured concrete floor. Plus, when the wind blew, they got caught on things, causing even more damage. If you buy long curtains, be sure to hem them ASAP!
How to Keep Outdoor Curtains From Blowing in the Wind
Wind can be a big problem for outdoor curtains. I wanted to keep mine from flying all over, so I added weights inside the hem.
I bought small fabric weights from Amazon and sewed them inside the bottom hem, but they weren’t heavy enough. Here are some better ideas:
- Use small pebbles from a dollar store or craft store
- Sew in a chain along the bottom hem to add weight
- Attach curtain clips with weights to the bottom for extra stability
Even with weights, my curtains still make some noise in the wind, but they stay in place much better now.
Other Things to Consider
Metal vs. Plastic Grommets
The curtains I bought have plastic grommets, not metal. Some people don’t like that, but I don’t mind them. They slide smoothly on the rod and don’t rust.
Choosing the Right Curtain Rod
Some people use weatherproof curtain rods, but mine is under the porch roof, so I didn’t worry about that. If your rod will be exposed to rain, make sure to get a rust-resistant one.
Dealing With Wrinkles
A lot of reviewers mentioned that these curtains arrive wrinkled and don’t smooth out on their own. If that bothers you, just iron them before hanging!
Final Thoughts: Are Amazon Outdoor Curtains Worth It?
Yes! After testing both IKEA and Amazon curtains, I highly recommend Amazon’s outdoor blackout curtains if you want something: ✅ Weatherproof ✅ Durable ✅ Good for blocking sun and heat ✅ Easy to clean
If you want cheap indoor curtains that let in light and look soft and flowy, IKEA is a good option. But for outdoor use, it’s better to invest in curtains made specifically for the elements.
Where to Buy
I bought my curtains and weights on Amazon. If you want to check them out, I’ve linked everything in the description of my YouTube video!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you found a great way to keep outdoor curtains from blowing in the wind? Leave your ideas in the comments below!
And if you love home and garden projects, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more creative DIYs and decorating ideas.
Remember: You can create bliss at home and in your life!