Which Material Should You Choose for Outdoor Curtains?

Outdoor curtains are usually produced from technical fabrics designed for exterior use. The two most common options differ mainly in shading level and airflow.

Premium Decor

Premium Decor fabric offers almost complete shading and a high level of privacy. With a weight of approximately 200 g/m², it is strong and durable while remaining flexible.

The material is also impregnated to provide protection against light rain.

Typical advantages include:

• nearly full shade
• effective visual screening from neighbours
• reduced wind penetration
• protection against light rain

Because of these properties, this type of curtain is often chosen for pergolas, terraces and outdoor dining spaces where stronger shading is required.

Mesh Flag

Mesh Flag is a lighter and more translucent material with a weight of approximately 100 g/m².

Instead of blocking most light, this fabric allows partial sunlight to pass through while still reducing direct heat.

Key characteristics include:

• approximately 40% shading
• better air circulation
• partial visibility through the curtain
• lighter visual appearance

This option works well in situations where airflow and visibility are more important than full shading.

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How Wide Should Outdoor Curtains Be?

Curtain width should be calculated differently depending on whether the installation is outdoors or indoors.

Outdoor installations

For pergolas, terraces and other outdoor structures, curtains should normally match the exact width between mounting points.

Outdoor fabrics naturally catch wind and move slightly. This movement creates soft waves in the curtain without requiring additional fabric.

Adding too much extra width may cause excessive movement and an uneven appearance.

Practical installation recommendations include:

• placing mounting points on the outside of vertical posts
• leaving at least 10 cm clearance from the ground
• installing the upper cable about 5 cm below the beam

These details help ensure smooth movement while preventing the curtain from touching the ground.

Indoor installations

In indoor environments such as winter gardens, additional fabric can be added to create decorative folds.

In these cases, an allowance of around 20–30% extra width is often used depending on the desired appearance.

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How Are Outdoor Curtains Finished?

The finishing method depends on the material used.

Premium Decor curtains

Curtains made from Premium Decor usually include eyelets placed around the edges or along the top and sides approximately every 50 cm.

This allows:

• installation on an upper cable
• optional stabilisation with a bottom cable
• fixing to vertical posts if required

Bottom cables can be useful in windy locations, but they should not be installed in areas where people regularly walk through.

Mesh Flag curtains

Curtains made from Mesh Flag typically include a sewn tunnel at the top for the mounting cable and eyelets on the sides.

This system allows the curtain to be clipped or tied to the vertical structure while maintaining airflow.

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Can a Weight Be Sewn Into the Bottom of Outdoor Curtains?

Sewing weights into outdoor curtains is not recommended.

Even lightweight fabrics create a large surface area that can catch wind. A strong gust can easily lift several kilograms.

If a weight is sewn into the bottom edge, it may swing unpredictably and create safety risks.

Potential hazards include:

• damage to nearby objects
• broken glass or furniture
• risk of injury to people standing nearby

For outdoor installations, curtain stability should instead be achieved through proper mounting points or guiding cables.

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Practical Checklist Before Ordering Outdoor Curtains

Before ordering custom outdoor curtains, it is useful to check several important factors.

Installation checklist:

• measure the exact distance between mounting points
• decide whether full shading or partial transparency is preferred
• select a material suitable for local weather conditions
• consider whether additional stabilisation is needed
• ensure sufficient clearance from the ground

Proper preparation helps ensure that the curtains function correctly and maintain a balanced appearance.

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Expert Perspective

From a manufacturer’s perspective, outdoor curtains must balance durability, functionality and aesthetics.

The most important factors include wind exposure, material strength and the correct geometry of mounting points.

Heavier fabrics provide stronger shading and privacy, while lighter fabrics offer improved airflow and a softer visual effect.

Selecting the right material depends mainly on how the outdoor space will be used.

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Summary

Outdoor curtains are a practical addition to pergolas, terraces and garden seating areas. They provide shade, improve privacy and help reduce the impact of wind.

Heavier fabrics offer stronger shading and privacy, while lighter materials allow more airflow and maintain visibility through the curtain.

For outdoor installations, curtains should normally match the exact width between mounting points to ensure proper tension and safe operation.

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FAQ

Which material is best for outdoor curtains?

Heavier fabrics provide stronger shading and privacy, while lighter fabrics allow better airflow and partial visibility.

Should outdoor curtains be wider than the opening?

For outdoor installations, curtains should usually match the exact width between mounting points.

Can outdoor curtains protect from rain?

Some fabrics are impregnated to resist light rain, but their main purpose is shading and privacy.

Can weights be added to outdoor curtains?

No. Weights should not be sewn into outdoor curtains due to safety risks in windy conditions.