Doesn’t everyone want the perfect place to drink coffee in the morning and sip wine at night? A place to sit and relax while the kids play in the yard? The perfect place for company during a BBQ? I did! I lucked out when I bought my house five years ago with a quaint little pergola! Much time was spent out here by all. From Easter in March, roasting marshmallows in the evenings all summer, to keeping warm in October on Halloween.
The only problem was my neighbors had a not so cute and messy backyard that drove me crazy! Also, I could see their windows from where I sat, privacy please! Not to mention on hot days when I wanted to relax outside but not burn my white as white skin! I’m going to show you how I created some seriously cheap and perfect privacy and shade.
NO SEWING! NO CUTTING! These are so insanely easy! Here is a list of supplies with links to where you can shop supplies.
Supplies:
- PVC pipe (I got mine at Lowe’s)
- Metal hooks (mine are bronze color, use what will match your look) $10. for a pack of 10!
- Canvas paint drop cloths for curtains (they come in different sizes, I used 4 4′ x 8′)
- Mainstays Oil Rubbed Bronze Curtain Clip Rings, Set of Seven $$5!!!
You can find the canvas drop cloths at any hardware store or anywhere that sells pain. I got mine from Walmart! I love the canvas vs. fabric because it weighted. When there’s a breeze outside they stay put. Although I have heard of some people using fabric and putting curtain weights in the bottom. They hold up really well too! Mine stay up through rain, hail and even spring snow storms. I also like the neutral color of the canvas, but most of my decor is neutral. You have to choose what works best for you!
Step 1:
Drill your hooks at the height you would like your curtains to hang.
Step 2:
Measure and cut PVC pipe and hang on hooks. We used a simple hack saw to cut the PVC pipe.
Step 3:
Clip hooks onto canvas drop cloths. I spaced my hooks about 7 inches apart. I also folded my curtains over about 12 inches so they hung right above the ground. I’ve used these same drop cloths for five years March-November. I didn’t want them dragging the ground so they would stay nice. Also, the hooks made an indent on the canvas so every season when I pulled them out I could see exactly where to hang them. Even after putting them in the washer and dryer each season.
Step 4:
Slide the hooks/curtains onto the PVC pipe.
So easy right!?
I love this outdoor space so much that I actually decorated it and took pictures the week we moved out of this house. Ha! My husband thinks I’m crazy. This is the picture quality isn’t the best, but I’m impressed considering what I had to work with. Below are some pictures of my “Perfectly Practical Details”. Most of my decor is from our local thrift store or yard sales. They patio furniture was purchased at K-mart a few years back.
It was sad for me to leave my pergola. So many fun memories were made out here!
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