12 Patio Curtain Ideas for an Instant Chic Makeover for Your Outdoor Space

Whether you opt for pleated and polished or billowy and romantic, patio curtains can provide everything from privacy to sun protection to adding a sense of glamour—the benefits are endless.

Outdoor curtains can better structure an outdoor space to make it feel like an actual room. Surround a seating area under a patio or pergola with drapes and it instantly feels more cozy and complete. If you’re been contemplating adding patio curtains, but you're not sure what style best suits your space, continue reading on.

We’ve rounded up dreamy patio curtain ideas, from modernist to maximalist ideas—to everything in between—to get you inspired and help you shop.

Modern and Minimialist

Flat panel curtains are the perfect complement to a more modern outdoor space. When hung without any gathering, outdoor curtains can take on a sleek screen-like appearance, as illustrated by this calming blue and white patio space.

Keep in mind that details like exposed grommets and a metal industrial hanging rod can help further play up your curtains' clean, streamlined appearance.

Rustic Contemporary

In this breezy-feeling backyard, designed by Homemade by Carmona, sheer white drapes complement rustic elements like wicker chairs and a Farmhouse dining table. Where heavier curtains might feel too formal, these lightweight drapes feel perfectly in sync with the space's more laidback style.

Romantic and Modern

In this outdoor dining area, designer Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design shows how a store-bought gazebo can become a show-stopper with the addition of thick tule curtains.

Note how Ajai uses the curtain to hide the gazebo's plain support post. You might also try cinching your curtains in the center with a ribbon as Ajai does to give your drapes extra volume.

Moroccan-Inspired

Create an ambient and colorful statement by teaming white drapes with floor cushions, Moroccan lanterns, and urns filled with bright-blooming bougainvillea.

To make the entire scene feel extra enchanting, try using a swag tieback on your curtains. This will create volume at the top of your curtains and beautifully frame your patio.

Preppy and Polished

White drapery edged in bold, hot pink trim gives this outdoor room designed by K Kong Designs a preppy and polished appearance. Let this be a reminder that structured drapes can be styled to look every bit as whimsical as tule or sheer ones.

Coastal Rustic

Create a coastal cabana-inspired sitting area by partnering a rustic pergola with airy white drapes. Keep the coastal theme going with the addition of nautical striped fabrics, seagrass pendants, and a seabird statue or two.

Luxe and Glamorous

In this whimsical and sophisticated backyard, designer Jeff Schlarb shows that black and white pleated curtains can skew equal parts retro, classic, and Hollywood Regency.

If you’re interested in putting patterned curtains to work in your own yard, black and white cabana stripes (thick vertical stripes alternating in color) are a great fail-proof option. They'll bring the glamour no matter where they're hung

Elegant Villa-Inspired

White drapes may be the most common option for outdoor use, but there’s no rule against colored curtains. As illustrated in this Italian villa-inspired hideaway designed by designer Mark Cutler, choosing curtains in a golden-yellow tone can generate an incredible feeling of warmth.

Global Bohemian

There's something about white curtains fluttering in the breeze that brings to mind the relaxed bohemian lifestyle. Here, white linen drapes add softness to a seating area featuring a bamboo egg chair, a tassel-trimmed hammock, and a leather hassock.

Enchanted Garden

Adding drapes to a pergola is a great way to soften its hard edges and transform it into a dreamy, enchanted-looking cabana. As put on display in this terraced backyard, adorning a black-painted pergola with white curtains is also an excellent way to create some eye-catching contrast in your yard.

Maximalist and Mediterranean

If you're trying to create an over-the-top maximalist space, curtains are a must.

To achieve the dramatic effect you see in the outdoor oasis above, select heavy curtains with a little extra width. With the help of a tieback, the extra width will allow you to create the maximal ballooning effect at the top.

Note that adding some greenery like a mini palm tree in front of your drapes will also make them appear fuller.

Contemporary Modern

Even if your backyard design isn't overly romantic, don't rule out curtains!

Here, in this colorful backyard escape, flat panel curtains give the space a finished appearance but don't feel overly frilly. Exposed grommets on the curtains and simple tie-backs also help tame their decorativeness.

Read Next: 65 Patio Decor Ideas That Bring Indoor Style Outdoors

Read the original article on The Spruce.