How to Decorate an Awning With a Pattern Curtain

You can add color by decorating an awning with a pattern curtain.

Awnings, as a standard, are made with a solid color fabric or striped pattern. This does not mean, however, that you cannot decorate one with a curtain in another pattern for privacy and added visual interest. "When purchasing fabrics for a boat, patio or any other outdoor project, you need something that's both stylish and weatherproof." says Tara Dalla-Nora, who has a B.A. in interior design. Use the same design tricks for the exterior of your house as you would for the interior.

Things You'll Need

• Outdoor curtains or fabric
• Liquid seam (if needed)
• Velcro strips
• Clip-on hooks
• Outdoor hanging decorations
• Outdoor paint
• Tie-backs
• Other outdoor accessories

Instructions

1. Choose a fabric pattern that has one of the main colors from your awning in it. This way it will look like an authentic addition to your outdoor space. If you cannot find curtains to match, buy the appropriate yards of outdoor material to make your own.

2. Finish off the rough edges of cut fabric if needed. If you aren't handy with a needle and thread, use liquid seam to literally iron on a perfect seam. Just follow the directions on the bottle.

3. Attach Velcro strips to the underside of the awning and the top of the curtains. This allows you to put the curtains up and take them down as needed.

4. Attach clip-on hooks to the edges of the awning so that they hang down in front of the fabric. Add outdoor charms, such as prisms, suncatchers or beads, containing the color that will bring both fabrics together.

5. Wash the awning poles to remove any dirt and dust and sand them if necessary. Paint the poles a complementary color using paint that is meant for outdoor use. Allow them to dry thoroughly after coating them evenly.

6. Tie tie-backs around the awning poles in a complementary material of another color that is contained in the curtain fabric. This allows you to tie back the curtains when not in use and offers you the opportunity to add trimmings such as fringe or tassels into your design.

7. Bring in other outdoor accessories for the area that mimic the theme from both fabrics. For example, decorate an awning with a pattern curtain by tying vines around the poles, hanging flower baskets from the corners or placing garden statues around the area.

References

• Your Home: Choosing Outdoor Fabrics