Chain Link Fence Curtains

I needed "outdoor" curtain hardware for my screen porch that is located right off my kitchen. So I cruised my idea folder & Home Depot.  The hardware had to be rust/moisture resistant and cheap! This is what I got:

BEFORE Right
IMG_0376

AFTER Right
IMG_0430


BEFORE Left
IMG_0375

AFTER Left
IMG_0431

This is how you do it:
Go to the chain link fence section of any hardware store. My closest is Home Depot. Chain link fence post usually come in three widths and three lengths. Decide how & what you need and measure your space.  I bought a tube cutter because I needed a custom length and nothing is ever easy for me! I had to have help holding the fence post in order to cut it.

IMG_0380

I used #4 screw in eye hooks. I pre-drilled a hole slightly smaller that the hook and screwed it into the wall. I then used chain link fencing tension band to hold the rods.

IMG_0383

I then purchased painters drop cloth canvas (9x12). I pre-washed the cloth and should have used an iron. But just like glue guns, I don't use irons.

Now, I got lazy. I should have added grommets or button holes to the cloth but I am working on a budget and time constraints. So I skipped a few steps. I cut small holes in the cloth and used carriage bolts and brace bands for rings. Time will only tell if it holds up :) I finished off the ends of the curtains with fence post caps.

Be sure to check out my inspiration.

So there you have it. An easy way to create ambiance in an outdoor space.

~XOXO~

One more time (before & after):

Picnik collage

44 comments:

Bethany said...

So glad I found your blog! GREAT ideas! I read the original post about the mirror, and this is the first I have ever heard of Habitat for Humanity Restores! Thanks for the info; definitely following.

Destination Seaborn said...

How awesome is this! I've been wanting to put some curtains outdoors but hated to think of hardware. Thanks so much for this idea! Have a great week! Lisa

elizabeth said...

love your brick exterior - Oh how I can't wait to plan the new house -you are so creative -
guess who is helping me decorate!!!!;)))))

beachhouse etc. said...

great idea...i use CONDUIT it's the hollow pipe that electricians use for putting wiring through and it's about $3.00 for 10 ft lengths...then if you need longer i pinch one end with pliers and slide inside the conduit which is hollow of course you can get at any hardware /home improvement store..then i use the clip on drapery hooks ..will fill you in with pics when i finish our outdoor pergola with curtains and all but i love the industrial look of your rings...

Brassy Apple said...

*gasp* FABULOUS!!!!

Shannan Martin said...

Pure genius!!

(ps - more from me later...);)

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

GENIUS!!! Love this idea. :) It looks so much softer and warmer in there with the fabric up!

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

Wonderful and so clever. Very inventive and it looks great, so of course I will have to copy your idea on my deck!

Unknown said...

Loved, loved, loved this idea. So clever!

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

Great idea! Your room looks a lot better and the use of "chain link" materials is a smart!

Hattie said...

I love the soft meets industrial look! I think the "hooks" are my favorite part.

Unknown said...

I love the idea of the conduit! Very Urban Chic!

~Liz

Joselyn said...

Very nice! They turned out just as nice as your inspiration. Great job!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

Super clever! I love the industrial look of these, yet they are still so beautiful!! Great job & thanks for sharing this idea!!
Blessings,
Stacey

Kaysi said...

What a great idea!! I would have never thought of that, it looks so great!

carolyn said...

Love it! The combo of the drop cloths with the metal is fantastic. I have to admit I was intrigued by your title at ASPTL - I thought you'd used chain link fencing as curtains : )

Andrea @ TheTrainToCrazy.com said...

I LOVE it! What a great result!

Kristi~The Slipcover Girl said...

those are awesome!

Michelle@Everyday Celebrating said...

i love it! Beautiful space!

Angie Holden said...

Gorgeous!!!

Joy@Thrifty Parsonage Living said...

What a clever idea, you space looks very beautiful!
Joy

Anonymous said...

I love the idea. It looks fantastic. I don't know where my first comment went. I guess I need to register.

Whitney

Unknown said...

These are fantastic. I've been wanting to do something on our lanai/patio. I was going to use PVC pipe and make a casing in the drop cloth. But I knew I'd never get around to sewing the casing. Yay! You saved the day!

Martha Eskuchen said...

They look good! Thrify ideas are wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

One of the best ideas I've ever seen on DIY Day! I love it. I don't have a screened porch, but it's one of my "life goals." I will certainly do this when I build my own!

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures said...

Wow how smart. Not only is in inventive and low cost, but it looks really good too!

Ali @ Honey and Maple Syrup said...

I've been looking for an alternative to store bought curtain rods and I think this is my answer. Thanks for the great post!

Denise Marie said...

fabulous job!!

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Hi there, I love this idea and the post... it all looks so lovely now with the curtains.
Just wanted to say that I featured this post on my blog...thanks for posting it! Great idea.

Chris Kauffman said...

Ok that's too much , I am crazy about that , you are amazing.

The Painted Home said...

I Love this idea!

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

How cool is that? I think it would look great in a boy's room, too.

Love this!

Sami Jo said...

found you through just beachy! :) and so glad i did. You are amazing - branding bands deary? genius! I wonder if I'm the only one on here who knows what those are ... ;o)
Happy Day, SJ

Frugal Home Designs said...

That looks awesome. Great idea.

Serapina said...

This is an awesome idea! How did you join the lengths of pipe together??

The Midwest Cottage said...

I am doing this to my carport! I was wondering...how many tension bands did you use per curtain? Also, have you had a difficult time taking them down and putting them back up to wash? Shoot me an email!

René said...

These are awesome! I am beside myself that you shared your project with us!

-Rene

casey at loft and cottage said...

Such a smart idea. Never would have thought of using outdoor fence materials but it looks so industrial chic!!

Carla @ Hammers and High Heels said...

Found you through the Lettered Cottage's Linky party, I love this idea! We have a long space that needs lots of window treatments.
http://hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com/2010/12/spare-room-redo-phase-i-starting-from.html

This would be perfect! Thanks!

Courtney said...

So glad that Layla shared your blog today!! I was looking for something unique to add to the one large window on the foyer/stairway project I am working on and thanks to you I have found it! :)

Cortney said...

Genious! I never would have thought of that but it is perfect for an outdoor space

Denise C said...

What a clever idea! I have just featured it on my latest post -
http://firstadream.blogspot.com/2011/01/re-party-inspired-by.html

Carla @ Hammers and High Heels said...

Hi there! I totally loved this post, looks so good! My husband and I used it as our inspiration for our spare room off our master (it is a really long narrow room with windows across one wall). We linked you to our post as our inspiration so I had to let you know! http://hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com/2011/01/flooring-check-privacy-yes-please.html Thanks for inspiring us!

Ashley@ DesignBuildLove.co said...

looks great! I've been considering some for our back yard's pergola (to give it a more intimate feeling...)! You might have me convinced!