Buying guide
Best Outdoor Curtains 2026
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Our picks are researched from the manufacturers’ specifications and are our own editorial opinion.
On this page
Editor’s Choice
NICETOWN Waterproof Outdoor Curtain, 52" x 95"
Triple-weave waterproof fabric, identical on both sides, with 1.6-inch stainless steel grommets and a 95-inch drop for porches and pergolas.
-
Best for windy spots
NICETOWN Weighted Outdoor Curtains, 2 Panels
Grommets top and bottom so you can tie or rod the hem down, and up to 99% light blocking.
-
Best sheer
BONZER Outdoor Sheer Curtains, 2 Panels
Linen-look waterproof voile that softens glare and lets light through.
Outdoor curtains turn an open porch, pergola or gazebo into a room: they block low sun, give privacy from neighbors, and cut the wind on cool evenings. The best outdoor curtains use fabric made for weather, rustproof grommets, and enough weight or anchoring to stay put in a breeze. We compared seven outdoor curtains, from opaque waterproof panels and thermal blackout styles to weighted, heavyweight cabana and sheer options, using the makers’ published details. Sizes are per panel unless we say otherwise.
Need a solid barrier rather than fabric? Our guide to the best outdoor privacy screens covers fence, deck and balcony screens.
Best Outdoor Curtains Comparison
| Product | NICETOWN 95" EDITOR’S CHOICE | NICETOWN Weighted | Town & Country Cabana | RYB HOME Thermal | BONZER Opaque | BONZER Sheer | RYB HOME Tab Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Price | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| Type | Opaque, thermal | Blackout, weighted | Heavyweight, light filtering | Thermal, blackout | Opaque | Sheer | Sheer, tab top |
| Size (maker) | 52" x 95", 1 panel | 52" x 84", 2 panels | 54" x 96", 2 panels | 52" x 84", 1 panel | 54" x 84", 1 panel | 54" x 84", 2 panels | 54" x 84", 1 panel |
| Hanging | 1.6" stainless grommets | Grommets top and bottom | 8 stainless grommets | 1.6" rings | 1.6" rustproof grommets | 8 rustproof grommets | Detachable hook-and-loop tabs |
| Water | Waterproof | Waterproof | Water repellent | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | Weather-resistant |
| Machine Washable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Not stated | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Availability | Shop Now at Amazon | Shop Now at Amazon | Shop Now at Amazon | Shop Now at Amazon | Shop Now at Amazon | Shop Now at Amazon | Shop Now at Amazon |
EDITOR’S CHOICE
NICETOWN 95"
- Price
- $
- Type
- Opaque, thermal
- Size (maker)
- 52" x 95", 1 panel
- Hanging
- 1.6" stainless grommets
- Water
- Waterproof
- Machine Washable
- ✅ Yes
NICETOWN Weighted
- Price
- $
- Type
- Blackout, weighted
- Size (maker)
- 52" x 84", 2 panels
- Hanging
- Grommets top and bottom
- Water
- Waterproof
- Machine Washable
- ✅ Yes
Town & Country Cabana
- Price
- $
- Type
- Heavyweight, light filtering
- Size (maker)
- 54" x 96", 2 panels
- Hanging
- 8 stainless grommets
- Water
- Water repellent
- Machine Washable
- Not stated
RYB HOME Thermal
- Price
- $
- Type
- Thermal, blackout
- Size (maker)
- 52" x 84", 1 panel
- Hanging
- 1.6" rings
- Water
- Waterproof
- Machine Washable
- ✅ Yes
BONZER Opaque
- Price
- $
- Type
- Opaque
- Size (maker)
- 54" x 84", 1 panel
- Hanging
- 1.6" rustproof grommets
- Water
- Waterproof
- Machine Washable
- ✅ Yes
BONZER Sheer
- Price
- $
- Type
- Sheer
- Size (maker)
- 54" x 84", 2 panels
- Hanging
- 8 rustproof grommets
- Water
- Waterproof
- Machine Washable
- ✅ Yes
RYB HOME Tab Top
- Price
- $
- Type
- Sheer, tab top
- Size (maker)
- 54" x 84", 1 panel
- Hanging
- Detachable hook-and-loop tabs
- Water
- Weather-resistant
- Machine Washable
- ✅ Yes
Outdoor Curtain Reviews
We grouped the picks into opaque and blackout curtains for privacy and shade, and sheer curtains for softer light. Most are sold per panel, so count panels before ordering.
Opaque and Blackout Outdoor Curtains
NICETOWN Waterproof Outdoor Curtain, 52" x 95"
The NICETOWN 95-inch panel is the outdoor curtain we would buy for most porches, pergolas and gazebos. It uses a triple-weave fabric with waterproof treatment that NICETOWN says holds up to rain, wind and sun, and both sides are the same material and color, so it looks finished from the yard and from the seat. The top has 1.6-inch stainless steel grommets that slide on a standard rod.
The thick weave blocks sunlight and gives privacy, and NICETOWN says it keeps a space cooler in summer and warmer in winter. At 52 by 95 inches, one panel covers a typical pergola post-to-post gap with some gather. It is machine washable below 86°F. It is sold as a single panel, so most spaces need two or more.
✅ Pros
- Waterproof triple weave
- Same look on both sides
- Stainless steel grommets
- 95-inch length fits most porches
❌ Cons
- Sold as a single panel
- Can flap in strong wind without tie-downs
Best For: Covered porches, pergolas and gazebos that need privacy and shade.
NICETOWN Weighted Outdoor Curtains, 2 Panels
The NICETOWN weighted pair is our pick for windy patios. Each 52 by 84 inch panel has rustproof stainless steel grommets at the top and a weighted bottom with a second set of grommets, so you can thread a rope, slide in a rod, or add weights to stop the curtain flapping. That is the most common complaint about outdoor curtains, and this design solves it.
NICETOWN says the fabric blocks 85 to 99 percent of sunlight and UV (UPF 50+), with darker colors blocking more, and handles temperatures from -4°F to 140°F. It is machine washable on a gentle cycle.
✅ Pros
- Weighted hem with bottom grommets
- Up to 99% sun and UV blocking
- Sold as a pair
- Rated from -4°F to 140°F
❌ Cons
- 84-inch length is short for tall pergolas
- Bottom anchoring takes a little setup
Best For: Exposed decks, balconies and lakeside porches where wind is constant.
Town & Country Basics Cabana Heavyweight Indoor Outdoor Curtains, 2 Panels
The Town & Country Basics Cabana pair is our pick for heavyweight fabric. These are heavyweight, water-repellent indoor-outdoor panels with a light filtering opacity: they give privacy while still letting some daylight through. Each panel is 54 by 96 inches, the longest on this page, with eight stainless steel grommets.
The extra weight helps them hang straight and move less in a breeze than thin polyester. Water repellent is a step below waterproof, so they suit covered porches and pergolas with a roof better than fully exposed spots.
✅ Pros
- Heavyweight fabric hangs straight
- 96-inch length
- Stainless steel grommets
- Sold as a pair
❌ Cons
- Water repellent, not waterproof
- Care instructions not stated on the listing
Best For: Covered porches and cabanas that want a heavier, more upholstered look.
RYB HOME Thermal Insulated Outdoor Curtain
The RYB HOME thermal panel is our pick for blocking sun and heat. Its 230 GSM fabric blocks 80 to 90 percent of sunlight and 90 percent of UV rays according to the maker, which makes a real difference on a west-facing porch in the afternoon. The polyester has a triple-weave construction with waterproof treatment for rain and mild wind.
Each panel has 1.6-inch top rings. RYB HOME recommends a total curtain width 1.5 to 2 times the opening for a full look, and offers wider panels (100 inches and up) if you want no gaps at the edges. Light colors show sun fading less.
✅ Pros
- 230 GSM thermal fabric
- Blocks up to 90% of sunlight
- Wide-panel sizes available
- Machine washable
❌ Cons
- Sold as a single panel
- Some fading over time, as with all outdoor fabric
Best For: West-facing porches and patios where afternoon sun is the main problem.
BONZER Waterproof Outdoor Curtain
The BONZER opaque panel is our pick on a tight budget. It is thick, fully opaque 100% polyester certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, waterproof, and the same color on both sides. Each 54 by 84 inch panel has 1.6-inch rustproof grommets.
BONZER is honest that it blocks only some sunlight, so its strength is privacy and rain rather than heat. Optional weights help in wind. It is machine washable in cold water and can be tumble dried on low.
✅ Pros
- Fully opaque for privacy
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fabric
- Rustproof grommets
- Washer and dryer safe
❌ Cons
- Blocks only some sunlight
- Sold as a single panel
Best For: Porches and balconies that need privacy on a budget.
Sheer Outdoor Curtains
BONZER Outdoor Sheer Curtains, 2 Panels
The BONZER sheer pair is our pick for a light, airy look. The waterproof linen-look voile lets daylight through while softening glare, and gives partial privacy rather than full cover. Each 54 by 84 inch panel has eight rustproof 1.6-inch grommets.
Sheers are the classic choice for pergolas and gazebos used for dining, where you want to see the garden and feel the breeze. The polyester is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and machine washable.
✅ Pros
- Lets light and air through
- Waterproof voile
- Sold as a pair
- Machine washable
❌ Cons
- Only partial privacy
- Moves a lot in wind
Best For: Pergolas and gazebos styled for dining and evening light.
RYB HOME Detachable Tab Top Outdoor Sheer Curtain
The RYB HOME tab top sheer is our pick for gazebos and fixed rods. The top uses sliding hook-and-loop tabs, so you can hang it or take it down without removing the rod, which is ideal on gazebos and pergolas where rods are bolted in. A curtain rope tieback is included.
It is a pleated sheer that filters light and adds some privacy. RYB HOME advises closing the tabs before washing to prevent tearing.
✅ Pros
- Hangs without removing the rod
- Tieback rope included
- Pleated sheer
- Machine washable
❌ Cons
- Sold as a single panel
- Only partial privacy
Best For: Gazebos and pergolas with fixed rods or beams.
How to Choose Outdoor Curtains
Opaque, Blackout or Sheer
Opaque and blackout outdoor curtains give full privacy and the most shade; thermal versions also keep heat off the space. Sheers filter light and soften views while keeping the space open. Many people hang both: sheers for daytime and opaque panels drawn at night or against the low sun.
Waterproof vs Water Repellent
Waterproof panels shed rain without soaking through. Water-repellent fabrics resist light rain but can get wet in a storm, so they belong under a roof. Either way, let curtains dry fully before tying them back, or mildew can start in the folds.
Measuring Panels
Measure from the rod to the floor for length and subtract an inch so the hem does not drag in puddles. For width, plan on 1.5 to 2 times the opening in total panel width for a full look. A 10-foot pergola side (120 inches) needs roughly 180 to 240 inches of curtain, which is three or four 54-inch panels.
Rods, Cables and Hardware
Use stainless steel or powder-coated rods outdoors, or a tensioned steel cable between posts on long spans. Grommets slide best; tab tops are easiest on fixed rods. Gazebos with a built-in curtain track often take their own panels, so check our gazebo guide for models that include curtains.
How to Hang Outdoor Curtains So They Stay Put
Wind is the main problem with outdoor curtains. Weighted hems, a bottom rod through lower grommets, or tiebacks at each post stop most flapping. In storms, tie the curtains back tightly or take them down: a curtain acts like a sail and can stress a pergola or gazebo frame.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Decide whether you want privacy, shade or just softer light, then pick the fabric, count the panels and plan how you will anchor them. Pair outdoor curtains with a pergola or a gazebo and you have an outdoor room you can use from spring to late fall. Unsure which structure to hang them on? Read our pergola vs gazebo comparison.