The Affordably Stylish Way To Keep Outdoor Curtains Tied Back

Having a cool, comfortable outdoor space to relax in is a must during the warm summer months. There are plenty of unusual ways to decorate with curtains, and one ingenious idea is to use them to shade a patio area. Of course, you won't always want the drapes drawn — sometimes you'll want them open so you can enjoy your garden handiwork. Making that happen is actually much easier than you might imagine. This budget-friendly trick requires nothing more than a roll of decorative nautical rope (the kind you'd typically find at Dollar Tree) to keep your outdoor curtains still on a windy day. 

Along with avoiding the annoyance of flapping fabric, it also adds an effortlessly coastal touch to your patio. The smartest part about this hack is that the rope is nailed in place. The reason this setup works so well is that it's equal parts functional and stylish. Fixing the rope to a post means the curtains stay in place, even on breezy afternoons. It also requires less day-to-day adjusting, and there's zero chance of the tie-back getting misplaced. Since nautical rope is built for the outdoors, it stands up to sun and moisture with ease. The result? A neat, stylish look that holds its own against more complicated DIY solves.  

Nautical rope is more than just a clever fix though, it adds texture and character to your outdoor space. Its natural fiber pairs well with typically neutral patio palettes (not to mention your lush green surrounds), and at under $2 per bundle, it's far more cost-effective than traditional curtain hardware or tie-backs. The hardest part of this hack might be making the trip to the store. Once you're home, simply cut the rope to the desired length and nail it in place on the patio post. As for placement, a good rule of thumb is to position the tieback about one-third of the way up from the bottom of the curtain. It doesn't have to be exact. The main thing is that it's at a height that will hold the curtains open and prevent them from billowing.

You could also consider using sisal or jute rope in place of nautical rope. Both are excellent natural rope options for DIY and decor. While sisal is tougher and more weather-resistant, jute still works well in covered outdoor areas. If you'd prefer to avoid drilling into your walls, there are easy alternatives. Products like exterior-rated double-sided tape or Command Hooks can be used to hang decor or lightweight rope on various surfaces (no nails or tools required). These options work especially well for covered outdoor spaces and are surprisingly secure when used correctly. Still prepping your patio? This PVC pipe hack makes hanging outdoor curtains easy and affordable.