Ditch Outdoor Curtains: HGTV's David Bromstad Has A Unique Idea For Your Space

Looking for fun ways to mix up your outdoor home decor in the new year? David Bromstad has the perfect idea for you. In a recent video from HGTV's Instagram, the interior designer and host of HGTV's My Lottery Dream Home shared an unconventional suggestion that stands to add some flair to your back patio: using macrame as an alternative to curtains. In the clip, Bromstad recalled how his grandmother "would crochet and make macrame" when he was growing up. He then tied custom macrame panels and displayed them above and in front of a client's outdoor dining table, noting how this design choice instantly brought "color, texture, and a vibe" to a simple patio. It's one of the many ways to incorporate macrame in your home.

We love this tip because it's unique and on-trend. Many design pros say that minimalism and other "less is more" decor styles are being replaced in 2026. Instead, splashy, vibrant aesthetics like maximalism are spiking in popularity. With macrame, which consists of knotted yarn, rope, or other textiles, the possibilities are endless — you can go the colorful route with artsy wall hangings, or you can opt for neutral cotton macrame panels that act like curtains. This is both a functional and beautiful aesthetic you can use to dress up your patio and finally ditch those boring outdoor curtains.

When decorating with macrame, you can go the custom or pre-made route. If you're totally new to this art form, learning how to tie macrame isn't impossible; however, some people say there is a bit of a learning curve. You'll have to study up and purchase cotton rope yourself. That said, this option does allow for complete personalization to the dimensions and color scheme of your outdoor living setup. If that sounds like too much work, you can also buy macrame art and curtain panels online. Etsy is full of options from small makers, typically priced by size. Wayfair sells macrame curtains, too, like this East Urban macrame curtain panel, which costs $98 and would look gorgeous on a boho patio.

The real beauty of macrame lies in its versatility. Fans of maximalist aesthetics will dig the eclectic vibe of the colorful macrame art that David Bromstad showcased on Instagram. If your taste leans boho or minimalist, you can use macrame, too — many ready-to-order curtain panels are made of natural cotton for a light-and-airy look. In fact, if you already own a macrame plant hanger, you can repurpose it to add a textured look to your outdoor setup. You can even purchase outdoor macrame lanterns or hammocks that will transform your backyard or patio into a calming oasis. For added visual interest, style natural macrame with bright or rich hues, and bold macrame with soft colors or neutrals.