Transform A Shower Curtain Into Eye-Catching Backyard Decor With A DIY

Decorating outdoor walls can be challenging to get just right. Decor needs to be durable and look nice while still standing out against nature and your home. One idea to transform your outdoor space uses a material designed for exactly the sort of wet conditions the natural world will throw at it, and this material is likely already inside your home: a shower curtain. For this DIY project, you stretch a shower curtain over a wooden frame to create the look of canvas art. Whether you choose a curtain based on its existing color and pattern or find a plain white curtain to decorate on your own, the resulting artwork will be stunning, water resistant, and large enough to enjoy from anywhere in your yard.

DIY projects are a great way to use up unwanted materials around the house, but be sure not to choose a worn-out shower curtain for this one, as it may tear during the stretching process or simply not last very long once it's complete. If it's too damaged, try out some brilliant hacks before throwing away your old shower curtains instead. Shower curtains made from cloth and other fabrics are often meant to be water resistant, while the more plastic-feeling materials can be waterproof. Additionally, you'll need 1-by-2-inch wood boards and screws to create the large rectangular frame for your canvas. Basic tools, including a saw, wood glue, and a staple gun, are also necessary. If you are going to create your own design, add paint, paintbrushes, and a sealer to your list as well.

The first step to creating your large, outdoor artwork is to decide on your measurements. Check your outdoor wall space and the dimensions of your shower curtain to determine what size and shape you want your project to be. Keep in mind that part of the shower curtain will need to be stretched and secured behind the frame, so your finished artwork will be at least a few inches smaller on each side than the whole shower curtain's measurements.

When you have your intended dimensions, create the wooden frame. Cut two pieces of the 1-by-2-inch wood to your desired length and two to the desired width. Then, make a miter cut (45 degrees) at the end of each piece so that the corners can fit snug at a right angle. If you don't have a miter box or table saw for angled cuts, you can keep the boards as-is with straight edges. 

Finally, assemble your frame. Add wood glue to each corner where the two pieces connect, and secure the corners with clamps until the wood glue dries. Then add screws for extra hold. After the wood glue dries completely, which takes about 24 hours for maximum strength, it's time to drape your curtain.

To attach the shower curtain, start by lining your curtain up on the frame. Lay the shower curtain on the ground face down. Then, carefully center the frame on the shower curtain, or if you are using a pattern and a smaller frame, center the frame on where you want the pattern. Starting at the top, fold the fabric back and staple it into the backside of the frame, moving from the center to the sides. Move to the bottom next, pulling the fabric taut as you staple and repeat the process. Do this again for each side, folding the corners tautly as well.

From here, you can paint the shower curtain or decorate it as you like, just as you might do on a blank canvas. Apply a UV-protecting and waterproofing spray or wax to protect the fabric from any damage resulting from exposure. Alternatively, look at the many different ways to shade your patio, and hang your artwork in a shaded spot to keep it from fading in the sun. And remember to bring your artwork inside whenever possible during stormy or extreme weather conditions.

When hanging your artwork, be sure to attach the frame to the wall at multiple points to protect it from the wind. It's important to use hardware suitable for outdoors as well, such as stainless steel hooks and nails or masonry anchors that won't rust quickly. Once your artwork is mounted, try out more stunning outdoor wall decor ideas that aren't plants to continue making your outside space uniquely artsy.