The balcony is one of the most important areas in the house, as it allows homeowners to rest and enjoy the scenery around them without leaving the comfort of their homes. As a result, it is common to find homeowners actively trying to beautify their balconies using different methods.
Of all the available methods, hanging curtains is one of the most popular ways to beautify the balcony. It is no news that curtains on the balcony help beautify it and add some form of privacy. This simple feature makes apartment balcony curtains a popular decor idea for balconies.
In this guide, we will review some ideas and ways to beautify your balcony with curtains without losing the essential functionalities that come with it.
Important Considerations for Apartment Balcony Curtains
Before delving into apartment balcony curtain ideas, you should be aware that there are certain things you need to consider when deciding on the best ones to use. Among these considerations are the following:
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- Your Needs
For most homeowners, this is the most important factor in determining the ideal apartment curtain idea to go for. This is because the needs of each homeowner differ. While yours might be to beautify your balcony, another might be the need for sun and insect protection.
Understanding the most pressing needs for an apartment balcony curtain is central to the type of balcony curtain idea that you go for.
- Restrictions
While fixing your balcony curtains, you may need to make some modifications to the building, which is exactly why you need to check the DIY restrictions on your property.
You need to speak to your landlord if you are a renter or the Homeowners Association (HOA) about any restrictions that may bar you from fixing the curtain on your apartment balcony.
- Price
As with almost everything concerning a building, the price is very important when choosing the best apartment balcony curtain ideas for your building. You must ensure that you do not overspend on apartment curtains while also keeping an eye out for high-quality curtains.
It is a common notion that high-quality curtains are expensive, so if you are looking to get some of the best balcony curtains out there, you may have to cough up some extra funds. However, it is important to mention that, contrary to popular opinion, high-quality apartment balcony curtains have a limited lifespan, even if they are weather-resistant.
This is because, by virtue of their functions, these curtains are exposed to various weather elements, and this exposure contributes to the wear that eventually affects the curtains.
- Style
The last factor you need to consider is the style and design of the curtain. As much as functionality is very important with apartment balcony curtains, there is also an aesthetic need that these curtains should meet.
Thus, it is important that whatever design or style of the balcony curtain you choose matches or complements that of the existing building design or style.
Different Apartment Balcony Curtain Ideas
The following are possible ideas for curtain designs for an apartment balcony.
- Weatherproof and Opaque Curtains
Weatherproof and opaque curtains are among the best and most popular apartment balcony curtain ideas. This type of curtain is the typical outdoor curtain, as it is thick enough to provide guaranteed privacy on the balcony due to its opacity. However, if you choose this curtain style, you may lose almost all forms of natural light, which also means that you won’t be able to grow plants on your balcony.
Also, most opaque balcony curtains are waterproof and resistant to fading and UV rays. Thus, this curtain style makes it possible to spend time on your balcony at all times, regardless of the weather conditions.
Its weatherproof properties also mean that the curtains last longer than other types. However, longevity is dependent on maintenance, and it is vital that you wash it regularly as it is not resistant to grime and dirt.
Pros
- It provides guaranteed privacy.
- It blocks harmful UV rays, rain, and other weather conditions.
- It lasts longer due to its fade resistance and weatherproof properties.
Cons
- You lose out on natural lighting as the curtain blocks out sunlight.
- Sheer Curtains
Sheer Curtains are an ideal curtain style if you do not have to worry about rain. This curtain style is made with polyester and a wide weave design, which means they are not waterproof. It is the perfect option for those who want to enjoy some privacy without sacrificing natural sunlight.
The sheer curtain allows you to enjoy the sunlight while offering privacy, which means you can have plants on your balcony with this type of curtain. However, this curtain type is not without its downsides, one of which includes getting dirty easily. This means that you will have to do a lot of washing with sheer curtains.
Thus, when buying a sheer curtain, look for one that is machine washable, as it makes the washing process easier. It is advisable to avoid using this type of curtain during the winter, as it gets dirtier and offers no protection against the cold weather.
Pros
- It allows you to enjoy privacy without cutting out sunlight.
- It protects you against insects.
Cons
- It is not weatherproof.
- It has to be washed often.
- Bamboo Shades
Bamboo shades work more like sheer curtains in that they allow the influx of sunlight while offering some form of privacy. However, the difference between this curtain design and sheer curtains, and other curtain ideas for that matter, is that it is a shade, not a curtain.
They do not need rods, like curtains, but you still need to hang the shades from something. While they block out unwanted sights, they do not block out weather elements such as rain and wind.
Pros
- They are ideal alternatives to curtains.
- It provides privacy and lets in sunlight.
Cons
- It is not weatherproof.
- Canvas Curtain
The use of canvas curtains is one of the best balcony curtain ideas you can explore. The canvas curtain uses a natural material while offering the benefits that a polyester curtain provides.
The canvas curtain is heavy, so it has the features to block out adverse weather elements such as rain and wind. However, this also means that it will block out sunlight. The weight of the curtain material also means that it will be hard to hang and fix the curtain.
Finally, canvas curtains are expensive, but they are worth every penny because they last a long time when combined with other features, especially when properly maintained.
Pros
- It protects against weather elements and offers privacy.
- It lasts longer than most curtain types.
Cons
- It might be difficult to handle because of its size and weight.
- It is expensive.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you may need an apartment balcony curtain. It could be for privacy, protection against weather elements, or aesthetics. Regardless of the reason, getting an ideal balcony curtain is key, and this is why we explore different apartment balcony curtain ideas in this article.