I've actually found curtains can be pretty low-maintenance if you pick the right ones. We use washable canvas curtains, and they've survived plenty of windy storms. Shades are nice too, but curtains just feel warmer and more inviting to me...personal preference, I guess.
I get the appeal of curtains, especially washable ones, but honestly, I've found shades to be way easier in the long run. We used to have curtains out on our porch, and even though they were washable, taking them down after every storm got old fast. Switched to bamboo shades a couple years back—just roll 'em up when it's windy or rainy, no fuss. I miss the cozy look of curtains sometimes, but practicality won out for me...
We went through something similar—had curtains on our porch for a while, and yeah, the washing and rehanging got old pretty quick. Bamboo shades sound nice, but honestly, they were a bit pricey when I checked. Ended up going with roll-up canvas shades instead. They're budget-friendly, easy to manage, and still give a cozy vibe. Plus, swapping out cushion covers or adding some inexpensive string lights each season helps keep things fresh without breaking the bank...
Roll-up canvas shades sound practical, hadn't thought of those. Do you find they hold up well in windy weather? Our porch gets pretty gusty sometimes, and I've been hesitant about anything too lightweight. Also curious—do they fade noticeably after a season or two? We've got an older home, so I'm always balancing aesthetics with durability...
"Our porch gets pretty gusty sometimes, and I've been hesitant about anything too lightweight."
Totally get your hesitation—wind can be a real challenge for porch decor. In my experience, roll-up canvas shades can handle moderate wind pretty well, especially if you secure them properly at the bottom. But if your porch regularly sees strong gusts, you might want to consider shades with weighted bottoms or tie-downs to keep them from flapping around too much.
As for fading, canvas does tend to fade a bit over time, especially darker colors. If you're worried about aesthetics (and I totally understand balancing that with durability in an older home), I'd suggest going for lighter neutral shades. They fade less noticeably and blend nicely with vintage architecture. Another tip: look for UV-resistant fabrics—they hold their color longer and are worth the slight extra cost.
I once had a client whose porch faced direct afternoon sun and wind gusts off the lake—talk about a tough combo! We ended up choosing a heavier-duty outdoor fabric shade with subtle stripes. It held up beautifully and actually looked better as it aged...kind of like a favorite pair of jeans.
