Totally agree on the weighted bottoms—learned that lesson the hard way after chasing my shades down the street! Also, I've found that using sturdy curtain rods anchored at both ends helps keep things secure without sacrificing style. Windy porches definitely keep life interesting...
Weighted curtains can help, sure, but honestly I've found them more hassle than they're worth. Switched to bamboo roll-up shades last year—sturdy enough to handle wind, plus they roll up quick when storms roll in. Less fuss, less chasing stuff down the street... and they look pretty sharp on an older porch. Just my two cents.
Bamboo shades are a solid choice, especially if your porch gets a lot of wind. Personally, though, I've had pretty good luck with weighted curtains—key is picking heavier outdoor fabrics like canvas or marine-grade polyester. Also, anchoring them at the bottom corners with small hooks or ties can save you from chasing them down the block (been there, done that...). But hey, bamboo does have that classic charm that's hard to beat on older homes.
Weighted curtains anchored at the bottom corners are indeed quite effective, particularly in windy areas. Bamboo shades do offer a timeless aesthetic, though—perfect for enhancing the character of older porches. Good points overall; sounds like you've found a practical setup that suits your needs.
"Bamboo shades do offer a timeless aesthetic, though—perfect for enhancing the character of older porches."
Totally agree about bamboo shades adding charm, especially if you're going for that vintage vibe. But honestly, I've found they can be a bit pricey if you're refreshing your porch every season. Last spring, I stumbled onto a budget-friendly alternative: canvas drop cloths. Sounds weird, I know, but hear me out... they're super affordable at hardware stores, and you can dye or stencil them yourself for a custom look. Plus, they're surprisingly durable in windy conditions if you anchor them properly at the corners (just like you mentioned with weighted curtains).
I was skeptical at first, but now my porch looks fresh each season without breaking the bank. And if I mess up a DIY design? No biggie—just grab another drop cloth and start over. Definitely worth considering if you're watching your wallet but still want style and practicality.