Interesting idea with the canvas drop cloths—I hadn't thought of that before. But honestly, I'm not sure they'd hold up as well in wetter climates. Last year, I tried something similar using painter's canvas for privacy screens, and while they looked fantastic at first, they ended up getting moldy pretty fast after a few rainy weeks. Maybe I didn't treat them properly, though?
"Bamboo shades do offer a timeless aesthetic, though—perfect for enhancing the character of older porches."
I still lean toward bamboo shades because they're naturally resistant to moisture and mildew, especially if you give them a quick coat of sealant. Yeah, they're pricier upfront, but I've found they last multiple seasons without needing replacement or much maintenance. If you're in a drier area, though, your canvas idea sounds like a clever way to save money and get creative. Just something to keep in mind depending on your local weather conditions...
I still lean toward bamboo shades because they're naturally resistant to moisture and mildew, especially if you give them a quick coat of sealant. Yeah, they're pricier upfront, but I've found they...
I think you're onto something with the bamboo shades. I've seen them hold up really well in humid conditions, especially after sealing. But don't completely discount your canvas idea—maybe you just needed a better waterproofing treatment? I've heard good things about marine-grade fabric sealants for outdoor canvas projects. Either way, it's great you're experimenting and sharing what works (and doesn't). Porch refreshes definitely seem to involve some trial and error...
Bamboo shades definitely have their perks, especially if you're dealing with moisture issues. I used them on my screened porch a couple of years back and they've held up surprisingly well—even through some pretty intense rainy seasons. But canvas isn’t totally out of the running, either. I had good luck waterproofing some old canvas chair covers with marine-grade spray last summer. It did take two coats (and some patience), but it made a noticeable difference.
One thing I've been wondering about lately is outdoor curtains—anyone tried them? I've seen some setups online that look pretty inviting, but I'm curious how practical they are in windy conditions or if they'd be more hassle than they're worth...
"One thing I've been wondering about lately is outdoor curtains—anyone tried them? I've seen some setups online that look pretty inviting, but I'm curious how practical they are in windy conditions or if they'd be more hassle than they're worth..."
I gave outdoor curtains a shot last spring, mostly because I found a great clearance deal (couldn't resist!). They looked awesome at first—really cozy and inviting—but honestly, they were kind of a headache whenever the wind picked up. I spent more time untangling and re-anchoring them than actually relaxing out there.
If you're set on curtains, maybe try something heavier or weighted at the bottom. Or consider removable privacy screens instead—they're easy to fold away when it's stormy or windy, and you can DIY them pretty cheaply. I made mine from lattice panels painted white, and they've lasted a couple seasons already. Just another budget-friendly idea to toss in the mix...
I tried curtains too, and yeah... wind was a pain. Ended up switching to bamboo roll-up shades—easy to manage, look great, and you can roll them up quick if the weather turns sketchy. They've held up surprisingly well so far.
