Do you have an inexpensive shade idea for my porch?

861650
by 861650
I live in a rental with a small porch and need to make some type of shade on one side. My idea is to purchase a black plastic shower curtain but am trying to figure out how to raise it up in thirds or at least twice. Possibly two to three grommets on each side and a way to hook them up. Last summer I used a white shower curtain and let it hang to the floor but it did not help with the hot sun. Further, I did not like the way it made the house look. I used a shower rod to hang it up so there was no holes or damage. The house is white with black shutters. Have white furniture on the porch with painted red clay pots for the flowers. Any ideas? I sure need some assistance.
  18 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 05, 2017

    https://www.hometalk.com/categories/outdoor-living/porches/curtains

    • See 1 previous
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 05, 2017

      your welcome good luck

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 05, 2017

    You can put up a drop canvas like this Hometalker: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-1285045?expand_all_questions=1

    • 861650 861650 on Feb 05, 2017

      I checked out your info and that porch was so pretty and inviting. Thanks so much for your idea!

  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Feb 05, 2017

    The easiest way to get shade is to staple a sheet or drop cloth to a strip of wood and screw it into the inside of the porch. If you want it to where you can pull it back and tie it when not in use, use a metal rod. You can get all the fittings at the big box stores.

  • Jennifer | CrazyDiyMom Jennifer | CrazyDiyMom on Feb 05, 2017

    When we lived in AZ we wanted some privacy from the sun and from the neighbors peering into our backyard. I bought curtain rod brackets (the ones that attach to the wall and hold the rod), some curtain rings (the ones that have the ring on one end and the grip on the other end to hold onto the curtain), a conduit pipe and a canvas drop cloth from the local home improvement store. I attached the curtain brackets to the top of the patio roof and cut the conduit pipe to fit. Then I cut my drop cloth to the length I wanted it and dyed it with some RIT dye to match the patio decor then hang it up. It worked perfectly! Kept the sun and the nosey neighbors both out ;)

    • 861650 861650 on Feb 05, 2017

      Thank you so much, Jennifer! I so appreciate your input.

  • 861650 861650 on Feb 05, 2017

    Thank you so much for the info. Never thought of a drop cloth. Do you think it will help with the hot sun? This side of the porch faces toward west and it is like a heat wave from noon till almost dark. The front gets it as well but nothing like the side.

  • Toc15434384 Toc15434384 on Feb 08, 2017

    nothing is cheap but sheets maybe a tension rod -- if not use rope thru sheet top -- not black sheets

  • Jcraw Jcraw on Feb 08, 2017

    My first thought is to contact the owner and ask if I could put up a blind at my own expense. You can get sun-proofing blinds online for about $50. While that's a bite, if you only have to do it once it's money and aggravation saved over the long term. Say you will pick the shade (to guarantee you get the right thing that really works), but ask him if he has a color preference. Explain that once it's done it will remain as his property.

    As a landlord myself, I would be happy to agree. Good for the tenant, good for home maintenance..


    If not, line whatever fabric you choose with an Emergency Space Blankets ($5 for 52"x84"). They are bright silver, which could be a downer, but they are paper thin and could be stapled or double-face taped to the back of your fabric.


    To help your roman shades to raise evenly, stitch a few rod pockets big enough to hold appropriate length wood dowels (HD will cut for you). tack ends shut. As for the mechanism to raise, soon folks are going to be putting their old "bamboo" porch blinds on the trash. Strip off the mechanism and string and drill into your curtain rod. You can get rings at any hardware store or Joanne Fabric.

  • 861650 861650 on Feb 08, 2017

    Sure wish you were my landlord! You have given me some great ideas and I so appreciate them. I've owned two homes in my lifetime and know how to do some repairs and light maintenance, but anything I've painted or repaired my landlord could care less but I care. And about that space blanket...you could put it between two fabric shower curtains or pieces of fabric and the roman shade idea is brilliant. And again, thank you so much for your time and effort.

  • Jcraw Jcraw on Feb 09, 2017

    You're very welcome. But.

    If you bought a ready-made shade would you be screwing into wood or aluminum?

    If it's wood, I would just bite the bullet and hang a bought shade. Amazon, amongst many others, has them. There are side-mount and top-mount, 80%-90% UV protection. You can use a good quality spackle when you leave. We're talking 4 screw holes! Worse comes to worse you repaint that panel of wood, which is less intense than the mildly daunting task you've set yourself. It's a permanent solution If you're planning to stay there for a while. Coming from a lazy person.

    Unless you're looking forward to this project? Consider, if he had no comment regarding your prior installations, is it likely this solution would be any different?

    • 861650 861650 on Feb 09, 2017

      Okay, I give up! This issue has been rolling around in my head 24/7 and I have had enough. So, this evening I will be researching your UV shade suggestion. Sounds like a plan. The house has siding and some type of metal on the porch posts. When I moved in, I patched many holes, sanded and then proceeded to paint the entire porch interior. Not one drop of paint on the floor. We can forget the "mildly daunting" task! Really...I am so laughing. Thanks again, Jcraw as my brain needs a rest...overthinking!

  • Deb Deb on Feb 09, 2017

    Years ago we had bought roller blinds. They filtered out the heat & sun, but the "rollers" stopped working. I took them off the roll, used a grommet kit, curtain rings & tension bars. Works great, plus I can take them down for our(short) winter. Also, had bought "O""s and dowels,(at Hobby Lobby), to hold them back when not in use.

  • 861650 861650 on Feb 09, 2017

    Don't laugh but what are roller blinds? I love your idea of repurposing...you are so smart. And about Hobby Lobby. I do not shop there because they made me mad. They denied women birth control pills in their health care (it was against their religion) but they sure approved VIAGRA! As my mother would say, "don't that beat all!" Snort....

    • Deb Deb on Feb 11, 2017

      Our "roller blinds" were from Sportsmans Guide, and designed to reduced the heat on the porch, and they are "stiffish" weaved plastic. And I agree with you about Hobby Lobby & their "politics", but Michaels didn't have what I wanted. Walmart has downsized it's craft stuff, Jo-Anne's to far. I do what I can with what is "around" Good luck!


  • Deb Martin Knaff Deb Martin Knaff on Feb 10, 2017

    I have always called "roller blinds" those bamboo shades that you use outside for big pucture windows. They are inexpensive, look nice, and work well. Don't quote me but I believe mine are 6 feet long individually but I remember even 9 footers at either Lowe's or Home Depot. They will cut them for you if you need an odd length. Good luck, I hate the summer heat and will do anything for some much needed shade & relief. 🌞☂

  • 861650 861650 on Feb 11, 2017

    Thank you Deb for your info about Sportsman's Guide roller blinds and will check it out. I so understand about hobby lobby...another company controlling women...sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. LOL! You are right about Walmart but I pick up whatever I can use when in the store.

  • 861650 861650 on Feb 11, 2017

    Thank you Deb for defining "roller blinds." I do like this idea and will be checking out Lowe's and Home Depot today. I think the 6 foot size will work for me as the height of my porch is about 6 1/2 feet and the length is 6 feet.

  • Pat Ruge Pat Ruge on Mar 23, 2017

    Lowes and most likely your big box hardware stores sells a "shade fabric" with offers the following benefits:

    • Sun Screen Fabric is the ideal DIY product that provides all-in-one cooling shade, protection from harmful UV Rays plus wind and privacy screening
    • The washable fabric's lock-stitch construction allows for cooling air to flow freely while preventing tearing and fraying of the material
    • Cools the area by reducing the temperature by up to 15 degrees
    • Pre-shrunk to maintain size through wide variations of heat, cold and sun intensity
    • Easy to install with Sun Screen accessories and common tools
    • Cleans easily with a garden hose

    I've used this product and it's been installed for over 8 years above my pergola, with at least 2 more years life. If the temp is 100 degrees in the sun, it reduces to 85 degrees under this shade. I think that is significant. It would not offer a "roll-up" option or to push aside. Installs more like a window screen and is stationary, but it is see thru while still offering privacy. Worth a look-see.


    If you like it, I would present it to your landlord and he/she should pick up the cost as well as the labor to insure it is done right. It's really no more than asking for a window screen replacement. It should be a permanent installation and will last for years to come. - a good investment.

    • 861650 861650 on Apr 09, 2017

      Have not seen your reply until now. I have been pricing online fabric with UV protection and it is not cheap. Will check out "shade fabric" at Lowes and Home Depot. However, I do like your idea and the fact that the fabric has lasted so long! Thank you for taking the time to share a great project!

  • Dfm Dfm on Apr 09, 2017

    shade cloth is awsome. my ac was running non stop. too much solar gain from the eastern sun/western sun. . i cut the shade cloth to fit my exterior windows and clipped in place with binder clips. if i were the swearing type, i'd swear that it cut down on the wind as well. oh btw shade cloth from an agricultual source may be less expensive than lowes. growers supply company will sell remnents of shade cloth, and the have a variety of "strenghts" 40% 80% etc.

    • 861650 861650 on Apr 09, 2017

      Just now found your response and never thought of an agricultural source. You KNOW I'm going to check it out. Thank you for sharing your idea!

  • Dfm Dfm on Apr 09, 2017

    p.s. growers supply has an online catalog.

    • 861650 861650 on Apr 09, 2017

      Thanks again, will check out their site this evening!