How to Gain Shade and Privacy Using Dollar Store Beach Mats
by
Marlene
(IC: blogger)
4 Materials
$4
30 Minutes
Easy
Modern living means that most of us live in subdivisions where the houses are fairly close to one another. Where my husband and I live, the basement walkout comes out under the deck, which makes for a nice little area to sit.
However, with all of those upper story windows surrounding us, it’s difficult to relax there without feeling like there are eyes watching your every move. It’s pretty bad when you can’t even scratch yourself without thinking someone might see and pass judgement.
Here's what we see looking out from under our deck.
You will need enough beach mats to cover the area in question, tacks, a small hammer or mallet and tassel ties (optional). This idea can be used anywhere there's a wood overhang.
Make sure to hammer the tack through the coloured trim, or the beach mat will shred. I only used four tacks to hold these blinds up, one on each corner and ...
...two in the center, one on each side of the ties. Yeah, I'm not great with a hammer! LOL But the tacks are secure.
In the area I have, I only used two beach mats to add privacy, but, at two bucks a piece, you can buy as many as you need to give you the privacy you want.
When they're not in use, I recommend rolling the mats up to protect them from inclement weather. The ties on these mats can be a tad skimpy. I bought some decorative tassel ties at the dollar store to use instead but, long shoe laces would work just as well.
Here's a view from the outside looking in. I still have a lot of work to do in the sitting area to tidy up after the winter. Stay tuned to see how I finish it!
To see how I used these blinds at our old home, see http://www.dollarstorestyle.com/outdoorlivingpatioblinds.html
Enjoyed the project?
Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.More info
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Published May 16th, 2018 10:47 AM
Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 61 comments
-
Emilie DeWolf on Jul 25, 2022
You Ladies have given me a zillion ideas. I rent and I'm always looking of ways to changing things. With out getting in to trouble. Especially on the cheap❤️❤️
Emy
-
-
DIANE L POLANDER on May 13, 2024
Great idea !!!
-
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Fabulous ideal have you every tried stitching them together like a curtain ?
Wow this is great! Do you know other ways to use these Matt’s? I think they look nice And expensive! 👀