How to Gain Shade and Privacy Using Dollar Store Beach Mats

Marlene
by Marlene
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. icon
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 icon 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
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Marlene
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  2 questions
  • Terry Crenshaw Garrison Terry Crenshaw Garrison on May 18, 2018

    Fabulous ideal have you every tried stitching them together like a curtain ?

  • Elizabeth Elizabeth on May 18, 2018

    Wow this is great! Do you know other ways to use these Matt’s? I think they look nice And expensive! 👀

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  • Marlene Marlene on Jun 19, 2018

    Wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing!

  • Emilie DeWolf 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

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