Outdoor curtains can better structure an outdoor space to make it feel like an actual room.

Surround a seating area under a patio or pergola with drapes and it instantly feels more cozy and complete.

Note how Ajai uses the curtain to hide the gazebo’s plain support post.

A covered patio framed with adjustable white curtains

Rikki Snyder

To make the entire scene feel extra enchanting, try using a swag tieback on your curtains.

This will create volume at the top of your curtains and beautifully frame your patio.

Note that adding some greenery in front of your drapes will also make them appear fuller.

Patio with white curtains opening into a back porch

Maite Granda

Contemporary Modern

Even if your backyard design isn’t overly romantic, don’t rule out curtains!

Exposed grommets on the curtains and simple tie-backs also help tame their decorativeness.

A patio decorated with curtains, plants, and a matching patio furniture set with a built-in umbrella

Homemade by Carmona

patio gazebo with gathered tulle curtains

Ajai Guyot forEmily Henderson Design

Covered Outdoor Patio Surrounded by White and Hot Pink Trimmed Curtains

K Kong Designs/ Photo by Mali Azima

patio pergola with sheer curtains

Kirsten Diane

white pergola draped with black and white stripe cabana curtains

Design byJeff Schlarb/ Photo by Aubrie Pick

Italian outdoor living room with gold drapes under stone archways

Design byMark Culter/ Photo by John Ellis

Boho patio space with curtains, egg chair, and hammock.

Trinette Reed / Stocksy

Black wood pergola with white gauze cutrains

Photo by Isabella Vosmikova / Getty Images

Italian outdoor living room with gold curtains

Design byMark Cutler/ Photo by John Ellis

Wood pergola with white outdoor curtains

Houston Chronicle / Getty Images