Windows & DoorsNo. 5572 · The 2026 edition
Make Ghostly Outdoor Draperies for Halloween
Transform your porch into a haunted haven with these eerie, aged cheesecloth draperies.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at hgtv.com.
Create spooky outdoor draperies by cutting cheesecloth to size, then aging it with a black tea soak. After drying, staple the fabric to poplar strips and mount them to your porch overhang. Add tattered details by cutting holes and pulling the fabric for a ghostly effect.
You'll need
Directions
- Measure the desired height and width for each panel using a tape measure, then cut the cheesecloth to size.
- Using a mitre box and saw, cut poplar strips to the same width as the fabric panels.
- Bring water to a boil, pour it into a bucket, and add several bags of black tea.
- Submerge the cheesecloth in the tea mixture and let it soak overnight to achieve an aged look.
- Remove the cheesecloth from the bucket and hang it over a bannister, fence, or door to dry.
- Once completely dry, attach the cheesecloth panels to the poplar strips using a staple gun with 9/16" staples.
- Staple the poplar strips to the porch's overhang to hang the draperies.
- For a tattered effect, cut random holes in the fabric with scissors or a utility knife, then pull the fabric to create runs.
More photos
Photos hosted by hgtv.com.
