This Smart DIY Upcycles Old Shower Curtains Into Backyard Art

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It's no secret that replacing a shower curtain is one of the easiest ways to refresh your bathroom space. But what to do with the old one? It's big, bulky, and not something you usually want to keep in the linen closet. Don't toss it into the trash. Upcycle that old shower curtain into large-scale DIY art for your outdoor space, as YouTuber Cara Newhart shows.

Shower curtains are the perfect material for outdoor art. The material is typically designed to be waterproof, so no storm will wash the design away, and wet weather won't wreck it. For this DIY, opt for coated fabric curtains like cotton and polyester — in addition to being excellent for their water-repelling qualities, they will most closely resemble an actual canvas. It's big enough to cover blank spaces, unsightly fences, or just make your outdoor space feel personalized. The beauty of this DIY upcycle is that it can match your personal outdoor style without breaking the bank. Simply flatten and stretch out your old curtain, then staple it to a wood frame. 

A bright blue ocean-inspired shower curtain covered with tropical fish can now be transformed into poolside artwork. Or subtle stripes, as Newhart shows, can add subtle contrast and visual interest to an otherwise blank privacy wall. Staring at a boring wooden fence in the backyard? Add color with a floral, vintage-inspired shower curtain. For a sports-themed patio bar, consider adding bold solids in your team colors, or buy a curtain with an official logo to add large-scale artwork for less. 

For this project, you'll need your shower curtain, wood boards (cut to size), wood glue, and a wood or upholstery staple gun (like this SHALL Light Duty Staple Gun for Wood on Amazon). First, measure your exterior space. A standard shower curtain is nearly 6 by 6 feet, but can be trimmed to work in smaller frames. The boards for the frame should be cut to size based on your measurements with a mitered edge. (Some home improvement stores, like Home Depot, will cut the lumber for you on site.) When selecting wood, look for pressure-treated lumber, which is water-resistant and affordable — as it will be covered with the canvas, appearance doesn't really matter here. 

Make sure your curtain is mildew- and mold-free. Some curtains are washing machine-safe — for others, get rid of pink mildew by soaking them in water with half a cup of bleach, and hang to dry. In another video, Cara Newhart walks through how to create the shower curtain wall art. 

To build your frame, use your stapler or wood glue to connect the wooden pieces into a frame. Some crafters also use a drill and pocket hole screws to connect the frame. Place your shower curtain image-side down and stretch it flat. Ensure that the design you want to be in-frame is in the right composition/postiion before trimming the curtain or securing anything in place. Wrap the curtain edges around the wood and staple it so that it is taut and even. Fold corners and trim excess fabric as needed so it is secure. Your canvas should be drum-tight and firm to the touch. Next, all you need to do is hang it in your backyard!