Door Fly Curtains: Are They Worth It?
As temperatures rise in the UK and doors start opening to gardens, patios, and balconies, flies, gnats, daddy longlegs, and more are beginning to flood homes with their germs and unpleasantness.
One common solution comes fluttering into view – door fly curtains. Whether found in supermarkets or online marketplaces, they promise a cheap, quick fix to keep flying insects out while letting fresh air in.
But are they really worth it? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of fly curtains for doors, and more importantly, whether a door fly screen is a better long-term solution for your home.
What are door fly curtains?
Door fly curtains, also known as mesh curtains for doors or fly nets for doors, are lightweight barriers typically made from strips of mesh or beaded material. They hang in place of, or in addition to, a standard door and are intended to let air circulate while acting as a barrier to flies, mosquitoes, and other insects.
They’re often marketed as:
- Budget friendly
- Easy to install
- Suitable for temporary use during warmer months
You’ve likely seen them on back doors, conservatory entrances, or kitchen patios – fluttering gently in the breeze and, sometimes, wrapping themselves around pets or unsuspecting guests.
Benefits of fly curtains
Let’s be fair – fly curtain doors do serve a purpose, especially in short-term or rental settings. Here are a few benefits:
- Affordable: Widely available for under £20
- Easy to install: Usually hung from a rod or attached with adhesive Velcro
- Quick solution: Ideal for renters or temporary fixes
- Widely accessible: Available at most home stores, garden centres, and online platforms
If you’re in a pinch and need something now, they may be a reasonable short-term option.
The drawbacks: why fly curtains might not be the best solution
While cheap and convenient, door fly curtains come with their fair share of downsides – especially if you value your home’s aesthetics, comfort, and long-term practicality.
Here’s why many homeowners regret choosing them:
1. Poor durability
The lightweight mesh material often snags, rips, or loses its shape after a few uses – especially with frequent foot traffic, children, or pets. It’s not uncommon for the adhesive fixing to come loose after a few weeks.
2. Lack of elegance
Let’s be honest – bug screens for doors that flap in the breeze or tangle easily aren’t exactly stylish. For luxury homes or well-designed interiors, a strip curtain across the doorway simply doesn’t look the part.
3. Limited effectiveness
Despite their intention, many fly curtains don’t seal tightly, especially around the edges. This leaves gaps for smaller insects like midges or mosquitoes to find their way in.
4. Fiddly to use
Whether it’s brushing past them with a tray of drinks or untangling strands, fly curtains can become an annoyance rather than helpful – particularly for families and frequent hosts.
What’s the smarter alternative to door fly curtains?
If you’re looking for a more permanent, discreet, and elegant solution to insect control, consider fly screen doors from Phantom Screens.
Our insect door screens are the next step up – combining functionality with seamless design. They’re ideal for anyone looking to enjoy open doors during the summer months without inviting in unwanted guests.
Why Phantom Screens are better than fly curtains
Phantom Screens are professionally measured, manufactured, and installed to suit your property – offering not just insect protection, but a considered improvement to your living space.
Here’s how they compare:
- Price:
- Fly curtains: low cost
- Phantom door screens: investment grade
- Durability:
- Fly curtains: short term
- Phantom door screens: long-lasting
- Style:
- Fly curtains: visible & flappy
- Phantom door screens: retractable & discreet
- Effectiveness:
- Fly curtains: basic (loose-fitting)
- Phantom door screens: maximum (sealed, custom fit)
- Suitability:
Benefits of Phantom door fly screens:
- Custom-made to suit your door frame – no gaps, no sagging
- Discreet design – retracts fully when not in use
- High-performance mesh – blocks insects, allows airflow and visibility
- Professional installation – seamless results, no DIY guesswork
- Available in pleated or retractable styles – to suit any architectural need
Whether you have a garden-facing kitchen, a utility entrance, or large sliding doors, our team will advise on the best solution and colour-match the frame for a perfect fit.
Tailored for UK homes
Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions like door insect mesh bought online, Phantom Screens are designed to enhance British homes – from listed cottages to contemporary builds. Our retractable insect door screens are ideal for homeowners who want a clean look, minimal maintenance, and total peace of mind throughout summer.
They’re particularly beneficial for:
- Waterside or rural properties (where insects are most common)
- Homes with bifold or French doors
- Families who want to reduce reliance on chemical repellents
- Those investing in long-term, elegant home improvements
So, are door fly curtains worth it?
If you’re after a temporary, inexpensive fix, door fly curtains may do the job – briefly. But if you value comfort, performance, and design, there’s really no comparison.
Phantom Screens offer a smarter, more elegant alternative that’s designed to last – giving you the freedom to enjoy your indoor-outdoor lifestyle without compromise.
Interested in upgrading from fly curtains to bespoke insect door screens? Get in touch with today for an initial quote and to book in a home survey.