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Outdoor Blinds And Shades Buying Guide — Everything To Know!
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Why Buy Exterior Window Treatments?
- How To Choose Outdoor Blinds and Shades
- Types Of Outdoor Window Treatments
- Which is best for you?
- Outdoor Shades and Blinds for Your Sunroom, Outdoor Patio, Porch, and More
- Frequently Asked Questions
When purchasing window treatments for outdoor living areas such as a porch, patio, or deck, the sheer number of options available to you can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to decide on the type of blind or shade, but you also need to choose a material and color that will complement your home’s exterior.
In this guide, we will help you narrow down your choices and make the best decision for your needs. We will cover the different types of outdoor blinds and shades available, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the right one for your home.
Let's dive right in!
Check out our Custom Window Shades Buying Guide here!
Why Buy Exterior Window Treatments?
This is a great question, and one that often causes people to neglect their outdoor spaces when it comes time to furnish and decorate. After all, it's outdoors – why bother with window treatments or light control?
The truth is, there are very good reasons to buy exterior window treatments for your outdoor living spaces. One of the biggest reasons is privacy. If you have a porch, patio, or deck that's visible from the street, you'll want to make sure you can enjoy it in peace and privacy. Exterior window treatments can help with that.
Another big reason to buy exterior window treatments is protection from the sun and the elements. Sun can fade and damage furniture, flooring, and fabrics over time. Rain, snow, and hail can also do a lot of damage to unprotected windows. Exterior window treatments can help keep your furniture and décor looking new for longer.
Finally, exterior window treatments can add to the overall aesthetic of your home. They can make your home look polished and finished, and they can help to create a specific style or mood for your outdoor space.
So, if you're convinced that exterior window treatments are a good idea, what's the next step? Read on for our buying guide to help you choose the right ones for your home.
How To Choose Outdoor Blinds and Shades
If you're new to the world of outdoor blinds and shades, you may be wondering how to choose the right products for your needs. What factors should you consider? Let us help you out.
Usage
The intended usage of the product you're purchasing is one of the most important factors to consider. If you plan to use your outdoor blinds and shades for privacy, then you'll want to look for products that offer good coverage. If you're just looking for something to keep the sun out, then a less opaque option may be more suitable.
Similarly, if you're looking for something to use in a specific climate or environment, you'll need to take that into account when making your purchase. For example, if you live in a hot climate, you'll want to choose a product with good heat insulation.
Design
Outside or inside, it's always best to match your blinds and shades with the stylistic features of your home. For instance, if you have a traditional home, you'll want to choose traditional blinds and shades. The same goes for modern and contemporary homes – choose modern or contemporary products to match the look of your home.
Budget
Everyone has a different budget to consider, and thankfully, there are outdoor options to suit any budget. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you may want to consider shades instead of blinds. Shades are typically less expensive than blinds, and they still offer some privacy and sun protection.
Quality
Regardless of whether you are purchasing indoor or outdoor window treatments, the product you choose will be an investment – so make sure you choose wisely. When it comes to outdoor window treatments, you'll want to look for products that are made from durable materials and that have been tested for weather resistance. This way, you can be sure your investment will last for years to come.
Climate
Outdoor blinds and shades have the added challenge of facing the elements every day. Sun, wind, rain, and snow can all take a toll on products that aren't made to withstand them.
When choosing your outdoor window treatments, be sure to consider the climate where you live. If you live in a particularly windy area, for example, you'll want to choose a product with good wind resistance.
Material
Next, consider the material of the product you're interested in. Outdoor blinds and shades are typically made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Wood is typically a riskier option, as it can be prone to weather damage. Faux wood and plastic are both more durable options, and they often come with warranties against weather damage.
Functionality
Finally, it's crucial to consider functionality and to prioritize it highly when making your purchase. Do the blinds open and close without any problems? Is the shade easy to operate? Are the cords and chains well-hidden so as not to be a safety hazard? Will your children and pets be safe using the product?
These are all important questions to ask before making your purchase. Now that you know how to choose outdoor blinds and shades, it's time to start shopping! Be sure to consider the factors we've outlined here, and you're sure to find the perfect product for your needs.
Types Of Outdoor Window Treatments
It's time to choose your outdoor window treatment, and there are a few different types to choose from.
Outdoor Shades
The most popular types of outdoor window shades are roller shades and solar shades.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are the traditional type of roman shade that you probably think of when someone mentions window shades. They are made of a light fabric that is rolled up and down using a roller mechanism. Roller shades are a good choice for large windows or windows that face the sun, as they can help to block out the sun's heat and glare. Zebra shades are particularly good for light regulation.
Roman shades are best for areas where you want to have some gentle privacy, as they can be made to be quite opaque. Many people use them as patio shades. They are also a good choice for areas that get a lot of wind, as the fabric can help to keep the wind out.
However, note that outdoor roller shades do not offer a lot of insulation, so they are not the best choice for colder climates. They can also be a bit difficult to operate, so if you have children or pets that like to play near the windows, you may want to choose a different type of shade.
Solar Shades
Solar shades are similar to roller shades, but they are made from a heavier fabric that is designed to block out the sun's harmful UV rays, heat, and glare. They are a good choice for windows that face the sun, as they can help to keep the room cool.
These roll-up shades are typically a good choice for areas that get a lot of wind, as they can help to keep the wind out. And like roller shades, outdoor sun shades also offer privacy and can be made to be blackout or quite opaque.
There are some downsides to exterior solar shades, however. First, they can be quite expensive. Second, they can be difficult to operate and may require a lot of manual adjustment in order to get the best results.
Outdoor Blinds
Just as there are blinds for indoor spaces, you can also get outdoor window blinds. Outdoor blinds are perfect for porches, patios, and decks. They provide privacy and protection from the sun and wind.
External Venetian Blinds
If you're looking for a stylish option, external Venetian blinds or patio blinds might be the right choice for you. They are made of metal, plastic, or wood and can be opened and closed to control the amount of light that comes into your outdoor space.
Because Venetian blinds are usually seen inside the home, adding them to your outdoor space can really make it stand out. The important thing is to choose an incredibly durable material if you're going to have them outside, as they will be exposed to the elements – and Venetians have many moving parts that could easily break if not well-maintained.
Plantation Shutters
If you are concerned that Venetian blinds will not be able to withstand the weather, plantation shutters might be a better option. These are the shutters you typically see on the exterior of homes. They are made of wood or vinyl and can be opened and closed to control the amount of light that comes into your outdoor space.
Rather than being operated by a cord, plantation shutters are cordless, opened and closed by a hinge – and they are secured in place, so wind cannot blow them around. People often use them on the top of their pergola as an adjustable ceiling.
PVC Blinds
For areas in which you do not want to obstruct your view, like gazebos and porches, PVC blinds might be a good option. These are made of plastic and can be opened and closed to control the amount of wind that comes into your outdoor space.
PVC blinds are a good option for areas near the water, as they will not rust like metal blinds might. They also allow outdoor spaces to feel more open, as there is nothing blocking your view.
However, note that these see-through blinds only block wind and rain and will not protect you from the sun.
Which is best for you?
At the end of the day, the right window covering all comes down to personal preference. If you want to block out the sun's heat and glare for added UV protection, go with a solar shade. If you want privacy and don't mind a bit of light filtering in, go with an exterior roller shade. Outdoor blinds provide more light customization and control, and PVC blinds give you a better view of the outdoors.
Outdoor Shades and Blinds for Your Sunroom, Outdoor Patio, Porch, and More
Outdoor spaces, such as sunrooms, patios, porches, and decks, can be great places to relax and enjoy the outdoors. However, if they are not properly protected from the sun and other elements, they can quickly become uncomfortable and unusable. That’s where outdoor shades and blinds come in.
Outdoor shades and blinds can provide much-needed protection from the sun, wind, rain, and insects. They can also help to reduce glare and heat gain, making your outdoor space more comfortable to relax in.
Finding the right window treatment for your outdoor space can be tricky, which is why we wanted to create the above guide for your convenience. Hopefully you are now equipped with the knowledge of what to look for when shopping for outdoor shades and blinds – and if you are looking for a wide range of high-quality outdoor shades and blinds, take a look at our extensive collection of best sellers.
