The Best Outdoor Shades of 2023 to Spruce Up Your Living Space (2023)

So you now have set up glass windows as a new project or as part of a new home. Who says you can't add a bit of spruce and style to your outdoor living space? With the right outdoor shades, you can make your outdoor living area look amazing in no time.

Whether you’re looking for sun protection and privacy or just want to add some eye-catching style to your home’s exterior, there are plenty of options available. In this article, we will be exploring the best outdoor shades that you can use to spruce up your own backyard oasis.

Best Outdoor Blinds for Your Home

When it comes to outdoor shades, nothing beats the look of outdoor blinds. These are great for providing extra privacy and sun protection while also adding a stylish touch to your outdoor space.

The best outdoor shades come in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes, so you can find one that fits perfectly with your home’s style. You can choose from simple woven wood options or more intricate designs to create an eye-catching element on your patio or gazebo. Read on, as we've listed some of the best outdoor blinds below.

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1. Roller Shades

Roller shades are an excellent option for outdoor spaces as they provide effective sun protection while also offering a stylish and contemporary look to your exterior. These shades can be made from a variety of materials like vinyl, fabric, and aluminum.

The best thing about roller shades is that they can be adjusted to fit the size of your windows easily. You can also choose from different colors and patterns to create the perfect look for your outdoor space.

While roller shades offer a unique style and look, it is important to consider the amount of light and heat they let in. If you want complete privacy and blackout protection, then you should opt for a thicker material like vinyl or fabric.

At Factory Direct Blinds, ourEconomy Basic Vinyl Blackout Roller Shades are perfect for providing complete privacy while also creating a modern look.

These shades are made from high-grade vinyl and can be easily adjusted to fit any window size.

2. Ziptrack Blinds

With patented technology, Ziptrak blinds are a great option for outdoor spaces. These blinds offer an easy-to-use track system that allows you to lower and raise the shades with ease. The best part is that they come in a variety of colors and styles so you can customize them according to your needs.

These blinds also provide excellent sun protection and privacy as they are made from heavy-duty fabrics. They can be easily adjusted to fit any window size, giving you complete control over how much light or heat comes into your home. And although Ziptrak blinds come at higher price points, they do not have cords, making them a great choice for households with children or pets.

3. Cafe Blinds

If you are looking for blinds that let you have crisp, clear views without sacrificing protection, then cafe blinds are the perfect option. These retractable shades allow you to easily control the light and privacy levels in your outdoor space while still providing an elegant look with their classic design.

OurPremier 3% Solar Screen Roller Shade is the perfect choice for cafe blinds. Its percentage refers to openness, which means that it lets a small amount of sunlight and heat in while still providing excellent sun protection. This shade is also made from PVC-coated polyester fabric, making it durable enough to withstand weather conditions like rain and wind.

Since cafe blinds are usually made from a combination of vinyl or mesh fabric, they are designed to provide excellent privacy and protection from the sun while still allowing you to enjoy views of your outdoor space.

4. Retractable Awnings

Most people only see awnings as adjustable extensions that offer sun protection and privacy. However, retractable awnings are an excellent option for outdoor spaces as they provide both shade and style. Imagine having dinner on your patio while still being able to take in the beautiful views of your garden.

Plus, these awnings come with an easy-to-use crank handle that allows you to control the level of shade and privacy in your outdoor space. So whether you want to block out direct sunlight or just enjoy the views, retractable awnings are a great option for any outdoor space.

5. Bamboo Shades

Complimenting an outdoor space with a tropical feel, bamboo blinds and shades add an air of sophistication to any outdoor area. These shades are made from natural materials that provide excellent sun protection while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. They’re also incredibly versatile, as they can be installed in multiple ways and are available in different colors and patterns.

See these Cordless Woven Wood Shades from our collection – they come in different types and colors of wood, such as bamboo mesh white, Tiva honey, and more. This ensures that you can create a custom relaxing atmosphere in your outdoor space and provide excellent sun protection.

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6. Solar Shades

For people who want to avoid UV rays and still enjoy views outside, solar shades are a great option. Say you have a window that overlooks gorgeous scenery. Solar shades will give you the best of both worlds as they allow you to enjoy the view while still providing UV protection. And it protects not only you but also things inside your house that may be affected by the sun’s rays, such as furniture or art pieces.

Solar shades, like thisPremier 14% Solar Screen Roller Shade, come in a variety of colors and types to choose from, like sheer weaves and blackout fabrics. So no matter what your preference is, you can find something that works for you.

7. Motorized Blinds

Yes, you heard that right. Motorized blinds are a great option for outdoor spaces because they allow you to have complete control over the amount of shade and privacy in your space at the touch of a button. And you don’t even have to worry about cords or strings getting tangled up, which is always a plus.

This also gives way for you to operate windows that are far away, like skylights or large windows. With motorized blinds, you can easily adjust the angle to get just the right amount of shade and privacy while still enjoying the view outside. So whether you are in bed and want to wake up with some natural light or you’re hosting a party and need to darken the room in an instant, motorized blinds would surely fit any activity that requires ease of access.

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8. Outdoor Curtains

Natural light is important for outdoor spaces as it brings a sense of warmth and coziness to any area. But when the sun gets too hot, you’ll want some protection from UV rays and privacy as well. Outdoor curtains are great for this – they provide shade while still allowing natural light to come in.

As they can provide more dimension, outdoor curtains in your patio, gazebo, porch, or other free-standing structures can change the atmosphere of your outdoor space. You can choose from sheer to blackout fabrics, depending on how much light you want to filter in. And if you’re looking for something with a bit more style, look out for fun patterns and designs that will bring life to your outdoor area.

What Makes Outdoor Shades Different?

Regular window treatments can’t always handle outdoor conditions, so it’s best to opt for outdoor shades that are designed to withstand the elements. Outdoor shades are usually made from more durable materials like vinyl, fabric, and waterproof fabrics. Plus, they come with special features that make them perfect for outdoor use such as weatherproofing and fade-resistant finishes.

Fabrics and vinyl are materials that compose the best outdoor shades because they are more durable and can block out UV rays, keeping you cool and comfortable in any season. According to science, they can reduce the temperature by up to 15 degrees. This means you can enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends even on hot summer days.

Durability is also an important factor when it comes to outdoor shades. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, and wind. This way, you won’t have to worry about replacing them every year or two! On top of that, shades offer versatility when it comes to their functions. Most of them can be easily adjusted to create the perfect amount of shade or privacy that you need, which helps you make the most out of your outdoor space with any style that you prefer.

You can also benefit from how easy it is to maintain outdoor shades. Most of them require minimal cleaning and maintenance, making them a great choice for busy households.

So when you need something that can provide protection from the sun while adding style to your outdoor area, look no further than the best outdoor shades out there.

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Materials Used for Outdoor Blinds

The kinds of blinds for windows and outdoor areas have developed over time for versatility through what they are made of. Explore the commonly used materials for outdoor blinds, their pros and cons, and some maintenance needed.

PVC

Suited for high humidity levels, PVC is a strong and durable material. Its waterproof properties make it great for outdoor use, and its easy-to-clean nature makes it a great choice. However, it has low insulation value, which means that heat will not be kept out of your home as efficiently as other materials may provide. To maintain blinds made from PVC, you should regularly wipe them with a damp cloth.

Fabric

Fabric is a popular choice for outdoor blinds because of its stylish look and its ability to block out sunlight effectively while still allowing air to flow into your home. Fabric provides some insulation but less than other materials, so you may need to add additional layers if you want more heat retention during colder months. However, the fabric needs regular maintenance like washing and treating stains right away so that they don't damage the material.

Mesh

Mesh is a great material for outdoor blinds because it allows air to flow freely into your home while also blocking out sunlight. This makes it perfect for hot climates, as it lets you keep the interior of your home cool without having to add extra layers of insulation. Mesh is not as durable as other materials, however, and may need replacing more often than other materials if exposed to intense weather conditions. A good way of maintaining mesh blinds is to regularly clean them with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a strong and durable material that can withstand extreme weather conditions. It provides good insulation, making it great for colder climates. This material requires minimal upkeep as all you need to do is to wipe the surface with a damp cloth occasionally. However, aluminum blinds may be more expensive than other materials, so this should be taken into consideration when choosing your outdoor blinds.

Features to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Blinds

Aside from their material and design, outdoor blinds also have different kinds of features. So it will save you a lot of time if you know how to match one with your preferences and needs.

Choosing whether you need a manual or motorized system is essential to finding the right outdoor blinds for your home. You have to choose one with functions that you are comfortable with. When it comes to durability, manual blinds require more maintenance, while motorized systems are more durable and require less upkeep.

Other features to consider are size, material, light control options (i.e. blackout or sheer), privacy levels, and wind resistance ratings, to name a few. However, do note as well that these features may affect both the functionality and durability of your blinds. For instance, thicker materials may provide more insulation and privacy –but at the same time, they’re less resistant to wind. Meanwhile, blinds with water-resistance features are great for wetter climates, but they may not be as durable or long-lasting.

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space With the Best Outdoor Shades

You want to find the best outdoor shades in the market, but you're not sure which one to pick. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide what kind of outdoor shades best suits your needs and preferences. Outdoor shades vary in terms of material (e.g. fabric, canvas, vinyl), design, size, functionality, and features such as light control options (i.e. blackout or sheer), privacy levels, wind resistance ratings, etc.). Therefore, it is important to consider your needs and preferences when choosing the best outdoor shades for your home.

But the good news is that Factory Direct Blinds offers a perfect way to enhance your outdoor living space. With a great selection of stylish and functional designs, you can find the perfect shades for your patio or balcony. Whether you’re looking for something to block out the sun or provide privacy from curious eyes, our selection of outdoor blinds has it all.

Plus, we offer free samples so you can make sure that the product is exactly what you need before committing to purchase! So reach out to us by calling our team of experts for assistance or making use of our live chat feature.

FAQs

What outdoor blinds are best?

The best outdoor blinds depend on your needs and preferences. If you need to block out the sun, consider blackout or sheer shades; for privacy, opt for heavier materials like fabric or canvas; wind resistance ratings may be important if you live in an area with strong winds.

What are the best outdoor blinds to keep heat out?

Blackout blinds are the best option to keep out heat and light. They are made of heavy-duty materials that provide excellent insulation, so they can help lower your energy bills by blocking out hot air from outside and keeping cool air in.

What color is best for outdoor blinds?

The best color for outdoor blinds depends on your personal preference and the look you want to achieve. Darker colors are better at blocking out light, while lighter colors can brighten up a space. Neutral tones like beige or gray are timeless classics that look great in any setting.

How do I choose outdoor shades?

If you're worrying about how to choose outdoor shades, visit Factory Direct Blinds. We have an extensive selection of shades for your home, from blackout blinds to custom roman shades, and our free samples can help you find the perfect product for your space. Plus, our team of experts is always here to answer any questions you may have!