Outdoor patios play a significant role in maximizing usable space for entertaining and relaxation. As an indoor-outdoor living space, making your patio as comfortable as possible is a must. Investing in blinds and shades will help with light filtering, privacy, and protection from the elements. Patio blinds will also add a level of style to your home, giving you better curb appeal.
Protection from the Elements
When properly installed, outdoor patio blinds can help keep you cool and comfortable during the hot days of summer. They will protect your furniture from dust, pollen, and sun bleaching, extending the life of your patio furniture. Heavier fabrics can keep out the wind, rain, and bothersome pests. Lighter materials allow some visibility while keeping the sun’s intense rays at bay.
One crucial factor to consider is the angle and time of day when the sun hits your outdoor patio. Knowing this, you will be able to select the correct length and width to get proper coverage. You can also use this information in tandem with motorized blinds and set your blinds to automatically lower during the day when the sun is shining directly into your patio.
Light Filtering
Depending on the material used and how tight the stitch is, there is a wide range of light filtering potential. The smaller the percentage, the less light will get through. A 1% solar shade will block 99% of sunlight, while a 15% shade blocks 85% of sunlight. Patio shades not only block the light but also reduce glare, protect against UV rays, and prevent sun bleaching on furniture, carpets, and other surfaces.
Motorized or Manual Blinds
Manual blinds are easier to install and more minor of financial investment, making them a suitable choice when working with a limited budget. They come in a wide range of fabrics, which makes it easy to match materials and colors with the interior of your house. They are also easy to operate on smaller windows by simply pulling a cord to raise and lower them but are more demanding on oversized windows.
The biggest perk with motorized blinds is their ease of use. Great for oversized windows, the patio blinds weight is no challenge for these strong motors. You can install them to cover tall, hard-to-reach windows, and they give better accessibility to those with mobility issues. They can also be adjusted from anywhere in the home and do not have the dangling cords that manual blinds do. You can set them to operate while you are away for added security, giving the illusion that your home is occupied.
Color and Style
Window shades come in many styles and are as decorative as they are functional. They contribute a distinct look to the exterior of your home, and the aesthetic appeal should be considered. Choose colors and styles that compliment your house to boost your home’s curb appeal.
Privacy
Outdoor blinds can be an immense help in giving you a sense of privacy. Whether you live close to your neighbors or in a busy section of town, choose blinds that will maximize the privacy of your entertaining space. With the wide range of materials and light filtering options, you can select more transparent blinds or those that act as retractable walls and provide maximum privacy.
Overall, the cost of installing outdoor patio blinds is well worth it. They will improve your sense of security and privacy while protecting you and your furniture from the sun’s harmful rays. Giving you more time to enjoy your entertaining space, retractable blinds will also add to your home’s curb appeal.
