Exterior Shades

Exterior shades help block hot, bright sunlight from entering your home and make excellent additions to your outdoor living space, shielding you from harsh sunlight. But unlike shades made of solid material, our exterior solar shades allow you to see through them so you don't lose your view. Here's how they work:  

• Unique woven material blocks the majority of sunlight and UV rays while small gaps in the weave allow some light and air to pass through  
• These small gaps provide visibility through the shade during the day  
• Shades stop direct sun from overheating your space, keeping your outdoor space cooler and more enjoyable  

Shades can be mounted anywhere you have a durable surface. To help keep you and your home cooler, reduce glare and damaging UV rays, and still keep your view to the outside, consider exterior shades in a variety of locations:  

• Exterior shades can be mounted over windows on your exterior walls, especially those facing direct morning or afternoon sun
• Patios and awnings are a great spot for custom exterior shades – position them between posts to create a more pleasant environment for enjoying the outdoors
• Gazebos and pergolas are another place that can benefit from exterior shades
• Covered porches take well to exterior shades, cutting low-angle morning and evening sun while keeping your view to the yard
• Balconies on apartments and upper floors gain shade and daytime privacy without losing the breeze
• Garages used as workshops or gyms stay cooler and better protected from sun exposure with exterior shades over the openings
• Exterior-facing windows get heat and UV stopped at the glass before it enters the home, easing the load on your cooling system

Adding custom exterior shades to your home not only keeps your cooling costs down by reducing heat gain – don't forget about these other great benefits:  

• The remaining light that passes through the shade is diffused for more even lighting in your home, and no more squinting while sitting on your patio  
• Blocking damaging UV rays helps protect your furnishings – and you!  
• Exterior shades can be rolled up when not needed, providing a clear view to the outside 

At Blindster, we offer durable, affordable exterior shades that operate smoothly and look exceptional. Here's a few things to consider when choosing your new shades:  

• Shades are custom made to your measurements, so consider how wide and how long you want your shades based on the space you're covering
• Shades installed over windows should extend slightly beyond the window itself for the best coverage – read our measuring instruction for exterior shades for complete details
• Shade fabric is available in your choice of "openness" levels that indicate the amount of light that's allowed to pass through – more openness means better view-through while less openness means more light-blocking
• Darker fabrics have better view-through while light colored fabrics block slightly more light – combine shade color and openness levels to maximize clarity or light-blocking
• Match the shade to the space: choose a tighter, lower-openness fabric for exterior-facing windows and high-sun patios where heat and glare control matter most, and a slightly more open weave for porches and outdoor living spaces where preserving the view is the priority
• Don't forget optional hold downs to keep shades in place and to minimize friction between the shade and adjacent surfaces, especially if shades are lowered for long periods of time

Exterior roller shades are worth the purchase and taking the time to measure and install. You'll be more comfortable, and your home will look top-notch with custom exterior shades from Blindster. Don't forget to request free color samples if needed, and check out our available financing options to help with your purchase. 

Exterior window shades are outdoor window coverings designed to block sunlight, reduce heat, and provide protection from UV rays. They are installed on the outside of windows to enhance energy efficiency, minimize glare, and make outdoor spaces more comfortable. These shades are perfect for both residential and commercial applications, such as patios, porches, or large windows.

Solar shades are a specific type of exterior shade made from solar screen fabric designed to block harmful UV rays while allowing filtered sunlight to pass through. Unlike regular shades, they reduce glare and protect interiors from fading due to exposure to the sun’s rays, while maintaining a clear view of the outdoors.

Patio shades are exterior shades tailored for outdoor seating areas, such as patios and porches. They block UV rays, reduce heat, and create a more comfortable, shaded environment for your outdoor spaces. These shades are ideal for enjoying a refreshing breeze on hot days without sacrificing privacy or view.

Exterior window shades are outdoor roller shades made from a woven screen fabric that blocks heat, glare, and UV while preserving your view to the outside. Outdoor blinds is a broader, more general term that people use for many outdoor coverings, including slatted and solid styles. Blindster's exterior shades are the see-through screen type, designed to keep your view while cooling the space.

By blocking heat and reducing the amount of sunlight entering through your windows, outdoor shades lower indoor temperatures and decrease the need for air conditioning. This helps reduce overall energy costs, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for any home or business.

Solar screen fabric is a durable material used in solar shades and patio shades to filter out UV rays and control the amount of sunlight entering a space. Available in varying levels of openness, this fabric offers options for balancing view, privacy, and UV protection, depending on your needs.

Yes, many exterior shades are designed to enhance privacy without compromising your view. Depending on the openness factor of the solar screen fabric, you can achieve varying levels of privacy during the day while still enjoying outdoor views. For complete privacy, choose a denser fabric or consider mounting options that fully cover your windows or door areas. Note that exterior solar shades do not provide nighttime privacy.

Yes. Exterior window shades are well suited to covered porches, pergolas, patios, decks, and gazebos. They mount on the outside of the opening or structure to block direct sun, reduce heat, and add daytime privacy, which makes these outdoor living spaces far more comfortable during the hottest and brightest parts of the day.

Yes. Exterior window shades work for both homes and businesses. Homeowners use them on patios, porches, decks, and sun-facing windows, while commercial properties use them on storefronts, restaurant patios, and covered outdoor seating to cut glare and heat and keep customers comfortable. Every shade is custom-made to the dimensions you provide, so it fits residential and commercial openings alike.

Yes, outdoor window shades from Blindster are custom made to fit your specific needs and measurements. You can choose from a range of fabric options, colors, and mounting styles to ensure the perfect fit for your windows or outdoor areas.

Outdoor shades can be installed in various ways, including wall mounts or ceiling mounts. The choice depends on whether you’re installing them outside a window, on a patio, or over a door.

Yes, exterior shades made with solar screen fabric are specifically designed to block harmful UV rays. This not only protects your skin but also prevents fading and damage to furniture, flooring, and other interior items exposed to the sun’s rays.

Absolutely! Exterior window shades make patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces more enjoyable by providing shade, reducing glare, and maintaining a cool environment. With options like patio shades, you can transform your outdoor area into a comfortable retreat, even on the sunniest days.

Yes. Every exterior shade order is backed by Blindster's Fit-or-Free® Guarantee — if your shades don't fit due to a measuring error, we'll remake them for free — plus our 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Full terms are available at blindster.com/policies.