TL;DR
- Exterior window shades are the most effective way to block heat, stopping it before it hits your window and potentially lowering cooling costs.
- They protect your valuable furniture, floors, and artwork from fading by blocking up to 95% of harmful UV rays.
- Top options include Outdoor Roller Shades, Outdoor Solar Shades, and Shade Sails, each offering unique benefits for patios, porches, and windows.
- Modern materials are durable and weather-resistant, while motorization offers the ultimate in convenience and safety.
- Every shade from Blindsgalore is custom-built to your exact measurements for a perfect fit, and most can be installed in under an hour with basic tools.
Top 10 Exterior Window Shades to Keep Your Home Cool & Stylish
Is there a room in your house that feels like an oven every afternoon? Are you tired of squinting from glare just to enjoy your patio? Here at Blindsgalore, our family has spent over 25 years helping homeowners solve these exact problems. The answer is often found on the outside of your home.
The right exterior window shades can take your home from functional to fabulous. They are your first line of defense against the sun, transforming your living spaces, lowering energy bills, and boosting your home’s curb appeal. Let’s dive into the best options to keep your home cool and stylish.
Why Exterior Shades Are a Game-Changer
Think of outdoor shades like putting a hat on your house. Instead of fighting heat after it’s already inside, you stop it at the source. Interior blinds help, but by the time the sun’s rays pass through the glass, the heat is already in. Exterior window shades can block up to 95% of UV rays before they even reach your window. This simple shift can have a huge impact on your home’s comfort and your energy bills. This is the same principle we apply when helping customers choose the right sunroom blinds; stopping heat at the glass is key.
Types of Outdoor Window Shades to Consider
Before we get to our top picks, let’s cover the main categories. Understanding the basic types will help you narrow down what’s right for you.
- Outdoor Roller Shades: The workhorse of the outdoor world. These shades consist of a single piece of specialized fabric that rolls up neatly into a headrail. They are simple, durable, and incredibly effective.
- Outdoor Solar Shades: A type of roller shade made with a special “open weave” fabric. This material is designed to block heat and UV rays while still preserving your view of the outside. They are perfect for areas where you want to cut the glare without feeling closed in.
- Patio Shades & Shade Sails: These are designed to cover larger outdoor living areas like patios, decks, and pergolas. They can be traditional roller shades or architectural fabric sails like our Coolaroo Coolhaven Shade Sails, which create a modern, sculptural look.
Our Top Picks for Exterior Window Shades in 2025
Here are our family’s top solutions for adding comfort and style to your home’s exterior.
- The All-Around Champion: Outdoor Roller Shades For sheer versatility, you can’t beat outdoor roller shades. They work just as well on a window as they do enclosing a porch. Because they are custom-made, you can get the perfect fit for any space, a huge benefit over off-the-shelf options you might have to shorten yourself.
- The View-Saver: Outdoor Solar Shades If you have a beautiful view you don’t want to lose, outdoor solar shades are your answer. Our Blindsgalore Outdoor Solar Screen is a customer favorite for its ability to cut the heat while letting you see out.
- The Privacy Provider: Outdoor Shade Blinds When you want to create a secluded outdoor oasis, look for shades with a lower “openness factor” (1-5%). These tighter weaves provide excellent privacy, making them perfect outdoor shade blinds for overlooked patios or ground-floor windows.
- The Modernist: Sleek Exterior Window Blinds For a clean, contemporary look, choose exterior window blinds with simple lines and neutral colors. A dark solar shade, like our Bali Exterior Solar Shades in a charcoal or black fabric, creates a sharp, architectural look that dramatically boosts curb appeal.
- The Entertainer’s Choice: Outdoor Blinds for Patios Transform your patio into the ultimate spot for entertaining with outdoor blinds for patio spaces. A set of motorized shades, like the Coolaroo Motorized Outdoor Sun Shades, allows you to lower all your shades with one button, instantly creating a comfortable, glare-free environment for your guests.
- The All-Weather Warrior: Waterproof Outdoor Shades For uncovered areas exposed to rain, waterproof outdoor shades are a must. These shades are made with materials that shed water, preventing mold and mildew and ensuring your investment lasts for years.
- The UV Protector: Coolaroo Shades Coolaroo shades are renowned for their high-quality HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) fabric that provides superior UV protection. The Coolaroo Outdoor Sun Shades are a fantastic, durable option that comes in a variety of colors to match your home.
- The Quick Fix: Roll Up Blinds Simple roll up blinds with a manual crank or spring operation are a cost-effective and reliable way to add shade when you need it and roll it away when you don’t.
- The Smart Investment: Motorized Solar Shades Combine energy savings with modern convenience. Our Blindsgalore Essential Motorized Solar Shades can be programmed to lower during the hottest parts of the day, saving you money on cooling costs without you having to lift a finger.
- The Architectural Accent: Shade Sails For a truly unique look, step away from traditional roller shades. A Coolaroo Coolhaven Shade Sail can be layered to create a stunning, modern covering for patios, pools, and carports.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Blinds for Your Home
With so many great options, how do you choose? Focus on these three things.
Material & Durability
Outdoor materials are tough. They are designed to resist fading, moisture, and mildew. For maximum durability, look for high-quality vinyls and HDPE fabrics. These materials are easy to clean and can handle the elements with ease, making them a great choice for any home, including durable coverings for rental properties.
Light Control & Privacy
This comes down to the fabric’s “openness factor.”
- Low Openness (1-5%): Maximum privacy and heat blocking. You won’t be able to see through them much, and neither will your neighbors.
- High Openness (10-14%): Excellent view preservation. Great for cutting glare while keeping that open, airy feeling.
Installation Tips
Don’t be intimidated by installation! 99% of our customers install their own window shades. Whether you’re a DIY expert or not, it’s a breeze. All you’ll need are a few basic tools and about an hour. Our instructions are clear, and our in-house experts are just a phone call away. If you’re replacing old treatments, our guide on how to take down blinds can help you get started.
KEY TAKEAWAY: A Crucial “Don’t” As you plan, remember our golden rule of cleaning: never submerge your blinds or shades in water. A deep soak can damage the materials and mechanisms. A gentle wipe-down or light spray with a hose is all you need to keep them looking great.
Styling Tips for Exterior Window Shades
The right exterior sun shades can be a major style statement. To get the look just right, choose a color that complements your home’s trim, siding, or stone. Dark colors like charcoal and black tend to look modern and sharp, while lighter beiges and grays offer a softer, more traditional feel. If you’re ever unsure about the difference between finishing touches like a cornice or a valance, our team can help you pick the perfect option.
Time to Get Started
The right exterior window shades can truly transform your home, making it more comfortable, stylish, and energy-efficient. At Blindsgalore, we believe in providing designer quality without the designer price tag.
Ready to take your home from blah to ta-da? Start by exploring our full collection of custom-built Outdoor Blinds and Shades. Don’t forget to order up to 15 free samples to see the colors and materials in your own home. Most of our custom orders are handcrafted and shipped for free in as little as 5-7 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most effective shades for blocking heat are exterior solar shades. By stopping the sun’s rays before they hit the glass, they provide superior heat reduction compared to any interior window treatment.
Motorization and natural textures are the biggest trends right now. Homeowners love the convenience of controlling their shades with a remote or smart home device, and materials that mimic woven woods or natural fibers are very popular for adding warmth and style.
While her exact choices vary, Joanna Gaines’s signature style often features window treatments with natural textures and simple, clean lines. Think woven wood shades, simple roller shades in neutral fabrics, or classic drapery.
For a cohesive and high-end look from the outside, choose shades that have a neutral, uniform color on the back. Many of our solar shades and roller shades are designed with a white or off-white backing for this very reason, giving your home a clean, consistent curb appeal.
Yes! Many of our outdoor shades are made with weather-resistant and even waterproof materials designed to handle the elements. For best results in rainy climates, look for our designated waterproof outdoor shades.