There are a variety of categories included in the broad term outdoor shades. So, for the purposes of this informative site, I’ll focus my efforts on the most common or popular. We’ll cover the basics of styles, operation and use of shades for a variety of your outdoor patio needs.

First of all, since you searched for shades of this type, you must have some need at your home. Many people are simply looking for sun shades to keep them out of the direct, intense rays of the sun, especially during the hotter summer months. This can make a patio so much more enjoyable and comfortable. Isn’t that what your patio is for in the first place?

Some people would even consider an awning to be a type of shade and this is technically correct. However, in the industry, stationary or retractable awnings are an entity all themselves. They have mechanical needs that are different than a shade in some ways and similar in others. Awnings are also more notable for their appearance that tend to project away from the wall of the home or patio. You’ve seen these before with a metal spear or similar looking brace that supports them away from the wall at an angle. Then, the awnings are fitted to connect at one end to your home and the other end ‘suspended’ away from the wall, providing that shade. Awnings are very popular in bold striped patterns as well. Fabric choices and patterns abound for all types of outdoor shades, awnings are no exception to this.

An outdoor shade is typically going to be used either on the exterior of your windows to provide direct sun protection or hung from a patio structure to create a wall of shade. Then, there are other types that could be more accurately called patio canopies. These are like smaller versions of sails from a ship. They are sometimes called Australian shades as well. This style is often anchored to a wall of the home and then to two other points, usually another wall or pole that has been mounted for this specific purpose. The three points of attachment create a very tight sail-type canopy that can provide you with that outdoor shade you are looking for. These have become much more popular over the past several years.

The traditional window shade is usually made of a fine mesh fabric that is simply mounted just on the exterior of your home’s windows. This makes it more like a barrier to the sun entering your home. These can reduce energy costs as well as making your indoor space feel more comfortable. While they do come in different colors, a typical shade of this type is black or a shade of gray or brown.

A patio shade or shades that are hung from your patio help to create a more comfortable space to lounge in outdoors. In this type of application, your shades may be a sturdier fabric that is raised and lowered. These roller shades can be done mechanically by way of a manual switch or even automatically through the use of a light-sensing switch. These motorized shades make it much easier to enjoy the exact level of shade you prefer as you can simply raise or lower them to your desired height. These work very much the same way that those retractable awnings mentioned previously work. Sometimes people refer to these types of shades as solar shades. This is an accurate description and the solar category could really be classified under this more broad category of outdoor shades.

Outdoor shade fabric material is manufactured to resist the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and the elements. The motorized variety have warranties that protect them against early wear and are designed to last for years. Exceptionally windy conditions or areas with extreme heat or cold will cause your shades to wear more quickly. In these cases, it is even more important to properly care for your shades with proper washing and storage – ie. rolling them up when it is especially windy – to ensure longer lasting life.

If you consider your patio shades as an extension of your home’s interior blinds and window coverings, then you will quickly appreciate their value. With a well-fitted and handsome set of shades for the outdoor area of your home and patio, you will find that you can enjoy your space that much more. You will be able to sit in comfort, protected from intense heat and other natural elements. With the ever changing progress in roller shade design and track performance, it is a great time to think about investing the extra money in one of the automated motorized shades styles.