Whether you’re battling the blazing afternoon sun, looking to extend your living space, or simply want more privacy while you relax, choosing the right outdoor shades is key. Creating comfort and curb appeal outside your home starts with the right shade solution. At Made in the Shade Lafayette, we know every patio, porch, or pergola comes with its own set of needs—and challenges.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our related article on outdoor comfort and style with exterior shades to discover how these treatments can transform your space.
Let’s break down what to consider when selecting the best exterior shades and awnings option for your home.
1. Start with the Purpose: What Are You Trying to Achieve?
Before jumping into fabrics and styles, think about why you want outdoor shades. Are you trying to:
- Block direct sunlight?
- Protect your outdoor furniture?
- Add privacy to a patio or balcony?
- Create a more comfortable entertaining space?
Your main goal will guide you toward the best product. For example, if you’re looking to reduce heat and glare, exterior patio shades made with solar screen fabrics may be ideal. If you’re more concerned with shade on demand, consider retractable awnings.
2. Consider the Direction Your Outdoor Space Faces
Sun exposure plays a huge role in the effectiveness of your right outdoor shades. For example:
- South-facing patios often get the most sun throughout the day. You’ll want high UV-blocking fabric like our exterior solar shades that reduce glare and lower heat transfer.
- West-facing spaces get intense late-day sunlight. For this, we often recommend motorized patio shades that can be adjusted easily in the afternoon.
- North-facing areas may need more protection from wind and rain than sun. In these cases, anchoring systems or heavy-duty awnings can help.
3. Match the Style to Your Home’s Architecture
The right outdoor shades should look as good as it performs. At Made in the Shade Lafayette, we carry a wide range of fabric colors, frame finishes, and mounting options that blend beautifully with any style—whether it’s modern, coastal, farmhouse, or traditional.
For a sleek, low-profile option, our exterior roller shades fit snugly under soffits or patio roofs. If you’re going for dramatic curb appeal, retractable awnings in bold fabrics can add a pop of personality while keeping things cool.
4. Think About Operation: Manual or Motorized?
You have options! All of our outdoor window treatments can be operated manually, but more and more Lafayette homeowners are choosing motorized shades and awnings for the ultimate in convenience.
Motorization gives you:
- One-touch control with a remote, wall switch, or smartphone app
- Compatibility with home automation systems like Alexa or Google Home
- Scheduled shade adjustments based on time of day or temperature
- Quiet, efficient operation even for large spaces
If smart home integration is important to you, talk to us about upgrading to a motorized exterior shade system. You’ll love the comfort and control it offers.
5. Evaluate Local Weather Conditions
Lafayette weather can go from sunny to stormy in minutes, so your exterior window treatments need to be up to the task.
We offer shade systems from top brands like Graber, Insolroll, and Alta Window Fashions, known for their durability and weather resistance. Features to consider:
- Wind sensors that automatically retract awnings in high gusts
- Weather-resistant fabrics that resist fading, mold, and mildew
- Cable-guided or zipper-track systems for better stability in windy conditions
If you’re unsure what’s best for your property, our experts will help you evaluate your exposure and suggest the most reliable options.
6. Prioritize Safety—Especially for Families and Pets
All of our products offer cordless and child-safe features. For outdoor environments, that also means minimizing tripping hazards and ensuring secure installations.
Motorized options are great for safety since they eliminate cords altogether. Our professionally installed shades are always custom-measured to ensure a clean, secure fit that’s built to last.
7. Set Your Budget—and Know Your Options
Outdoor shade systems are a smart investment that can increase your home’s value and reduce your energy bills. But we know every project is different. That’s why we offer:
- Competitive pricing on top-quality custom products
- Transparent estimates
- A wide range of material and automation options
- Free in-home consultations so you can see what works for your budget
Whether you’re dressing one small balcony or transforming a whole backyard, we’ll help you find the best fit without overspending.
Real Outdoor Shade Solutions, Right Here in Lafayette
We’ve helped countless homeowners in the Lafayette and Acadiana area create beautiful, functional outdoor living spaces. From cozy patios to large-scale pergolas, our local team is ready to help you discover the shade solution that fits your life.
Be sure to check out our related article for even more ideas and inspiration!
Ready to Find Your Perfect Outdoor Shade?
Don’t wait for another sweltering summer—or stormy season—to make your outdoor space more livable.
📅 Request your Free In-Home Consultation today and let our experts bring the showroom to you. We’ll help you choose the perfect combination of design, durability, and ease of use.
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