Outdoor living areas are more popular than ever. In fact, a recent study by the American Institute of Architects found that 69% of homeowners increased their outdoor living options over the past few years. Nowhere can this trend be seen more than in Arizona.
Patios and poolscapes abound today, along with gorgeous outdoor kitchens, dining, and living areas. Unfortunately, all of that outdoor space can come at a price here – the price of punishing sunlight and heat, making those outdoor living areas virtually unusable during parts of the day. Fortunately, there is one option that can help – shades for outdoor space. Sometimes called custom patio shades, these can give you the help you need during the heat of the day.
What are Outdoor Patio Shades?
If you’ve heard the term but you’re unfamiliar with them, patio shades are created from a solar screen fabric, then strategically placed to help block the sun from your outdoor living space. They can be motorized or they can be manually retractable. Either way, the entire point of outdoor patio shades is to keep your space cool and comfortable throughout the day, even in Arizona.
Are They Right for Me?
If you’re thinking “shades for a patio, what’s the point?”, you’re not alone. Outdoor shades are just becoming popular in many locations, but once you see them in action, you’ll realize they offer the perfect balance of allowing you to enjoy your space without fighting the heat throughout the day. Some studies have found that they can reduce the heat by 65 to 90% during the hottest part of the day. In fact, they can even reduce the heat inside your home when placed near a window.
Patio shades offer more than just cooler temperatures, though. They can also help to protect your furniture. Many people have gorgeous outdoor furniture on their deck or patio, but the reality is that over time, the sun can fade that furniture. If you have an outdoor rug or even outdoor cushions, the sun will take its toll on those items too. Outdoor patio shades can help to protect all of that from the UV light, which means that if you love your outdoor furniture, you can keep it safe for years longer than you might be able to without the patio shades. They can even help protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays while you enjoy your space.
In addition to UV protection, patio shades can also offer you a little extra privacy. Whether you live on the edge of a golf course or you just have a neighbor or two you’re concerned about, installing patio shades could mean a chance to enjoy your gorgeous outdoor space without others peeking in.
Worried those shades will prevent you from looking out over your beautiful property? Don’t. Patio shades are designed with varying levels of opacity. For you, that translates to the fact that you can see your property without dealing with the glare, the heat, or the neighbors.
If you’re searching for custom patio shades that might look great in your outdoor living space, look no further than Gallery of Shades. We offer a free in-home consultation so we can custom-design the perfect patio shades for your space, giving you exactly what you want. Learn more when you contact us today.