Creating a comfortable outdoor living space in Edmonton starts with choosing the best exterior shades. Whether you’re relaxing on the patio, dining under your pergola, or working from your screened porch, a quality shade system can make all the difference in style, comfort, and energy efficiency.
At Made in the Shade Edmonton West, we specialize in helping homeowners customize their outdoor environments with premium outdoor shades that are durable, beautiful, and built for Alberta weather. This guide will walk you through how to choose the best exterior window treatments for your home—and link you to a related article filled with design inspiration and shade solutions.
We’ll Bring The Showroom To You! Book a Free In-Home Consultation and see real samples in the comfort of your own outdoor space.
Why Exterior Shades Matter
Exterior shading systems do more than improve the aesthetics of your home. They offer:
- Heat Control: Reduce solar heat gain and keep interiors cooler without overworking your air conditioning.
- UV Protection: Block harmful rays that can damage outdoor furniture, decks, and flooring.
- Increased Privacy: Enjoy your backyard space without feeling exposed to neighbors.
- Custom Comfort: Choose between full sun or filtered shade, depending on your needs throughout the day.
These benefits make exterior shades and awnings one of the smartest investments you can make in your outdoor living area.
Types of Exterior Shades to Consider
1. Exterior Patio Shades
Designed for versatility and performance, exterior patio shade solutions are ideal for enclosing patios, porches, and sunrooms. They filter sunlight, reduce glare, and provide a clean, modern look.
- Great for pergolas and open-sided decks
- Available in solar screen or opaque fabrics
- Optional cable guides for wind resistance
Pair these shades with motorization options for added convenience and control. You can learn more about these in our related article.
2. Retractable Awnings
Need instant shade without permanent coverage? Retractable awnings are a popular choice for those who want flexibility and full sun exposure on demand.
- Manual or motorized operation
- Hundreds of fade-resistant fabric choices
- Optional built-in lighting and sensors
These awnings are ideal for homeowners who love sunbathing in the morning and cooling off in the shade during the afternoon—all with a touch of a button.
3. Solar Shades
Solar shades are perfect for maintaining your view while blocking glare and heat. Installed outside windows or patios, they provide protection without making the space feel closed in.
- Reduce indoor cooling costs
- Preserve outward views
- Custom openness factors for light control
These are especially effective for west-facing patios that get intense afternoon sun.
4. Motorized Shades
Smart homes need smart shades. Motorized options allow you to raise, lower, and adjust your exterior window treatments using a remote, wall switch, or voice control with your smart home system.
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and more
- Ideal for hard-to-reach locations
- Program daily schedules for automatic shade control
If convenience is a priority, motorized shades are an excellent upgrade. We talk more about this feature in our previous blog.
How to Choose the Right Shade for Your Space
Every outdoor area is different. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect exterior shade:
- Sun Exposure: South and west-facing patios will benefit most from solar screen shades or awnings.
- Usage: Do you want a shade you can open for dining and close for privacy? Consider retractable styles.
- Privacy: Denser fabrics provide better privacy while still allowing airflow and some light.
- Wind Conditions: If your space is exposed to wind, look for systems with cable guides or weighted bottoms.
Not sure what’s best? That’s why we offer professional design advice during every free consultation.
Why Choose Made in the Shade Edmonton West?
As a locally owned and operated business, we understand the challenges of Edmonton’s climate—and we only offer products that can stand up to it. From freezing winters to sun-soaked summers, our outdoor window treatments are made to perform and impress.
We proudly partner with premium manufacturers like:
- Insolroll Shades – Leaders in innovative solar and exterior screens
- Graber Outdoor Solutions – Trusted for custom style and smart home integration
- Norman Window Fashions – Built for durability and luxury
Plus, our services always include:
- Free In-Home Consultations
- Professional Measuring & Installation
- Cordless & Motorized Options
- Smart Home Integration
Ready to Create Your Dream Outdoor Space?
Whether you’re just starting to explore options or ready to install your perfect shade system, we’re here to help every step of the way. Let us help you transform your backyard, patio, or deck into a shaded retreat you’ll love year-round.
We’ll Bring The Showroom To You! Request your Free In-Home Consultation today and see just how easy it is to create the perfect outdoor escape.
