Regular readers of Chatham Neighbors Magazine, are familiar with our sponsor, Susan Day and her team at ExcitingWindows! They bring you custom window treatments to dress the inside of your home. But you might not know that you can also call us to make your outdoor spaces more comfortable for summer and fall entertaining and hanging out.
Beyond reducing glare, solar mesh shades help create a more comfortable outdoor living space throughout the day. The specialized fabric blocks a significant portion of the sun’s heat and harmful UV rays while still allowing airflow and preserving your view of the landscape, golf course, lake, or backyard. Instead of retreating indoors during the hottest hours, homeowners can continue enjoying their porch, patio, or deck in greater comfort.
When you want to create an occasional outdoor room and keep insects out, there are ‘zip track’ shades where fabric edges stay in a sidetrack.
Solar shades also help protect outdoor furniture, rugs, cushions, and televisions from sun damage and fading. By filtering direct sunlight, these shades can extend the life of your outdoor investments while maintaining the appearance of your furnishings season after season.
Your best option here is a roller shade made of an open fabric, often called “solar mesh.”
You have likely experienced these already in local restaurants, Piper Glen Golf Course, and at Panther Creek Country Club where there is too much sun to be comfortable. Motorized shades make these the ultimate convenience. You can see these shades in action at the outdoor patio at PCC Club.
Choose different ways to operate these shades depending on your project. This photo shows a classic roller shade, operated with a bead chain like a pulley. These are the simplest and lowest cost. We often design these shades shorter, just to the railing. Small bungee cords keep them in place with our famous central Illinois breezes.
For homeowners who enjoy entertaining, motorized shades add both convenience and luxury. With the touch of a button, an open patio can be transformed into a shaded gathering space for family dinners, watching sporting events, or relaxing with friends. Many homeowners find they use their outdoor living areas more frequently and for longer periods throughout the year once solar shades are installed.
In addition, these shades provide an added sense of privacy during daylight hours without making your outdoor space feel enclosed. You can enjoy your view while reducing visibility from neighboring properties, creating a more comfortable and inviting environment for everyday living.
Neighbors’ readers are invited to share pictures of their patios with Susan at 217-795-9590 for complimentary ideas and costs, or to schedule a no-cost consultation.
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