Patio Shades | Indoor Shades With A Twist

The only real difference between indoor blinds and patio blinds is in materials and that is about all.  They both are trying to accomplish certain things:  privacy, better regulation of heat/cold and, of course, shade.  There is more of a need for the last of these outdoors, so you could assume that patio shades serve the purpose that is in their name – shade.  But, you can still get those other features from outdoor patio shades as well.  In fact, some shades are made to the same standards in both quality and materials as indoors, but are simply made for exterior areas.

For example, in the case of a patio blinds, let’s just look at bamboo.  Inside the home, bamboo is quickly becoming the material of choice in the green building arena.  It is durable, sustainably grown and looks quite nice.  It can be used in a variety of applications.  In Asian countries, bamboo is used extensively in building as well.  It can be made to suit whatever needs it is given with respect to household items, it seems.  Bamboo can be split and cut into thin strips, even ‘toasted’ to achieve a darker appearance than the classic light tan-natural color look, and woven together.  This woven piece can then be used as a blind both indoors and out.  If it is to be used outdoors, then the mechanical elements will be made of stainless steel and use other binding agents that are made to withstand water and the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

Other types of patio shades include things like canopies and deck covers.  A covered patio is another way to achieve some shade for your patio, but it doesn’t fit the context of what we are discussing here.  The materials used in these canopies or other awnings used outdoors are usually a thicker nylon or canvas material.  The brand name Sunbrella™ is well-known and a respected leader in outdoor patio fabrics.  For more ideas and inspiration, search their site or even Google using the term “patio shades”.

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