color options to choose from. Costs vary depending on your selections. It’s a solution that can cost a few hundred dollars or several thousand dollars. Blinds Blinds are functional and flexible options to bring shade to indoor or outdoor spaces. They are available in an abundant selection of materials, sizes, shapes, colors, designs, and textures to match any interior or exterior design. Consider Roman blinds made of fabric, or choose all-natural bamboo. Source some wood-slatted blinds or choose a honeycomb construction. Blinds can roll up and down or raise and lower from the top or bottom with a cord. For shade and cooling inside the home, use blinds on the inside of the windows. In an outdoor room, such as a screened porch, blinds can be placed inside or outside the window frames, as well. Of course, blinds don’t have to cover a window. Roller blinds are commonly mounted directly to framing for pergolas or gazebos for a relatively inexpensive and adjustable shade offering.
A continuation of the home’s roofline offers the ultimate shade, but a pergola will provide filtered shade and is a versatile solution for every season. Pergolas can be attached to the home or be free standing, so you can use them to cover a deck or provide a shady spot elsewhere in the yard. The slats on the pergola should be aligned with the sun for maximum protection. However, sunlight will still filter through. If that doesn’t provide enough shade, you can weave fabric through the top for additional shelter. Plastic or metal sheeting is another option for increased shade cover, as well as protection from the rain other times of the year. Another variation to consider is a gazebo. A freestanding structure, a gazebo has a full roof so you can equip it with comfortable furniture or a simple bench. A gazebo can be a central statement piece. Paint or stain it, use it as a grilling station, plant flowers around the perimeter, or simply enjoy the shade in a lawn chair with a cool drink in hand. Retractable Awning The need for shade is weather dependent in most areas. Some days, you’ll desire it more than others. Some days you may want shade for just an hour or two. A retractable awning is a great way to provide the flexibility you need with the convenience of easy operation. There are a wide range of size and
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