Why Exterior Shades Are the Secret Weapon for Hot, Sunny Homes in Colorado Springs
7016601630 • July 9, 2025
Exterior shades stop the heat at the source — so your A/C doesn’t have to.

You love your home — but not when the sun turns it into an oven.
If you’ve got rooms that overheat, furniture that’s fading, or patios you can’t use in the afternoon, exterior shades might be exactly what you need (and most people don’t even know they exist).
🌞 What Are Exterior Shades?
Unlike regular blinds or curtains that go inside your windows, exterior shades are mounted outside — often on patios, porches, or the exterior of west-facing windows. That means they block the sun before it hits your glass, keeping your home cooler and more comfortable.
They look sleek, they work quietly in the background, and most can roll up and disappear when you don’t need them.
🔥 Why They’re So Useful in Colorado Springs
We get intense sun at this elevation. That’s great for plants, not so great for your furniture, floors, or energy bills.
Exterior shades are especially helpful for:
-West-facing windows that trap afternoon heat
-Patios or decks that are too hot to use after 2 PM
-Kitchens or living rooms with large, sun-exposed glass
-Privacy from neighbors without losing light
💸 Save on Cooling Costs
Because exterior shades stop heat before it gets inside, your A/C works less — and you’ll feel the difference fast.
Plus, they protect your interior from UV damage, meaning your flooring, upholstery, and artwork last longer.
🤔 Exterior Shades vs. Interior Shades — What’s the Difference?
Both help with light and privacy, but exterior shades go one step further:
Interior shades block the sun once it's already inside. Exterior shades stop it before it enters.
It’s like the difference between wearing sunglasses vs. putting up an umbrella.
🛠️ Manual or Motorized — You Choose
You can go simple with pull-down exterior shades, or go fully motorized with a remote, wall switch, or smart home system. We’ll show you the options that make sense for your space and budget.
📍 Installed Right Here in Colorado Springs
We’ve installed exterior shades on everything from custom patios in Black Forest to kitchen windows in Old Colorado City. We know how to mount them cleanly, how to angle them for your sun pattern, and how to make sure they last.
💬 Want to See If They’d Work for You?
We’ll come out, take a look, and give you an honest opinion — no pressure, no big sales pitch.
Sometimes exterior shades are perfect. Sometimes there’s a better fit. You’ll know either way.
👉 [Contact us today]
to set up a free consultation.


When you're designing a home or breathing new life into one, it’s easy to focus on the big stuff — flooring, paint, lighting, appliances. But window coverings can completely change how a room feels, functions, and even how much energy it uses. We’ve worked with dozens of Colorado Springs homeowners during new builds or remodels. These are the most important things they wish they had known before picking blinds or shades. 1. New Homes Mean Big, Bright Windows (and Bigger Sun Problems) Most new homes in Colorado Springs have tall windows, large sliding doors, and lots of natural light. That looks great, but it also means: More heat during summer Glare on screens and floors Faded furniture and rugs Less privacy, especially in tighter neighborhoods Planning your window coverings early helps you stay ahead of these problems. 2. Choose Light Control Based on the Room Each room has a different purpose, so your window treatments should too. Here’s a simple guide: Bedrooms: Blackout shades or layered curtains for better sleep Living rooms: Light-filtering or sheer shades for a soft, natural glow Bathrooms: Top-down bottom-up shades for both privacy and sunlight Kitchens: Durable, easy-to-clean options that can handle heat and moisture Think about how you want each room to feel throughout the day. 3. Installing Early Makes Everything Easier During a remodel or build, it's the perfect time to: Mount shades inside the window frame for a cleaner look Add wiring for motorized or smart blinds Match the materials to your trim or paint Avoid patching holes or redoing mountings later Early planning gives you better options and a cleaner finish. 4. Window Coverings Can Help With Energy Efficiency The right shades can help reduce both heating and cooling costs all year long. Cellular shades trap air and insulate the window Exterior shades block sunlight before it heats the glass Dual-layer shades let you filter light during the day and block it at night Pairing window treatments with new windows makes a big difference in comfort and efficiency. 5. Common Mistakes to Avoid Here are a few easy-to-make mistakes that can cost you later: Choosing style over function Assuming all windows are standard sizes Skipping rooms that "don't need anything" — they usually do later Forgetting about cordless or motorized options that are safer and easier Need Help Choosing the Right Fit for Your Home? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re building your dream home or remodeling a few rooms, we’ll help you: Choose the best products for your space Avoid common issues Get everything installed professionally and stress-free Reach out for a free consultation and let us help you finish your project with the right touch.

You shouldn’t have to choose between keeping your home private and filling it with natural light. But that’s the trade-off most homeowners feel stuck with — especially in newer neighborhoods where the houses are just a few feet apart. You want to open the windows and enjoy the sunshine, but you also don’t want to give your neighbors a front-row seat to your living room or kitchen. The good news? There are plenty of window coverings that let in soft, natural light and keep prying eyes out. Here are the best options we recommend — ones we’ve installed in homes all across Colorado Springs. Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades These are one of the most popular choices for a reason. How they work: You can lower them from the top or raise them from the bottom, letting you cover the part of the window people can see — while still getting natural light from above. Best for: Bathrooms, bedrooms, street-facing rooms Bonus: They come in light-filtering fabrics, so even when they’re fully closed, they still let in a glow without exposing your space. Sheer or Dual-Layer Shades Want the look of soft, elegant fabric with daytime privacy? Sheer shades are perfect. How they work: These combine alternating layers of sheer and solid fabric. When open, they let in filtered light; when closed, they still blur the view from outside. Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, sunrooms Pro tip: These look especially clean in modern homes and go well with larger windows. Solar Screens & Exterior Shades If you’re worried about heat and privacy, especially in sun-soaked rooms, exterior solar screens are a powerful solution. How they work: They’re installed on the outside of the window and block visibility during the day while still allowing you to see out. Best for: West-facing rooms, patios, sliding glass doors Layered Window Treatments Sometimes the best solution is a mix. Pairing light-filtering shades with decorative side panels or curtains gives you the flexibility to control both the mood and the level of privacy. Best for: Bedrooms or formal rooms where you want both function and style Bonus: This approach works well for people who want a designer look with practical benefits. What to Avoid (If You Want Real Privacy) Not all coverings are equal when it comes to keeping things private. ❌ Aluminum mini blinds: Common but outdated — and they don’t fully block light or outside views ❌ Basic sheer curtains: Soft and bright, but usually don’t provide enough coverage ❌ No window coverings at all: We still see this more often than you’d think! Not Sure What to Choose? That’s What We’re Here For. Every home is different — and so is every room. If you’ve got a window that just doesn’t feel right — too exposed, too dark, or too tricky to cover — we’ll help you find something that fits. No pressure, no gimmicks. Just honest help from a local family business. 👉 [Contact us today] to schedule a free consultation and get real advice from someone who knows what works in Colorado homes.
Share On: