7 Types of Outdoor Shutters and Blinds to Beat the Heat Next Year
Did your home overheat this summer? Explore these window screening ideas for keeping the sun at bay in a heatwave
Julia Bolotina
7 October 2022
International Associate Editor at Houzz
One of the best ways to keep out the heat that emerged from sharing ideas with Houzz teams internationally this summer was external shutters or blinds. These help stop radiation from the sun before it has a chance to heat up windows and enter the home, making them more effective at stopping indoor warming than blackout curtains and other internal solutions.
As they’re less common in the UK, you may be unfamiliar with the options, so here’s a short guide to seven kinds of external window coverings. Explore which design might work for you through the cooler months, so you’re ready for the heat next summer.
As they’re less common in the UK, you may be unfamiliar with the options, so here’s a short guide to seven kinds of external window coverings. Explore which design might work for you through the cooler months, so you’re ready for the heat next summer.
1. The classic shutter
The lovely green shutters on this home in France are the traditional design, with a panel attached with hinges to either side of each window. They can be pulled closed at night or on hot days, and they add a big dose of style to the façade when open.
The lovely green shutters on this home in France are the traditional design, with a panel attached with hinges to either side of each window. They can be pulled closed at night or on hot days, and they add a big dose of style to the façade when open.
This updated version in Germany uses a barn door look instead of the classic hinged style.
Find the right local expert for your project in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Find the right local expert for your project in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
2. Roller shutters
An alternative seen frequently in central Europe, among other places, is these roll-up shutters. The roll is stored in a box above the window, as here, or internally in the wall above the opening. They can be opened or closed with a pulley, crank or button inside the home or, increasingly, an app.
These also give homeowners greater control over the amount of air and light they let into the home, as the shutter can either be closed fully or partially to leave a gap between each slat.
An alternative seen frequently in central Europe, among other places, is these roll-up shutters. The roll is stored in a box above the window, as here, or internally in the wall above the opening. They can be opened or closed with a pulley, crank or button inside the home or, increasingly, an app.
These also give homeowners greater control over the amount of air and light they let into the home, as the shutter can either be closed fully or partially to leave a gap between each slat.
3. Bahama shutters
Popular in the Caribbean and parts of the United States, these shutters are hinged at the top of the window and can be closed quickly in case of an approaching storm. Some come with adjustable louvres for more control over the amount of light entering the building.
You might also enjoy Things to Do Now to Prepare Your Home for Next Summer’s Heat.
Popular in the Caribbean and parts of the United States, these shutters are hinged at the top of the window and can be closed quickly in case of an approaching storm. Some come with adjustable louvres for more control over the amount of light entering the building.
You might also enjoy Things to Do Now to Prepare Your Home for Next Summer’s Heat.
4. Louvres
These rotating vertical or horizontal louvres maximise air flow while also controlling light and protecting privacy.
Individually mounted louvres like the ones pictured here are popular in Australia and the United States among other places.
These rotating vertical or horizontal louvres maximise air flow while also controlling light and protecting privacy.
Individually mounted louvres like the ones pictured here are popular in Australia and the United States among other places.
5. External Venetian blinds
These are a more robust external version of standard Venetian blinds. Like louvres, they offer quite a bit of control over the amount of light and air entering the home.
These are a more robust external version of standard Venetian blinds. Like louvres, they offer quite a bit of control over the amount of light and air entering the home.
6. Japanese sudare and yoshizu
The traditional shade in Japan is the sudare, a rolling blind made of wood, bamboo or other natural materials that hangs from eaves to protect the veranda and the home’s openings from sunlight, but also rain.
Another version, called a yoshizu, has a similar look, but is built as a freestanding panel that can be leaned against a window or other opening when needed rather than being attached directly to the home.
The traditional shade in Japan is the sudare, a rolling blind made of wood, bamboo or other natural materials that hangs from eaves to protect the veranda and the home’s openings from sunlight, but also rain.
Another version, called a yoshizu, has a similar look, but is built as a freestanding panel that can be leaned against a window or other opening when needed rather than being attached directly to the home.
7. Spanish Persianas alicantinas
Similar roll-up blinds made of wood or PVC slats are called Persianas alicantinas in Spain. Like the Japanese versions, they can block out both sun and rain…
Similar roll-up blinds made of wood or PVC slats are called Persianas alicantinas in Spain. Like the Japanese versions, they can block out both sun and rain…
… but they also commonly double as eaves or pergolas, especially in the south of Spain.
Tell us…
Do you have external shutters on your windows or are you considering them? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Tell us…
Do you have external shutters on your windows or are you considering them? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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All great ideas. Amazing article. A more cost-effective way *comparing to aluminium louvers to block the heat during summer and rain during the winter is the retractable roof and pergola systems. Just a thought!
We love our roller shutters. They certainly significantly reduce the heat. We can leave our doors and windows fully open at night and still feel safe. We can darken a room any time of day. We installed them for protection as we live in a bushfire area. We have a combination of electric and manual shutters. When we go away we feel the house is protected.
Beautiful shutters in the 1st picture!!!