Which Exterior Mount Window Treatments Are The Best?

Outside mounted window treatments are a practical and stylish solution for enhancing privacy, security, and energy efficiency in your home. They filter light, reduce noise, and highlight the décor of your rooms, boosting curb appeal. To use less energy and lower utility bills, minimize the amount of hot sunlight entering your home through your windows.

There are seven exterior window shades and other window treatments that can be installed with an outside mount. For example, Roller Shades look great with either an outside or inside mount, and Cellular Shades Roller Blinds Roman Shades Venetian Blinds Vertical Blinds are some of the top choices. Outside mount blinds that attach to the top of a window frame make your windows and the room appear taller and more elegant.

For rooms with a lot of sun coming in, Palm Beach Polysatin™ Shutters are the most durable option. They have the look of finely painted shutters but are more durable. Lutron’s Serena Smart Roller Shades and Serena Smart Wood Blinds have earned top spots for their sturdy hardware and quiet motors.

Outside mount window treatments can sometimes be the only way to go, and there are pros and cons to both inside and outside mount shades. Faux-wood blinds are a great option for an outside mount, as they look so much like authentic wood while being more durable and long-lasting.

Do outside mount blinds look good?

Mounting window treatments outside of the window frame offers flexibility for creating larger windows, dressing odd-shaped windows, or hiding unattractive trim. However, ensure there are no obstacles blocking the treatment’s operation. Outside mounts allow for a full view when raised and block more light when closed. They work well in areas with less light, like bedrooms, nurseries, and home theaters when paired with blackout fabrics.

Mounting shades on the outside helps clear handles or cranks on the inside window casing. The window frame protects the window treatments, so mounting on the outside is discouraged in high-traffic areas.

What is the best window treatment to block heat from the sun?

Exterior shutters and shades, made from various materials like fabric, wood, steel, aluminum, or vinyl, are effective in reducing solar heat gain. Insulated cellular shades, made of pleated materials, fold up accordion-like at the top or bottom of the window and contain one or more air layers in a honeycomb cross-section. These shades have the highest R-values of all window coverings, as the air pockets act as insulators, increasing the R-value and reducing heat conduction. Insulated cellular shades offer significant energy savings, comfort, privacy, and increased home resale value.

What kind of window blinds are best?

The contemporary domestic environment offers a variety of options for window treatments, including roller, Roman, and Venetian blinds. Roller blinds are optimal for rooms with high levels of sunlight exposure, as they can be readily retracted to block out light. Roman blinds provide a luxurious appearance and can be adjusted to regulate light intake. Venetian blinds afford homeowners greater control over the amount of light entering their residences.

Are curtains out of style in 2024?

In 2024, drapes remain an elegant and versatile window treatment choice due to their timeless charm and modern adaptability. They can be used to add bold colors, luxurious textures, or practical layering, adding aesthetics and functionality to any room. Naka’s Drapery, a third-generation company with over 30 years of experience, can help customize your drapes and transform your living space. Bobby, a passionate designer with a love for food and travel, offers advice on blinds, carpet, design, photography, and more.

What can you put on windows to keep the sun out?

Solar screens, or exterior roller shades made of solar fabric, can block up to 80 percent of solar heat gain while preserving views. These add-on products can be installed over existing windows to help rooms stay cool during the summer. While window treatments like blinds and curtains can help block some sunlight, they are not always effective. If you have issues with excessive heat from sunlight, consider investing in replacement windows specifically designed to block solar heat gain to cut down on energy costs. Sun blocking window products have various features and technologies, ranging in effectiveness, cost, and aesthetic appeal.

What color is best for outdoor blinds?

Neutral tones are timeless and versatile outdoor blinds that complement various architectural styles and settings. They provide warmth and harmony, making them suitable for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather. Earthy hues, like olive green, terracotta, and chocolate brown, evoke tranquility and relaxation, making them ideal for creating cozy outdoor retreats. These colors soften the harshness of concrete jungles in Sydney’s urban landscape. Cool blues, like sky blue, aquamarine, and navy, evoke calmness and serenity, making them ideal for creating a tranquil outdoor oasis.

These shades are perfect for Melbourne’s outdoor cafes and entertainment venues, providing a welcoming atmosphere for patrons seeking refuge from the summer sun. Overall, neutral tones, earthy hues, and cool blues offer a variety of options for creating a comfortable outdoor space.

What are the most popular blinds in 2024?

In 2024, window blinds are a synthesis of tradition and innovation, with prevalent selections including faux wood blinds, Roman shades, cordless blinds, and automated solutions. The Blind Guyz offers personalized consultations to assist homeowners in identifying the optimal window blinds for their residence, ensuring that their windows are enhanced with the most sophisticated style, functionality, and convenience.

What is the latest trend in window coverings?

Minimalist window treatments are set to dominate interior design in 2024, with homeowners opting for clean, sleek designs that exude sophistication. This trend includes sleek roller shades, sheer curtains, and unembellished blinds, which complement contemporary aesthetics and maximize natural light. Minimalism’s appeal lies in its ability to create a harmonious and serene ambiance, fitting modern homeowners’ desires for a tranquil living space.

In contrast, 2024 window treatment trends will see vibrant patterns and prints, such as geometric designs, oversized florals, and abstract prints, bringing vivacity and personality to interiors, celebrating individuality and creativity.

Do blinds look better inside or outside window frame?

Inside mounts are the most popular type of window treatments, offering a clean, finished look due to their recessed design. However, they may not be suitable for certain situations, such as a poorly set window frame, obstructions inside the frame, or cellular shades. Outside mounts, on the other hand, are mounted on the wall, window trim, or ceiling above the window, providing a different look. Both types of window treatments have their pros and cons.

What is the most popular window treatment today?

In 2024, bold patterns and bright colors are popular trends in interior design, particularly for living rooms and bedrooms. Floral and geometric patterns are popular choices for curtains and shades, with fabrics available in hundreds of colors, textures, and unique patterns. Sheer overlays on solid window treatments can elevate the style of any room, allowing diffused natural light to create a soft and ethereal ambiance. Sustainable and eco-friendly options, such as recycled fabrics and natural fibers, are also becoming more popular.

Norman®, committed to environmental concerns, uses composite materials like Woodlore® shutters, made from the wood of rapid-growth trees. These eco-friendly options offer a more sustainable and stylish approach to interior design.