The right solar shading depends on where the sun is a problem and what you want to improve. patio awning is ideal when you want to create shade over your patio and outdoor seating area, while vertical awning is particularly useful for windows, balcony doors, conservatories, and larger glass surfaces.
External sunshades reduce solar radiation before it reaches the glass and are therefore a good choice when heat and glare are the main concerns. Internal solutions such as blinds and roller blinds are better suited when your primary goals are to control daylight, block out light, and prevent people from seeing inside.
In this guide, we’ll go over different types of solar shading for windows, glazed areas, and patios; the difference between exterior and interior solutions; and what you need to consider regarding positioning, compass direction, control systems, regulations and site conditions, design, and maintenance.
How does solar shading help with heat, glare, and cooling needs?
Solar shading reduces the amount of direct sunlight that reaches windows, glazed areas, and patios. It can reduce glare and limit the amount of solar heat that builds up, especially on south- and west-facing sides and in rooms with large glass surfaces.
When the sun hits the glass, both the glass and the surfaces inside the room heat up. An external sunshade reduces solar radiation before it reaches the glass and is therefore particularly relevant when high indoor temperatures are the problem. Internal solutions work after the solar energy has passed through the window and are better suited when light control, blackout, or privacy are the top priorities.
It is not possible to specify the extent of the effect using a general temperature or energy value. The result is influenced by factors such as the direction the window faces, the size and properties of the glass surface, the positioning and fabric of the sunshade, and how long the sun shines on the window during the day.
Less solar heat
External sunshades reduce the amount of direct sunlight that reaches the glass. This is particularly valuable for large windows, conservatories, and glazed areas, where the temperature can otherwise rise rapidly on sunny days.
Less glare
Solar shading can reduce strong, direct light in workspaces, TV rooms, dining areas, and seating areas without completely blocking out natural light.
Reduced need for active cooling
When less solar heat enters, air conditioning or other active cooling systems do not need to work as hard. Even in homes without cooling systems, well-positioned solar shading can provide a more comfortable indoor climate.
Start with the areas where the sun actually causes problems: south- and west-facing windows, large glass surfaces, conservatories, and patios that get too hot in the middle of the day or during the afternoon.
What types of solar shading are available—and what are they best suited for?
The best type of sunshade depends primarily on where the shade is needed. patio awning is used over patios, terraces, and outdoor seating areas, while sunshades for windows and glazed areas are often placed closer to the glass. vertical awning, and Markisolett are two common exterior solutions for this purpose.
There are also more permanent roof and pergola solutions, interior sunshades, and solar control window film. Therefore, consider not only the product type but also the location, shading needs, light intake, wind direction, and how much you want to be able to adjust the shading throughout the day.
| Type | Best suited for | Location | Advantage | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrace awning | deck, terrace, and patio | On the façade above the outdoor area | Creates a larger, adjustable area of shade outdoors | Width, overhang, cassette, fixing, and wind exposure need to be planned |
| Vertical awning | Windows, balcony doors, conservatories, and large glass panels | On the outside, close to the glass | Reduces direct sunlight and glare on the glass surface | Orientation, fabric, dimensions, and wind exposure influence the choice |
| Drop-arm awning | Individual windows where both shade and natural light are important | Outside, in front of the window | Blocks the sun while the lower section projects outwards | Best suited for windows, not all large glass surfaces |
| Pergola or roof | Larger patios and more permanent solutions | Over the patio, as a fixed or partially openable structure | Provides a clearly defined and more permanently shaded area | Requires more planning in terms of design and positioning |
| Internal sun shading | Light Control, Blackout, and Privacy | On the inside of the window | Easy to adapt to the room's function and lighting needs | Does not reduce solar heat as early as external shading |
| Window Film | Windows where more permanent solar shading is desired | Directly on the glass surface | Takes up no extra space and has no moving parts | The level of shading cannot be adjusted in the same way as with a movable sunshade |
External or internal solar shading—what's the difference?
External solar shading is best when you want to reduce solar heat and glare before the sun's rays reach the glass. Internal solar shading is better suited when your main goals are to control daylight, block out light, and prevent people from seeing into the room.
The difference, then, lies primarily in the positioning and when the shading interacts with the sun. Exterior solutions are installed in front of windows, glazed areas, or patios and reduce solar radiation earlier, while blinds, roller shades, and curtains operate on the inside. In many homes, the two types can be combined to great effect.
Reduces solar radiation before it reaches the glass
External sunshades are installed on the façade or close to the glass and reduce the amount of direct sunlight reaching windows and glass surfaces. They are therefore particularly useful when high indoor temperatures, strong sunlight, or glare are the main issues.
- Suitable for sun-exposed windows and large glass surfaces
- reduces solar heat and glare early on
- can provide shade over a deck or terrace
- includes, for example, patio awnings and vertical awnings
Manage daylight, blackout and privacy
Interior sunshades are installed on the inside of the window and are used primarily to regulate light, block out light, or reduce overlooking from outside. They are therefore well-suited for situations where the room’s function and light control are more important than limiting solar heat early in the day.
- ideal when light control is most important
- can block out light in places such as bedrooms
- can reduce overlooking and affect the room's appearance
- includes, for example, blinds, roller blinds, and curtains
If heat or strong sunlight is the main problem, you should normally start with an exterior sunshade. If your main goal is to control daylight, block out light, or prevent people from seeing in, an interior solution is often more appropriate. The two types can also be combined.
How does solar shading work during different seasons?
Needs change throughout the year. In the spring and fall, the low-angle sun and glare are often most noticeable, while in the summer there is a greater need for shade and reduced solar heat at windows, glazed areas, and outdoor patios.
By observing how the sun hits the house at different times of the day and year, it becomes easier to determine where shading is most effective. South-facing elevations often receive prolonged sunlight in the middle of the day, while west-facing homes can experience strong afternoon and evening sun that penetrates deep into the home.
Reduce glare when the sun is low in the sky
In the spring, the sun quickly becomes stronger while it is still relatively low in the sky. Windows and glass surfaces can therefore cause annoying glare at workstations, dining tables, TVs, and other surfaces where direct light is a distraction.
Create shade and reduce solar heat
The need is often greatest in the summer. A patio awning can provide shade over decking and outdoor seating areas, while vertical exterior shading can reduce direct sunlight on windows and larger glass surfaces.
Manage low-angle sunlight from the side
When the sun is lower in the sky, the light reaches further into the rooms. This is often clearly noticeable in west-facing rooms, near balcony doors, and in large windows, where the afternoon sun can cause both glare and heat even though the outdoor temperature has dropped.
Protect fabric and moving parts during severe weather
During the winter, outdoor solutions are generally used less frequently. Be mindful of wind, snow, ice, and moisture, and follow the product’s instructions on how to handle the fabric, rails, arms, and other moving parts in severe weather.
What kind of solar shading is best for a deck, patio, or terrace?
A patio awning is often the most practical way to provide shade for a deck, patio, or terrace when you want to create a larger shaded area in front of the house. It can be extended when the sun is out and leave the patio open when shade isn't needed.
Start with the part of the patio where you actually spend time. A patio awning should provide shade over, for example, the dining table, lounge area, or seating areas during the hours when the sun is at its strongest, not just cover the entire width of the façade.
The compass direction, width, and depth, the fixing in the façade, and how the wind typically blows around the house therefore influence the choice more than the size of the patio itself. If you also have large windows or glazed areas facing the patio, you may need to take indoor solar radiation into account as well.
Provide shade for the area of your outdoor space you actually use
Consider where the dining table, sofa set, and other seating areas are located when the sun is at its strongest. The positioning should provide shade where people spend time, rather than simply following the centerline of the façade.
Choose dimensions to cover the shaded area you need
The width determines how much of the façade is covered, while the projection affects how far the shadow extends over the patio or terrace. Therefore, plan the dimensions based on your furniture layout and the direction of the sun.
Adapt the solution to the wind conditions at the site
An open or wind-exposed patio requires greater consideration of how awning is used as the weather changes. At the same time, motorised control can make operation easier if the awning is large, mounted high, or used several times throughout the day.
What kind of solar shading is best for a balcony and an apartment?
On a balcony, vertical exterior sunshades are often a good fit when windows or balcony doors cause problems with heat and glare. The solution is mounted close to the glass and takes up no floor space, which is especially practical on smaller or enclosed balconies.
A vertical awning can be used on balcony doors, standard windows, and larger glass panels. The choice of fabric affects how much sunlight, daylight, and overlooking is reduced, so consider which issue is most important in your specific home.
The direction, floor level, and wind exposure also play a major role. South- and west-facing balconies can provide prolonged sunlight, while a balcony located high up or in an open area may be more exposed to the wind. On some balconies, installing a cantilevered awning may be an option, but space, fixing, and any building regulations must be checked first.
Keep the space on the balcony itself
A screen mounted on a window, balcony door, or glass panel doesn't take up any floor space. It's practical on smaller balconies where you want to keep space for furniture, plants, and clear passage.
Choose the fabric based on what you want to reduce
Different fabrics offer different balances between reduced solar radiation, daylight, views, and privacy. Therefore, consider whether your main goal is to reduce heat, minimise glare, increase privacy, or a combination of these needs.
Take into account the aspect, floor level, and wind direction
Sun and wind affect balconies differently depending on their location and height. On a more exposed balcony, you need to check how the solution can be used in windy conditions and what instructions apply to installation and fixing.
What type of solar shading is best for conservatories, porches, and south-facing windows?
For conservatories, glass-enclosed porches, and large, sun-exposed windows, external solar shading is often most effective when the problem is excessive heat or glare. A shade installed close to the glass reduces direct solar radiation before it enters the room.
For large glass surfaces, a vertical solution can be practical because it follows the window or glazed area without taking up space inside the room. It is suitable, for example, for conservatory walls, tall windows, balcony doors, and other glass surfaces that are exposed to the sun for several hours.
The direction the window faces is just as important as the size of the glass surface. A south-facing window often gets a lot of sun during the day, while a west-facing window can allow strong afternoon and evening sun to penetrate deep into the room. Therefore, plan your solar shading based on when and where the sun actually causes problems.
What type of solar shading is best suited for restaurants, hotels, offices, and outdoor dining areas?
The right solar shading for restaurants, hotels, and offices depends on where the sun causes problems and how the space is used. On an outdoor patio, the goal is often to provide shade over tables and seating areas, while hotels and offices more often need to reduce solar heat gain and glare at windows and larger glass surfaces.
patio awning Ideal when a large outdoor area needs shade. For windows and glass facades, vertical exterior sunshades are often more appropriate. In commercial settings, you also need to consider wind conditions, the façade’s appearance, and how often the solution will be used. Motorised controls or sensors can simplify operation when multiple sunshades need to be adjusted during the same day.
Create shade where guests actually sit
In an outdoor dining area, shade should be planned around tables, seating, and walkways rather than based on the width of the façade. A patio awning can cover a larger contiguous area and be retracted when the sun is no longer a problem or when the weather changes.
Design the sunshade as part of the façade
In hotels, multiple windows or glass sections often need to be designed in a consistent manner. Colour, fabric, profiles, and positioning should therefore complement the building’s aesthetic while also providing guest rooms with protection from strong sunlight, glare, and heat.
Reduce glare and solar heat in the workplace
Direct sunlight on desks and computer screens can cause both glare and higher temperatures. Exterior sunshades on windows and glazed areas can reduce solar radiation while still allowing daylight to be used during the workday.
Do you need a permit for an awning or other type of sunshade?
An exterior sunshade does not automatically require a permit, but it depends on the location. The applicable rules are influenced, among other things, by the type of building in question, whether the work is considered a modification of the façade, and the regulations in effect for the area.
Regulations vary by country and municipality. Specific requirements may also apply to older or protected buildings and environments. Therefore, check what applies to your property before you order and install a permanent sunshade.
The type of building can affect the requirements
Requirements may vary between, for example, single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, and commercial buildings such as hotels, restaurants, and offices. Ask your local building authority how your type of building is classified.
Location and zoning regulations can determine what is permitted
If the awning is visible from the street or a public area, or if the area is subject to specific zoning regulations, a permit or notification may be required. There may also be requirements regarding, for example, colour, design, and positioning.
Valuable buildings and environments may be subject to stricter requirements
Older and particularly valuable buildings or areas may be subject to stricter regulations regarding changes to the façade. Check what applies before deciding on colour, positioning, or design in an environment with cultural-historical or other special values.
What requires approval from the property owner and the building management?
an awning or other permanently installed sunshade may need to be approved by the building’s owner or manager, even when the installation does not require a permit from a government agency. If you live in an apartment, you normally need to get approval from the homeowners’ association, the property owner, or the landlord before installing anything on the façade.
Check these requirements before ordering the dimensions, fabric, and colour. The homeowners’ association or property owner may have rules regarding, for example, the model, colour, positioning, and fixing to protect the façade and maintain a uniform appearance. For older or historic buildings, specific design requirements may also influence your choice.
Apply for approval before making changes to the façade
In a jointly owned building, you normally don't have the final say regarding the exterior. If you want to install an awning on the outside, you therefore need to first find out whether the homeowners' association needs to approve it.
The association may have specified the colour, model, or size that may be used, as well as how the fixing must be installed. The terms may also govern the maintenance, dismantling, and restoration of the façade.
Request permission before installation
As a tenant, you normally need to obtain approval from the landlord before installing a sunshade on the building. This is especially important when the installation involves drilling or other permanent fixing to the façade.
The landlord may also have rules regarding colour, model, positioning, and how the work is to be performed. Therefore, do not order a permanently mounted sunshade until you know what conditions apply to the property.
How do wind and weather affect the choice of solar shading?
Wind conditions affect both which awning or other exterior sunshade is suitable and how it can be used. A sheltered patio is not exposed in the same way as an open deck, a high balcony, or a coastal façade, where the wind can more easily catch the fabric, arms, and fixings.
Therefore, base your decision on the product’s specified wind class, installation, and instructions for use rather than on a general wind speed. The wind class describes how a particular product has been classified for wind loads, but conditions vary among different types of sunshades and installations.
Motor control and wind sensors can simplify operation by automating certain functions on compatible models. However, they do not replace proper fixing or the product’s operational limits. The awning still needs to be operated according to the weather conditions prevailing at the location.
| Location | What do you need to keep in mind? | Practical advice |
|---|---|---|
| Sheltered patio | House walls, corners, and surrounding buildings can reduce wind impact compared to a completely open location. | Start by determining your shading needs, but be sure to also check the product's wind rating and requirements and fixings. |
| Open deck | The wind can more easily catch fabric and protruding parts when the patio has no shelter at the sides. | Consider the width, overhang, fixing, and how quickly awning can be retracted when the weather changes. |
| High balcony | A higher and more exposed location can result in greater wind exposure than a sheltered balcony or patio closer to ground level. | Check both the product's terms of use and any property-specific rules before installing an exterior sunshade. |
| Coastal or open location | Strong gusts of wind and a lack of protective buildings can make the area more vulnerable than the average wind speed would suggest. | Choose a solution based on the location's exposure, and retract the sunshade well in advance when the weather turns bad. |
How do you choose a colour and design that complement the façade?
Choose the colour and design of awning or other solar shading based on the entire façade, not just the awning fabric. Window frames, doors, roof details, railing, and the façade’s base colour affect how the fabric, cassette, and profiles appear when the solar shading is both retracted and extended.
You can often achieve a calm look by reusing colours that are already present on the house. If you want awning to be a more prominent part of the architecture, fabric or trim in a contrasting shade may work better. Positioning is just as important as colour: let the sunshades follow the windows, doorways, and other distinct lines on the façade.
Also consider the design when comparing patio awnings. The cassette’s shape and size are visible even when the awning is retracted, and a full cassette encloses the fabric and moving parts when the awning is closed. Therefore, choose a cassette and profiles that work both technically and visually with the house.
Four components need to work together
Evaluate the fabric, visible parts, positioning, and overall impression as a cohesive solution rather than as separate choices.
Choose the colour and texture for both the house and its intended use
The awning fabric is the largest visible surface when awning is extended. Therefore, compare the colour and pattern to the façade, but also check the fabric’s properties regarding light, solar shading, and privacy.
Match the parts that are visible when the awning is retracted
Cassettes, arms, and profiles can be effectively integrated with window frames, doors, fittings or other metal details on the house. This creates a more cohesive look even when the fabric is retracted.
Follow the existing lines of the façade
Position the awning in relation to windows, doorways, and other prominent architectural features. A well-thought-out layout often makes a greater difference to the overall impression than small differences in colour.
Assess both the retracted and extended positions
Look at the façade from the angles where it is most visible, such as from the street, the garden, or the patio. an awning changes the appearance much more when it is fully extended than when it is retracted into the cassette.
Three Common Ways to Adapt awning to Your Home
Let the sunshade blend into the façade
A fabric and cassette in colours similar to those of the façade, window frames, or roof details create a calm and cohesive look.
Capture the house's traditional character
Striped or warmer-toned awning fabric can work well on porches, older homes, and facades where other details already have a more traditional look.
Make awning a prominent part of the architecture
A darker or distinctly different fabric, cassette, or profile can create contrast against a light-coloured façade and give the sunshade a more distinctive look.
Which control system is best suited for sunshades— manual winding handle, motor, sensor, or solar cell?
Choose a control system based on the size and location of the sunshade, as well as how often it is used. Manual control winding handle may be perfectly adequate for a smaller, easily accessible sunshade awning, while motorised control is more practical when the sunshade is larger, mounted high, or adjusted several times throughout the day.
Sensors and other automated features are optional for compatible motorised sunshades and can, for example, respond to sunlight or wind. Solar power is, on the other hand, a way to supply the motor with power without a permanent electric connection. On certain control systems, the motor can also be operated via an app, smartphone, or other smart control device, but the features vary between different models and systems.
Simple when the sunshade is used less often
A manual winding handle requires no motor or electrical connection and is well-suited for a smaller, easily accessible patio awning. It is a simple option when the awning does not need to be opened and closed several times a day.
More convenient for large or frequently used sunshades
With a motor, the awning can be opened and closed using, for example, a remote control, wall-mounted control, or another compatible solution. This is particularly convenient for wider patio awnings, awnings fitted at height, and installations that are used frequently. Some systems also support app or smartphone control.
Let a compatible motor control system respond to sunlight or wind
Sun and wind sensors can be used in conjunction with certain motorised sunshades to automate aspects of their operation. For example, a sun sensor can adjust the shades based on sunlight conditions, while a wind sensor can help the system respond when the wind picks up. However, automation does not replace the product’s instructions for use.
Motor control without a permanent electrical connection
Solar power is not a separate control mode but rather a power source for the motor. On compatible vertical awnings models, a solar panel and battery are used to power the motor, which can be convenient for retrofitting or in situations where running cables to windows and glass panels are difficult or undesirable.
How do you care for and maintain awnings and sunshades?
an awning stays in better condition when the fabric, profiles, and moving parts are cleaned regularly and moisture is not allowed to remain for long periods of time. Therefore, brush away pollen, leaves, and other loose dirt as needed, and allow the wet awning fabric to dry thoroughly before closing it.
Also check fixings, the arms, rails, and any motor at regular intervals. How often maintenance is needed depends on the location, the weather, and how often the awning is used, so follow the care instructions for your specific model and awning fabric.
Keep the fabric and profiles free of dirt
Brush away leaves, pollen, and other loose dirt from awning fabric, profiles, and rails. It is best to begin by cleaning the fabric while it is dry so that the dirt is not worked further into the material.
If necessary, wipe down the profiles and visible metal parts with a soft, damp cloth, and at the same time check to see if any hardware or fixings appear loose or damaged.
Let the awning fabric dry completely
If the awning has gotten wet, it should be extended again as soon as the weather allows and allowed to dry thoroughly. Avoid leaving damp fabric rolled up for an extended period of time.
When the fabric needs to be washed, you can use water, a soft brush, and, if necessary, a mild detergent. Avoid pressure washers, strong solvents, and abrasive cleaners.
Check the operation and fixings
Before leaving the awning retracted for an extended period, it is a good idea to check the arms, rails, hardware, and fixings and make sure that the moving parts operate smoothly.
If the awning has a motor, remote control, or sensors, these features should also be tested. In the event of snow, frost, strong winds, or other severe weather, the product must be handled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do you choose the right solar shading?
Start with the problem you want to solve, not with a specific model. Solar shading for a sunny patio needs to work differently than solar shading for a south-facing window, a conservatory, or a room where glare and visibility are the biggest problems.
Once the intended use is clear, it becomes easier to choose between patio awning, vertical sunshades, and interior solutions, and to determine the correct dimensions, fabric, and control system. Also check the compass direction, wind direction, fixing, and any required permits and approvals before placing your order.
Check these six points
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Determine what the sunshade is intended to address
Is the main problem high indoor temperatures, glare, visibility from the outside, or a lack of shade outdoors? That determines which type of solar shading is most relevant to start comparing.
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Check the orientation and the sun's path
Notice when the sun hits the window, the glazed area, or the patio. A south-facing location can provide sunlight for long periods throughout the day, while a west-facing location often provides strong afternoon and evening sun.
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Measure the area that actually needs to be protected
Don’t base your calculations solely on the total width of the façade or the window. On a patio, the dimensions need to provide shade where people are sitting, while sunshades for windows should be planned based on the glass surfaces that receive direct sunlight.
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Choose a fabric based on sunlight, daylight, and privacy
Colour, density, and the fabric’s properties affect how much direct sunlight is blocked and how much daylight, views, and visibility remain. At the same time, choose a colour and style that complement the façade.
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Decide how the sunshade should be controlled
Manual operation winding handle may be sufficient for a smaller, easily accessible sunshade. Motorised control is often more practical for larger or frequently used solutions and, on compatible systems, can be supplemented with sensors, app control, or solar-powered motor.
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Check the wind, fixing, and regulations
Consider how exposed to the wind the location is and the type of surface on which the sunshade will be installed. Also check what permits or approvals may be required from the local building authority, building management, or property owner, when applicable.
There is no standard price for an awning that applies to all installations. The cost is influenced by factors such as type, dimensions, width, and projection, awning fabric, cassette and profiles, as well as the motor, sensors, and other equipment. Fixing, installation, and on-site conditions can also affect the total price. Therefore, compare solutions with the same dimensions, features, and equipment level when assessing the cost.
Which type of solar shading is best for your home?
Compare our sunshades for patios, windows, and glazed areas—or contact customer service if you'd like help finding the right solution.
What do you need to know about solar shading and awnings?
Here are brief answers to frequently asked questions about solar shading for windows, balconies, and patios, as well as pricing, motorised controls, permits, wind, and cleaning.
What type of solar shading is best for windows and large glass surfaces?
Exterior sunshades installed close to the glass are often most effective when you want to reduce solar heat gain and glare. Vertical awning is suitable for standard windows, balcony doors, conservatories, and larger glass surfaces, for example.
What type of solar shading is best for a deck or patio?
A patio awning is a great choice when you want to create a larger adjustable shaded area over your patio, terrace, or outdoor seating area. Choose the width and overhang based on the area where you actually spend time and take into account the sun's direction, wind, and fixing.
What kind of solar shading is best for a glassed-in balcony?
For a glass-enclosed balcony, solar shading near the glass panels are often important when heat and glare are the main issues. The choice depends on the size of the glass surfaces, the direction they face, the available space, and any regulations governing the property.
How much does an awning with an engine cost?
There is no single standard price, as it depends on the type of awning, width, and projection, the fabric, the cassette, the motor, and any sensors, as well as fixing and installation. Therefore, please compare quotes or products with the same dimensions and equipment level.
Can an awning be controlled with a cell phone?
Yes, some motorised awnings can be controlled via an app or smartphone if the motor and control system support this feature. Check which remote controls, sensors, and smart features are compatible with the model you choose.
Do I need a permit for an awning?
an awning does not automatically require a permit. The requirements depend, among other things, on the type of building, where on the building the work is being done, the regulations for the area, and whether the building or area has special cultural-historical value. Contact your local building authority if you are unsure.
What should I do with my awning in strong winds?
Fold up awning when wind and weather conditions exceed the product’s intended use. Follow the product’s wind rating and instructions, and pay special attention to strong gusts of wind, as they can quickly put a strain on the fabric, arms, and fixings.
How should you clean awning fabric?
First, brush off pollen, leaves, and other loose dirt. Then, if necessary, clean with water, a soft brush, and a mild cleaning agent. Avoid pressure washers and strong solvents, and let the fabric dry completely before leaving it retracted.
