In an outdoor room, you’ll have your ‘walls’ made by your patio blinds or other type of living shrub, bush or climbing vines.  Your roof or ceiling to your outdoor room could be provided also by your climbing vines and other greenery or from a man-made source, such as a canopy or awning.  The floor of your room will likely be made of some type of stone or other masonry product.  If you are looking for a more rustic appeal, you could use a tumbled patio paver for a nice floor.  Then, you can have your patio furniture arranged around or on top of some outdoor rugs for a truly polished look.

A good example of how an outdoor rug can soften the patio space.

Here at Patio Covers Place, we really like the way that discussing this simple accessory can bring in so many other elements of patio living and design ideas.  This is what we live for and want to help you create.  At one point, you probably would have had to settle for some rug that you just didn’t care about anymore and so you could use it outdoors.  Well, this is certainly not the case anymore.  There are outdoor area rugs that are made just for that space and will serve you much better than using one made for indoor use.

The difference between an indoor and outdoor rug is mainly in materials at this point.  There may have been design or appeal differences in the past, but you can pretty much get the same types of styles and designs now for both.  In addition to these esthetic differences, outdoor patio rugs can also be better suited for this space because they can be found in large sizes as well.  You can still get them in a standard 6’ x 9’ size and rounds as well.

What makes them truly unique is the materials, as mentioned.  This is particularly the case with the renewable and sustainable materials we are so fond of around here.  For example, outdoor bamboo rugs make for a great look and stand up very well to the elements.  Because this material is a sustainable and renewable source, like their bamboo blind cousins, these rugs are some of our top picks.  So, if you’re in the market looking for outdoor rugs for your patio or deck space, consider these in your mix.

So, what type of material are these outdoor rugs made of?  Good question.  Aside from the obvious choice we’ve mentioned using bamboo, there are other durable materials as well.  If you’ve read our articles and browsed our site before, you know that we are highly interested in materials and practices that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly.  This is why we are such big fans of the bamboo products as mentioned.

In keeping with these principles, we also realize that not all products are made with these materials and that often we must look to other options for support of these ideals.  If you consider quality for a moment, you will realize that a quality accessory like an outdoor rug will last much longer than a cheaper imitation or poorly made one.  This is in line with our philosophy as well.  If something lasts, it will be around longer and will not be put into the trash and landfills.  The reason to bring this up is because there are many high quality polypropylene rugs.  These not only resist fading, but also have high mildew resistance because they dry quickly as well.  In the end, it comes down to your overall impact and choices for all of your patio accessories – this includes your outdoor rugs as well.

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Plus, when it is in the middle of the summer or you just need some shade to hang out there a bit longer, pulling the string or pressing the button can bring you instant relief.  We say this because there are, in fact, both manual and motorized blinds and shades.  The manual patio blind is still the most common and is fairly simple to operate.  In most cases, these styles either roll down or have a roman blind type of function, where each panel ‘slides’ down.

This rendition shows patio blinds that will block the sun and provide great privacy.

Motorized styles will have a guide wire or track in which the blinds will ride down as they unroll or slide.  In either style, the end result is a type of ‘faux wall’ that is created.  This appearance of a semi-enclosed patio can provide you with more comfort in the shade and a sense of privacy.  Because you can still see through them unless you have a solid fabric material, you don’t feel too enclosed or trapped in a small space.

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Speaking of materials, you can find outdoor shades made in a variety of fabrics and materials.  The trend is moving toward more organic materials that represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly options.  One perfect example of this style is bamboo blinds.  Bamboo is both a natural resource, but is sustainable because it is actually a grass.  This grass grows very quickly and will withstand the outdoor elements on your patio quite well.

Other patio shades that stand up well to the outdoors are the heavier canvas materials and those made with Sunbrella.  This Sunbrella brand fabric is dyed during the stage of production when the fabric material is still and is therefore locked into the final product when it is dried.  This helps to keep them fade free and weather resistant.  At Patio Covers Place, we tend to be in favor of quality materials and above all else environmental and sustainable patio products and accessories.

For this reason, we must weigh product materials versus longevity to determine a products real impact to the planet.  Often, what might seem like an environmentally poor choice, like plastic and polymer-type materials, can actually be better for us in the long run because these materials last longer.  If, for example, you can end up using a patio blind for a longer period of time, it means it is usually of better quality and it also means that it is less waste for our landfills.  This makes certain fabric choices winners in the long-term.

Outdoor patio blinds come in a variety of patterns and colors as well.  If you are trying to match the theme of your home or simply your exterior paint color, you should have no problem.  Something that is not often considered with this type of discussion is the savings in your indoor cooling costs as well.  If you can provide more shade to your patio, then your cooling costs will be less because of less sun exposure.  This is never more true than in a discussion of cooling enclosed patios and sunrooms, too.  Using conservatory blinds can save you a bundle.

This is just another reason to buy quality and consider it an investment that pays for itself.  Pricing for your blinds will vary depending upon the amount of coverage you are looking for.  Don’t be suckered in by going just for the cheap blinds to save on your initial investment.  You’ll be happy that you opted to go for the quality patio blinds.

So, what makes an outdoor shade suitable for your particular needs and space?  Well, this all depends upon your requirements for shade and other needs.  If what you are really seeking is a permanent type of shade structure, under which you can put all your patio furniture and tables, then a patio cover is what you need.  There are various types of patio covers from which to choose.  The most popular of these is the pergola.  With its handsome features and simple lines, it is possible to craft one to fit most any patio space and home decor.  These can provide large shaded areas for your patio either using a lattice roof type of style or by having a proper canopy overhead.  A great look is to have vines and other greenery grow up and over the top of your pergola creating a cool, green dappled shaded area.  Talk about ambiance!

Other types of patio shade include things like a patio canopy, awnings or blinds.  Though possible, awnings and blinds don’t usually form shade in an overhead manner.  Typically if you are looking at patio blinds or curtains, you are seeking to enhance an otherwise shaded area from above.  So, what you would have is an outdoor shade like an awning or canopy and then further enhance and envelope your patio space with these other features.

Specifically addressing the patio shades component, these are usually a type of roller shade.  As the name implies, this type of shade rolls down to create a ‘wall’ for shade.  This is especially helpful to block those angled rays from the intense sun.  In the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky, you can keep them up out of the way – this is assuming you live in a climate where you can enjoy your patio year-round.

Other types of roll-down shades are things like a retractable shade or awning that comes out when needed.  These outdoor blinds are very similar to your indoor varieties, they are just made to withstand the elements of nature.  Blinds made to be outdoors are made with more durable materials like heavier vinyls, polyester and canvases.  They also have aluminum or stainless fittings and parts so that the rain and moisture will not rust them or stain your awning shades.

We talked above about how awnings are usually not an overhead shade provide, but this is not always the case.  There are certain manufacturers that have made a retractable awning that functions much like a sunroof in your car.  These are like hybrid awning-canopies.  They are installed on a patio cover type structure that can look much like a pergola.  However, the difference is in how these awnings can be retracted.  There are several panels that can all be independently opened or closed providing shade in an almost personal way.  These make great flexible shading.

Outdoor Shades – Standout Winner and Our Patio Place Pick

In case you missed our article on patio canopies, we mentioned one of favorite outdoor shades – the Australian shade sail.  These are so named because they look like a sail on a ship.  They were developed in Australia where temperatures can be quite extreme – similar to the desert southwest of the U.S.  Basically, they look like large sails that are stretched or mounted between several poles, often 3 or 4, depending upon the shape of the sail.  They are under a fair amount of tension between their anchor points, so it is critical that they be mounted to fixed points, like a building or rigidly mounted poles or posts.  They can be layered or staggered for great effect.  Consider getting them in a variety of colors and use these outdoor shades to add some splash and life to your patio space.

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There are many styles of outdoor shades and canopies from which to choose.  In fact, there are probably some ideas out there that you have never heard of or seen.  One of our favorites here at Patio Covers Place are the Australian shade sails.  These types of canopies work great for a patio.  They are minimally intrusive as far as profile goes and they provide great shade.

This type of patio canopy is usually made of a nylon material, but you can also find them in certain types of canvases as well.  These are typically triangular shaped and have anchor points to buildings or other firmly mounted poles or posts.  The reason behind this is because they are under high tension so you want to make sure that the anchor points are strong and can take the consistent pressure applied by the shade sail.  Additionally, when it is windy, the anchor points will experience more pressure, so it is critical that they can handle it.

We like the Australian patio canopy type of shade.

Of course, these are not the only type of shade possibilities for your patio.  If you are looking for a more temporary solution for some shading for a party or get together or special event, then you might consider a pop-up type of shade.  Similarly, if you want some spot shading or need a little burst of color or ambiance, a nice patio umbrella could do the trick for you.  An umbrella is a far cry from a full cover for your patio or deck, but it can add extra shading when necessary.

Since we are on the subject, let’s briefly mention the other ways to achieve shade for your patio.  This would include a discussion about blinds and other outdoor curtains or drapes.  In most cases, the curtains are more for ambiance than for gaining much in the way of shading.  However, if the sun is coming in at an angle, a drape can do good for you.  Similarly, patio blinds are of great benefit in this department – we’ve discussed bamboo blinds here.  You can get them with manual rolling features or have them motorized.  You can learn more details about these by going to our Patio Shades & Awnings category on the home page.

At times, patio canopies fall under the category garden canopy.  This is really a special type of shade structure that is very easy to assemble and have up in no time.  If you are looking for that type of temporary shade structure or something for that event like mentioned above, then this type of patio canopy would work great.  They can be adorned with any number of curtains and pull backs to give them an elegant look.  You can also use them for evening or night entertaining and have a set of patio string lights hung around the edge for a nice detail.  In the end, your patio is a place to get some much needed rest, relaxation and entertainment, so make it as comfortable and shaded as possible for you to enjoy all season – or year – long.

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Your average sized patio will need multiple blinds if you want complete protection and privacy. Most patios have somewhere between 4 and 8 openings, and each one will need its own blind. The beauty of this is, you can decide which ones you want open, and which ones should be closed. You can still block out that harsh heat (or that neighbors sticky beak), while benefiting from that southerly breeze from the other side.

Bamboo is one of the best materials that you could use on your patio, as it is incredibly durable, and environmentally friendly. This is why bamboo flooring is so popular and versatile.  Many people don’t realize just how strong this material is. As a matter of fact, bamboo, in

An example of an outdoor bamboo blind.

many cases, is even stronger than wood, has the ability to withstand the extreme conditions that a patio is subjected to, without having to constantly treat the blinds to keep them in good condition.

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From an environmental standpoint, the best thing about bamboo is the fact that it is such an incredibly renewable resource. Bamboo grows many times faster than wood, this means a higher turnover for the farmer, a smaller price tag for you, the customer, and the crops are replenished in a fraction of the time, when compared to wood. With all the talk you hear about global warming and holes in the ozone layer, the less old growth forests that are used in our homes the better.

One of the biggest benefits of having a patio is that it allows you to relax in comfort, while still enjoying the outdoors. Many people don’t realize until it’s too late, that installing fabric, vinyl or steel blinds or shutters on their patio can quite often ruin this characteristic and turn your patio into just another room of your house. Bamboo, with its natural grains and organic look, creates the privacy and protection you are looking for, without taking away from the joy of being outdoors.

If you are on a tight budget, then bamboo blinds are the perfect option. You will find that there is no cheaper material to be found in the world of outdoor patio shades, and you can save even more by doing your shopping online. Because web based stores have fewer overheads, they will more often than not pass these savings on to you. Not only will they save you a packet in the initial purchase, but they are extremely easy to install. This means that you can save even more by grabbing your drill and screwdriver out of the garage and installing them yourself.

Once they are installed, you will need to keep in mind that they should be rotated on a regular basis. I like to rotate mine every three months or so. The reason for this is that one side of the blinds will see a lot more sunlight over time than the other side, and the blinds will start to fade over time. Flipping them around on a regular basis will ensure that the fading happens more gradually and evenly over the whole bamboo blind.

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