June 22, 2026
If you’ve been looking for a smarter way to manage sunlight, heat, and privacy around your home, exterior shades for windows may be exactly what you’re missing. Unlike typical interior window treatments, exterior shades are installed on the outside of your home and block solar heat and glare before it ever enters your home.
At Blinds Plus Designs, we carry premium exterior window treatments from trusted Polar Shades and Draper Exterior Shades. Whether you’re outfitting a sun-soaked patio, a covered lanai, or the front porch of your home, we have the outdoor shade solutions you need to keep cool even when the temperatures rise.
One of the most compelling reasons homeowners invest in exterior shades is the impact on home energy costs. When sunlight hits your windows directly, it drives up indoor temperatures—forcing your air conditioning to work harder. Exterior shades block that solar heat at the source, reducing heat gain by up to 90%.
Window treatments like Polar Shades exterior roller shades and Draper Exterior Shades are feature high-performance fabrics that reflect and diffuse solar radiation without blocking your view. During the warm season, energy savings can be substantial—making exterior shades a smart, long-term investment for your home and your wallet.
UV exposure doesn’t stop at your windows. Harmful ultraviolet rays can fade hardwood floors and upholstery and damage artwork. Outdoor shades create a protective barrier that filters UV rays before they reach your home's interior.
Exterior shading systems, for example, are designed to block a significant percentage of the sun’s UV rays while still maintaining visibility and airflow. For families who spend time on screened porches, covered decks, or open patios, this protection allows for more time spent outdoors.
Today’s exterior shades are as much about design as they are about function. A well-chosen outdoor shade system can transform a bare patio into a stylish, sheltered retreat. This can extend your home's usable square footage and boost its curb appeal.
From sleek, motorized roller shades to architectural exterior screens, the options available through Blinds Plus Designs suit a wide range of home styles—whether your aesthetic is modern, transitional, or traditional. Draper Exterior Shades and Polar Shades both offer customizable fabrics, colors, and hardware finishes to complement your outdoor décor and architecture.
For the ultimate in light control, privacy, and energy performance, the most effective approach is to combine exterior and interior window treatments on the same window. Pairing exterior shades with Hunter Douglas interior shades, such as Duette® Cellular Shades or Hunter Douglas Designer Solar Shades, allows you to take your energy efficiency and UV protection to the next level.
This layered strategy is particularly popular among homeowners who want seamless smart-home integration. Hunter Douglas PowerView® Automation allows you to program your motorized window treatments to adjust automatically based on the time of day, sunlight levels, or your daily schedule—delivering comfort and energy savings when you need it most.
Investing in exterior shades is one of the most versatile home upgrades you can make—delivering energy savings, UV protection, and a polished look that elevates your entire property. Whether you’re preparing for summer heat or simply looking to enhance your outdoor living space, now is the perfect time to explore your options.
Visit Blinds Plus Designs to browse our selection of window treatments from Hunter Douglas, Polar Shades, and Draper Exterior Shades, or schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our design experts. We’ll help you find the right exterior window treatments to fit your home, your style, and your budget.
We proudly serve the areas of Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Seal Beach, Corona Del Mar, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, and Fullerton, CA.
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May 12, 2026
Home interiors are changing fast for 2026, and window treatments are leading the way for homeowners. Regardless of your preferred interior design style, this year’s styles are beautiful and practical. Here’s what’s trending in Huntington Beach homes. As we continue through 2026, we are excited to discuss some window treatments and interior design trends we’re seeing this year.
April 14, 2026
Open floor plan homes are no strangers to patio doors and sliding glass doors. They’re a welcome addition that brings in plenty of natural sunlight and a breezy entryway to a comfortable patio.
December 30, 2025
Interior shutters remain a top choice among homeowners who want style and substance in their window treatments. These classic coverings provide excellent light control, privacy, and insulation while adding architectural interest to any room.