Windows are the entry point of light into your home. You can create the perfect mood just by the amount you let through to the space. With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure you have the right fixtures to achieve the perfect lighting as well as nail the styling to suit your home. We weigh up the three main options that’ll do the job for you. Here’s our take on the three most popular shading fixtures i.e Awnings v Roller Shutters v Blinds and how they may suit your space.

Awnings:

Awnings are like a protruding roof that sits above your window (or door) and juts outwards. These can be retractable and can be made from a variety of materials, from fabric to metal. Regardless of type, awnings can be differentiated from blinds and shutters by the fact that they always sit on the outside of your window and protrude.

Awnings are usually ideal for houses exposed to extreme heat and light from the sun. They allow for a lot of creativity when it comes to styling and colour. You can also get awnings big enough to cover decks, pools and carparks. The main issue is ensuring you have the space on your property to facilitate an awning without it reaching over your neighbour’s fence. If so, the possibilities are endless.

Roller Shutters:

Roller shutters, like their cousin the awning, can be made a variety of materials and can sit on the outside of a window. But unlike an awning, they’re usually easier to open and close by hand, whereas an awning can take more effort (depending on the type).

Roller shutters are fixed into place at the top of a window and can be rolled downwards to a height that lets in the desired amount of light.

These fixtures are an exceptional option for those keen to ensure security over their windows, as shutters made of metal are excellent at hindering “break-ins” due to their sturdiness; an excellent option for holiday homes that are empty for long periods of time.

Blinds:

Blinds stand-alone from awnings and shutters as the window fixture sits within the house rather than outside. They are not used for security like Roller Shutters but are fantastic for privacy and light filtering. You can choose from a variety of styles and materials of Indoor Blinds depending on your home’s design and requirements.