Your patio is more than just a space—it’s your personal retreat, but with year-round sunshine comes the need for best outdoor shades. Outdoor living space is a way of life in Florida. That’s where exterior shades and awnings from Made in the Shade Palm Harbor can make all the difference.
Whether you’re just starting your search or building on ideas from our related article, this guide will help you choose the best outdoor shade options for your Florida patio.
We’ll Bring The Showroom To You! Explore every option with a customized free in-home consultation. You’ll see fabrics, controls, and finishes from top brands like Insolroll, Alta, and Graber—all tailored to your outdoor lifestyle.
Why You Need Outdoor Shades in Florida
Florida’s climate offers long seasons of warmth, but also intense sun and humidity. The right outdoor shades can:
- Block harmful UV rays
- Cool your space by up to 20 degrees
- Add privacy
- Extend the life of outdoor furniture
- Increase energy efficiency indoors
With custom solutions that match your design and functional needs, these shades are an investment that delivers year after year.
Types of Outdoor Shades We Recommend
Let’s explore the most popular options for patios, lanais, pergolas, balconies, and more.
☀️ Solar Screen Shades
Solar screen shades are one of the most effective ways to reduce heat and glare without sacrificing your view. These shades are made from durable mesh fabrics that block UV rays while allowing airflow and visibility.
Perfect for:
- Lanai enclosures
- Covered patios
- Outdoor kitchens
Bonus: Available in multiple openness levels for your ideal balance of light and privacy.
🎯 Exterior Roller Shades
Exterior roller shades combine clean lines with practical features. They roll down smoothly to cover your opening and can be controlled manually or motorized for ultimate ease.
Ideal for:
- Open patios
- Balconies
- Poolside seating areas
Pair them with tracks or cable guides to prevent swaying in the wind.
⛱️ Retractable Awnings
Our retractable awnings provide on-demand coverage with the press of a button. You can extend them during the hottest part of the day and retract them when you want full sun or starlight.
Best for:
- Decks
- Terraces
- Windows & doors facing west
Choose from traditional styles or modern, cassette-mounted options that blend seamlessly into your home.
🏖️ Motorized Outdoor Shades
Enjoy effortless control with motorized outdoor shades that raise and lower with a remote, smartphone, or even voice assistant. These are perfect for tech-savvy homeowners or hard-to-reach installations.
Advantages:
- Schedule your shades by time of day
- Connect to smart home systems
- Reduce energy use automatically
Motorization adds value and convenience with a sleek finish.
What Makes Our Outdoor Shades Different?
At Made in the Shade Palm Harbor, we’re more than just installers. We help you design the perfect solution—down to the fabric, color, control system, and mounting style.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Top Brands: Insolroll, Alta Window Fashions, Graber
- Customization: Every shade is made to measure
- Professional Service: Expert design, measuring & installation
- Smart Options: Motorization, smart home integration, wind sensors
- Florida-Ready: Weather-resistant materials and UV-stable fabrics
And yes, all of our products are backed by warranties for your peace of mind.
Where Can Outdoor Shades Be Installed?
Don’t limit yourself to just the patio shade solutions! Our customers use outdoor shades in a variety of spaces:
- Screened-in porches
- Outdoor dining areas
- Balcony railings
- Pergolas and gazebos
- Poolside cabanas
- Breezeways and entryways
For more ideas on transforming your space, check out our inspiration article.
Fabric & Design Options That Fit Your Style
One of the most exciting parts of your free consultation is exploring the full design palette. We offer:
- Neutral to bold fabric colors
- Multiple textures and weaves
- Openness options for visibility
- Valances and cassettes for a clean finish
- Manual and motorized lifts
Not sure what works best? Our consultants will bring samples to your home and help you choose the look and performance that suit your lifestyle.
Built for Florida’s Climate
Florida sun, salt, and storms are no match for our outdoor window treatments. Here’s why our products stand up to the weather:
- UV-Stable Fabrics: Won’t fade or crack
- Rust-Proof Hardware: Ideal for coastal zones
- Heavy-Duty Components: Designed to handle wind and humidity
- Drainage-Friendly Materials: No pooling or sagging
Many of our shades are also available with side channels, cable guides, or sealed track systems to help manage wind and bugs more effectively.
Start with a Free Consultation
Not sure where to begin? Our process is simple and stress-free.
- Request a Free Consultation
We’ll visit your home with samples and design advice tailored to your space. - Professional Measuring
We’ll take exact measurements to ensure a perfect fit. - Custom Installation
Our experienced installers will complete the job with care and precision.
We manage the details so you can relax and enjoy your transformed outdoor space.
Ready to Create a Cool, Comfortable Patio?
When you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor living, trust the experts at Made in the Shade Palm Harbor. Whether you’re drawn to solar shades, retractable awnings, or fully motorized solutions, we’ll help you design something beautiful—and built to last.
Start by exploring our full line of outdoor shade options, or revisit our previous article for more inspiration.
📅 We’ll Bring The Showroom To You!
Request your Free In-Home Consultation today, and let’s create the shaded outdoor space you’ve been dreaming of.
