Sharing a large collection of exterior window awnings as well as some viable alternatives to help shade your home!
Today is one of those days where I’m sharing an idea rolling around my head and I’d love to get your thoughts!
One of the best updates we made during our kitchen renovation was adding this huge window to a wall that used to be unused cabinets. A week or two back on Instagram, I mentioned that we were thinking of adding an exterior window awning over our kitchen (and possibly) pantry window(s). The countertop under the large window is the perfect spot for food when we host, however, during most of the day, the counter is bathed in tons of sunlight. Not ideal for serving conditions. Since day one, I’ve been avoiding adding a window covering to the inside of the window as I’d really like to avoid covering any of the light. Today I’m going to share some possible options that are beautiful yet functional and help block the direct rays!
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KITCHEN SOURCES: Basket Pendant Lights | Bistro Stools | Faux Viburnum Stems | Glass Vase
Our window is actually three separate windows that Pella then framed into one. It measures and 60″ x 70″, although it’s hard to see in photos, has pretty deep framing in between the three columns of glass. So our options are certainly a bit more limited! Here’s a look at the window(s) from the exterior. You can see the pantry window almost straight ahead (it measures 36″x36″) and the kitchen window off to the left.
Following are a few ideas we’re considering to help shade the windows.
Exterior Window Awnings
Since I would prefer something that doesn’t block our view and (mostly) isn’t visible from the interior, I’ve been considering an exterior window awning. Most of the options below come in a huge selection of colors, finishes, sizes and patterns, so don’t let the colors in the graphic below steer you one way or another! Many also come in a variety of sizes (some list within the same listing, others are as a separate product).
AWNING SOURCES: Standing Seam Metal Awning | Retractable Window Awning | Twisted Rope Arm Window Awning (Tan White Stripes) | Scalloped Window Awning (Blue White Stripes) | Wavy Window Awning (Tan White) | Box Window Awning | Arched Window Awning | White Striped Retractable Awning | Black & White Scalloped Awning
Following are even more exterior window awnings, again, that all come in multiple widths, colors, finishes and patterns! Simply click any of the images below to learn more about each of the awnings shown.
If we do go the awning route, this metal awning (in bronze) is the lead contender. I think it would blend seamlessly with our exterior (we have a few areas with metal roofing). I’m guessing it will also hold up much better in our climate.
Alternatives to Exterior Window Awnings
Following are a few other alternatives to window awnings recommended to me on Instagram (you can see the post here if you want to read through the comments).
- 3M film professionally applied to the windows
- A roman shade on the interior
- Sun screens
- Hanging plants from the ceiling
- White plantation shutters
- Linen blinds that filter the light
- A roller shade
Any other options we should consider (either exterior window awning options or alternatives to them)? I’m happy to add to the list if you have any other suggestions!
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Have you considered plantation shutters, dutch door style? You can choose to close both the upper and lower sections for privacy and sun protection when needed or just close the lower section when you are entertaining and have food on the counter.
Love my plantation shutters. They let in all the light but can tilt up a little to keep direct sun out. Easy to clean and very unobtrusive.
We have sun setter retractable blinds and love them! They come in different colors and you can still see through them when they are down. Only drawback is they don’t do well in the wind but looks like that wouldn’t be a problem for you. This way they could be up and down with a push of a button.
We have a solar powered remote control Sunsetter blind on our 6’ south facing window in Kansas. My husband ordered it online and it fit perfectly. We have an eave that it hides under when it is up but it is not the least bit unsightly if just mounted to the house as yours would be. It is a bronze aluminum mount and the shade is also bronze. We have no window coverings of any kind and I was not wanting anything inside. This is perfect for light control when we need it but otherwise the view is unobstructed when it is up. I am very pleased with it.
I’m a fan of the black metal awning. But on a totally different note, what kind of trees are those outside your window? Love them!
Thank you! They’re actually Fineline Buckthorns. I’m not sure if they’re considered a tree or a shrub, but we love them and have them multiple places throughout our yard. I think they’re at about max size here (although I thought that 2 feet ago). 😉
Sarah – I feel your pain. We have 8 huge windows that face west (and we live in New Mexico); so the majority of our house in the summer is hotter than the hubs of hell. We replaced the windows (Thanks Window World!) and the solar transfer has improved. We also replaced all old window coverings with Hunter Douglas shades (on the inside) – so situation is vastly improved; but we will always combat the heat. My parents had the rolladen shutters on the exterior of their home in Lake Havasu, AZ (been on since the 1980’s). The previous owner installed them because they were additional security for a 2nd home and seriously reduced the heat in the summer months where not unusual to have summer days that exceed 110. I have attached with website and they may work for you beautifully since you are looking for exterior solutions. Plus could help during serious cold snaps for your winters. Worth having a look!
http://rolladenlv.com/
Hi Sarah,
Looks like you’ve done a beautiful job with your home! I’d like to suggest another option, smart window awnings from Sol-Lux. I just installed a pair of these on the side of my home and they make a huge difference. (Full disclosure, I work there.) They are extremely luxurious, with seemingly limitless customization so you can rest assured they won’t take away from any of the beautiful work you’ve done. They are solar-powered, so install is a snap and they are custom made in 1/2″ increments with over 13,000 color options so they will fit your home perfectly. My favorite part about these awnings is that they are “smart” meaning they function automatically with no user interaction. Monitoring sunlight, wind, and temperature the awnings extend and retract automatically. They are there when you need them and disappear when you don’t, allowing you to keep that wonderful view you just worked so hard to create.
Take a look at https://www.sol-lux.com
Our family room is ALL windows and French doors and is on the south side of the house. A few years ago I finally installed a Sunbrella fabric shade on the exterior that is controlled with a remote. I wish I had done it years ago! Not only does it cut down on the sun but reduces the heat significantly in that room. The good part is that you can choose whatever Sunbrella fabric you want. The shades roll up and down and stop wherever you want with the touch of a button. Not the most inexpensive solution but they are worth every penny!
I love our plantation shutters from Next Day Blinds. Such a clean look. But, if you still want your view, I would suggest looking on their site. They have some amazing Roman shades, etc that can go up/down. I LOVE the bronze awning idea too!
My Niece had two tiny 2′ x 2′ windows in her kitchen. They were way up on the west facing wall. The sun would shine down and literally melt the butter on her countertop. I happened to be visiting someone who had they exact floor plan and they had installed Plantation Shutters. My niece had them installed and her utility bills went down and her house is so much cooler.
We have the Sunbrella shade on the back of our west facing wall and it’s a lot cooler.
I had plantation shutters and while I loved the look I hated that I had to move everything in front of them when I wanted to open the window. Good luck with your decision. Whatever you decide I am sure it will look lovely. Your home is beautiful!
I LOVE your choice of the metal awning. Looks like they were MADE for your house! 💜
These could be a cute option….
Savannah Shadings:
https://www.nextdayblinds.com/shades/savannah-shadings
I liked your awning ideas, as well as your list of alternatives like roman shades or plantation shutters. We have a big problem with too much natural light in the evenings at my house. I’ve actually been thinking about using retractable screen doors to cover our patio to see if that will shelter us a little more!