Do You Need Interior and Exterior Shades?

Interior and exterior shades alike are a popular choice among Missoula homeowners who are looking to maximize light control. Each of them offers unique benefits, leaving many wondering which is better for their home, or if they should combine both.

At The Blind Guy Missoula, we’ve been helping homeowners make this decision for over a decade. The short answer is, like anything, it depends. So, we’re going to take a deep dive into interior vs exterior shades and how you can use them to increase your home’s overall comfort.

Interior window shades are installed inside your home. They excel at filtering incoming solar light while protecting your home from extensive UV damage. Shades come in a wide range of colors, patterns, styles, and operating systems, making them one of the most popular interior window treatment styles in Missoula.

Interior window shades come in:

• Roman shades
• Roller shades
• Sheer shades
• Woven shades
• Cellular or honeycomb shades

Interior shades can bring several benefits to your home, including:

• Enhanced energy efficiency
• Improved light control
• Reduced solar heat gain
• Less glare and UV exposure
• Improved security and privacy

If you're looking for the quickest improvement to your home's light control and privacy, interior window shades are worth the investment.

Exterior shades are mounted on the outside of your home and are a popular way for Missoula homeowners to extend the use of their house. This window treatment style blocks sunlight before it reaches your window glass, making it one of the most effective ways to reduce excess solar heat gain--resulting in more consistent temperatures inside your home.

Patio shades and outdoor shades are also used to close in porches and patios, effectively adding another room to your home. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors but aren't fans of excessive heat, or for those who entertain plenty of guests, exterior shades and screens are a beloved addition that gives homeowners more space to work with.

Exterior shades can also offer the following benefits:

• Improved energy efficiency inside the home
• Reduced glare outdoors
• Fewer bugs
• Weather resistance

For these reasons, exterior shades are popular in addition to, not instead of, interior window shades.

For most homes, choosing between interior or exterior shades isn't an either-or situation. Whether or not interior or exterior shades are the right choice will depend on your needs and the room you're fitting.

Interior window shades are best when your primary concerns are insulation, privacy, and day-to-day light control inside the home. They're a stylish and useful choice for bedrooms and living rooms where light control without compromise of style is key.

Exterior shades are best suited for areas that experience intense sunlight or where heat buildup is a recurring issue. South and west-facing windows often benefit the most, as do outdoor spaces that you want to enjoy during warmer months without excessive glare or heat.

Many Missoula homeowners benefit from both exterior and interior shades. When used in tandem, they provide a complete solution that reduces the harshness of outdoor light while also offering a stylish way to filter light indoors.

Both interior and exterior shades can also be paired with motorized technology to make complete light and glare control totally hands-free.

If your priority is getting more use out of your space, especially if you have a back deck, porch, or patio that you're not taking full advantage of, then you'll benefit the most from a combined interior and exterior shade revamp.

Considering elevating your home with interior and exterior shades? If you're still looking for some inspiration, our design team is here to help you get started.

Schedule a free in-home consultation today and we'll bring the showroom to you! We'll work with you in your space to discuss the best solution for your home's unique features.

We're locally owned and operated, based in Missoula, and happy to service the surrounding Bitterroot Valley area, including Florence, Stevensville, Victor, Hamilton, Philipsburg, St. Ignatius, St. Regis, Superior, Plains, Drummond, and Darby, Montana.