Sustainable Homes
7 Clever Cooling Tactics: Shutters, Blinds & Shades to Talk About
External window treatments come in many forms. We've got you covered with the main types that keep homes naturally cool
External shutters, blinds and shades are handy in many ways: they block out light for a good night’s sleep; some provide an extra measure of security or protect from storms; and all help stop radiation from the sun before it has a chance to enter the home or heat up the windows themselves. In this way, they are even more effective at stopping indoor heating than blackout curtains and other internal solutions.
When we asked Houzz editors around the world to weigh in on clever cooling strategies in their countries, external window coverings in their various forms came up again and again, particularly from those hailing from hot climates. Though not exhaustive, this list shows off some of the diverse styles external window coverings take around the globe while serving similar basic functions. Some styles might be worth considering as part of a larger home renovation, while others are flexible enough that they can form a stylish ad-hoc solution for increasingly common heat waves.
When we asked Houzz editors around the world to weigh in on clever cooling strategies in their countries, external window coverings in their various forms came up again and again, particularly from those hailing from hot climates. Though not exhaustive, this list shows off some of the diverse styles external window coverings take around the globe while serving similar basic functions. Some styles might be worth considering as part of a larger home renovation, while others are flexible enough that they can form a stylish ad-hoc solution for increasingly common heat waves.
2. The classic shutter
The lovely blue window treatments on this home in France are a traditional design, with a shutter attached on a hinge on either side of each window. They can be pulled closed at night or on hot days, and they add a big dose of style to the facade when open.
The lovely blue window treatments on this home in France are a traditional design, with a shutter attached on a hinge on either side of each window. They can be pulled closed at night or on hot days, and they add a big dose of style to the facade when open.
This updated version in Germany uses a barn-door look instead of the classic hinged style.
Need to rethink your window treatments to keep your home cool? Find specialists in shade solutions and shutters near you on Houzz
Need to rethink your window treatments to keep your home cool? Find specialists in shade solutions and shutters near you on Houzz
3. Bahama shutters
Popular in the Caribbean and parts of the United States, these shutters are hinged at the top of the window and can be closed quickly in case of an approaching storm. Some come with adjustable louvres for more control over the amount of light entering the building.
Popular in the Caribbean and parts of the United States, these shutters are hinged at the top of the window and can be closed quickly in case of an approaching storm. Some come with adjustable louvres for more control over the amount of light entering the building.
4. Roller shutters
An alternative seen frequently in central Europe, among other places, are these roll-up shutters. The roll is stored in a box over the window as pictured here, or internally in the wall above the opening. They can be opened or closed with a pulley, crank or button inside the home, or increasingly by app.
These also give homeowners greater control over the amount of air and light they let into the home, as the shutter can either be closed fully or partially to leave a gap between each slat.
Browse more home exteriors to inspire your own
An alternative seen frequently in central Europe, among other places, are these roll-up shutters. The roll is stored in a box over the window as pictured here, or internally in the wall above the opening. They can be opened or closed with a pulley, crank or button inside the home, or increasingly by app.
These also give homeowners greater control over the amount of air and light they let into the home, as the shutter can either be closed fully or partially to leave a gap between each slat.
Browse more home exteriors to inspire your own
5. External Venetian blinds
These are a more robust external version of standard internal drawstring blinds. As with louvres, they offer quite a bit of control over the amount of light and air entering the home.
This house in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of many European homes that sport external Venetian blinds.
These are a more robust external version of standard internal drawstring blinds. As with louvres, they offer quite a bit of control over the amount of light and air entering the home.
This house in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of many European homes that sport external Venetian blinds.
6. Japanese sudare and yoshizu
Traditional shading in Japan is known as the sudare, a roll-up shade made of timber, bamboo or other natural materials that hangs from a home’s eaves. Similar to a blind, it protects the verandah and the home’s openings from sunlight, but also rain.
Another version, called a yoshizu, has a similar look but is built as a freestanding panel that can be leaned against a window or other opening when needed, rather than being attached directly to the home’s exterior.
Traditional shading in Japan is known as the sudare, a roll-up shade made of timber, bamboo or other natural materials that hangs from a home’s eaves. Similar to a blind, it protects the verandah and the home’s openings from sunlight, but also rain.
Another version, called a yoshizu, has a similar look but is built as a freestanding panel that can be leaned against a window or other opening when needed, rather than being attached directly to the home’s exterior.
7. Spanish Persianas alicantinas
In Spain, similar roll-up shades made of wood or PVC slats are called Persianas alicantinas. Just like the Japanese versions, they can block out both sun and rain…
In Spain, similar roll-up shades made of wood or PVC slats are called Persianas alicantinas. Just like the Japanese versions, they can block out both sun and rain…
…But they also commonly double as eaves or pergolas, especially in the south of Spain.
Your turn
What external shading devices cool your home? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Want more clever ways to screen your home? Take a look at Screen Time: Stylish Ways to Keep the Mozzies Out This Season
Your turn
What external shading devices cool your home? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Want more clever ways to screen your home? Take a look at Screen Time: Stylish Ways to Keep the Mozzies Out This Season
These rotating vertical or horizontal louvres maximise air flow while also controlling light and protecting privacy.
Individually mounted louvres, such as the ones pictured in this local home by Carter Williamson Architecture, are popular in Australia and the USA among other places.