bamboo shades for gazebos

How To Create Your Patio Oasis Using Exterior Shades

/ Super Admin
Outdoor Oasis with Solar Shades
Patio setup with exterior solar shades

What does the term “patio oasis” bring to mind for you? You’ll find trending the idea of taking any kind of space, from an empty, sun-scorched rooftop to a deserted backyard, and turning it into a lush retreat, ready for entertaining and for simply enjoying the outdoor weather when it’s nice out. 

Here are some pointers that can help set you up for a successful patio season this fall.

*Related: How to Begin Fall Patio Season Early

Setting Up Your Outdoor Patio Oasis

Home exterior patio with wooden decking and rattan sofa

How do you envision your oasis? Start by power washing the concrete / deck area. Then, you’ll want to ensure you provide yourself and guests with plenty of comfortable patio furniture offering room to stretch out. 

What about fans and / or misters to keep things cool when it’s warm outside? If you’re one that enjoys being outside during the evenings, you’ll want to consider proper lighting and bug-proofing of your space. 

Here are some suggestions to get into place as part of your oasis setup:

  • Fans and / or misters
  • String lighting / lamps / lanterns
  • Bug repellent plants (e.g., lavender and chrysanthemums)
  • Bug zapper lights / Tiki torches / citronella candles

Privacy & Shade

Are you providing enough privacy for your oasis area? Do you have enough shade?

First, you’ll want to strike an even balance between allowing sunlight in and providing shaded spots throughout your outdoor entertainment area. 

Bamboo shades (crafted using the natural fibers of the bamboo plant) and woven wood window treatments (woven using a combination of reeds, as well as bamboo, rattan, jute, and grasses to create a variety of color options) bring a natural, exotic, and eco-friendly beauty and feel to any space, indoor or out. 

Related: Bamboo and Woven Wood Shades Bring More “Japandi” Into Your Life

Layering these natural shades with window panels or drapes can also be done to minimize views from the outside while creating a truly customized look on the inside. If you do go with these shades made from natural materials, you’ll want to ensure that they are protected as much as possible from rain and moisture.

In addition to privacy, a reliable exterior solar shade will do a great job of keeping the glare out of your eyes and offering enough shade for your area, while still being able to enjoy the warmth. Also, you’ll be able to help protect your outdoor furniture and maintain your outside view.

*Related: What Does the “Openness Percentage” Mean for Solar Shades?

*Related: What is the Difference Between Solar Shades and Exterior Solar Shades? 

A Couple of Final Details

To keep things comfy and toasty on cooler nights, set up one or more propane heaters. A firepit for ambient effect also provides plenty of warmth. 

Then, Don’t forget the outdoor bar area where you can reward yourself with a refreshing, cool drink after you’ve completed setting up your outdoor patio oasis!

Minding all these details will not only help you enjoy patio season to its fullest but can offer you opportunities to make this season last as long as possible.

Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Outdoor Oasis

Whether or not you’re “big on social graces,” or have an abundance of “friends in low places,” perhaps you are looking for a few recommendations for your outdoor patio oasis? 

SelectBlinds staff loves offering up our selections from our different product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!

Classic Woven Woods (Signature Tier)* 

Get your outdoor entertainment area ready to have company over and grill with these brilliant woven wood shades! Install shades where it counts while protecting your furniture from fading and discoloration. All with a nature-infused touch.

5% Classic Exterior Sheer Weave Solars (Signature Tier)*

Keep your patio or deck area cool and comfortable by blocking out harmful UV rays and adding some lovely shade to your outdoor oasis. And do so while staying true to your existing design. 

*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond-basic solution that is also affordable.

Luxe Modern Woven Wood Shades (Premium Tier)*

Get the natural shade you want when the sun gets to be a bit much, and let in all that beautiful sunlight whenever you like. 

Lifestyle Outdoor Motorized Shade (Premium Tier)*

Take your outdoor experience up a notch with the convenience and ease of motorized solar shades. You’ll love the gorgeous oil-rubbed valance and convenient cable tie-downs! 

*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.

Designer Ultimate Woven Wood Shades (Luxury Tier)*

Create the ultimate escape in your own backyard, patio, or repurposed rooftop. These timeless woven woods are just what you need for your outdoor entertainment area upgrade project, regardless of style or design.

*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.

Your Outdoor Patio Oasis Calls for the Best Customized Solutions

Our philosophy has long held that DIY Design was never meant to be done “ALL by Yourself.” For your dream home’s design, whether for indoors our outside in your back patio, we’re here to help. 

Nothing makes an outdoor patio oasis more enjoyable than attractive bamboo or exterior solar shades to keep the harmful UV rays out of your face, while keeping your patio or deck area cool. SelectBlinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you all the helpful resources you’ll need to make your life (and projects) easier, because your success is our success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you will save plenty of money and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something special. 

Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.

Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day.

Only at SelectBlinds.

Go Window Shopping for the Custom Solutions You Need to Create an Amazing Outdoor Patio Oasis! >>

Why Get a Liner For Your Woven Wood Shades?

/ Super Admin

You can always expect higher quality artistry from our custom bamboo & woven wood shades.  When you compare custom-crafted woven wood shades with the off-the-shelf versions, you’ll start to notice some noticeable differences, beginning with the quality of workmanship. One factor that can add a degree of quality to your custom shades comes with adding a privacy or blackout liner. The type of liner discussed in this article is attached to the back of a window covering and is meant to face the exterior.

For starters, a liner adds a subtle, formal touch to bolster the overall aesthetic of your window treatments, not to mention a liner will enhance their functionality and how long they’ll last. Not only does a lining add some nice weight and depth to your window treatment, but it also helps it keep its shape intact and keep its crisp, unmussed appearance.  

Types of Shade Liners

Liners offer a crisper, more professional look for your window treatments, but there are also different types of liners that serve different purposes. The most common types of liners are standard/privacy liners and blackout liners. 

There are others like thermal liners, water-repellent liners, and interlining (which, in the case of fabric window coverings, like drapery or Roman shades, is inserted between the front and back of the window covering). We’ll go over standard and blackout liners here.

Standard, or Privacy Liner – A standard shade liner (often referred to as a privacy liner) usually consists of lightweight fabric (usually white or off-white) to add weight to reinforce your shade’s thickness, and create, overall, a fuller, richer window covering. The neutral white color keeps a consistent appearance for street-facing windows. Standard liners enhance the privacy offered by your window treatment, and they can also reduce incoming UV rays to help keep your furniture and interior from fading.  

Blackout Liner – These liners are ideal for bedrooms and media rooms, and are meant to block out up to 99% of incoming light and glare. Blackout liners typically come in white/off-white neutral colors, and tend to be of heavier, thicker weight. They’re great for when you want to watch your favorite movie or game, unencumbered by incoming glare, and also for weekends . . . when you might just want to sleep in!  

Room Darkening Liner – These liners are also great for bedrooms and media rooms, and you might even like one in your home office. They don’t block out as much light as a blackout liner, but you’ll still get a subdued lighting effect in your interior space. Room darkening liners also generally come in white/off-white neutral colors, and tend to be of heavier, thicker weight.

The 3 Best Things About a Shade Liner

Better Insulation

Liners on the back of your woven wood shades add an additional layer of insulation between incoming noise and your interior. This is the perfect enhancement for more quiet indoors that you’ll appreciate.

Better Light Control

More insulation on the back of your shade means fewer UV rays peeking through, and more protection for the shade itself, and for your furniture and indoor space. Keep the outside outside, and your indoors indoors.

Better Privacy Control

Shade liners are especially effective for lining window treatments made with thinner and more sheer fabrics. They can provide more privacy, especially at night.

More Personalized

In short, liners for your custom bamboo & woven wood shades (or for any other type of window treatment) add an additional degree of personalization and quality to make your window coverings more ‘yours.” 

*Related: What Is Edge Binding on Window Shades?

Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Space

What would look amazing with those liners you’re considering? Some of our beautiful, custom-crafted woven wood and bamboo shades for your windows! If you’re looking for some recommendations for your home, be sure to keep on reading. We’ve made selections from each of our product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!

Premier Woven Wood Shades (Premium Tier)*

Liven up your windows with this popular array of exotic woven woods. Naturally filter light through the unique textures, or add a privacy or blackout liner for more light and privacy control. Privacy and blackout liner upgrades available.

Premier Modern Natural Wood Shades (Premium Tier)*

Upgrade your interior aesthetic, starting with these window coverings to go from basic and boring to exotic and exciting. These lovely woven woods come in beautiful, natural materials and patterns to match any design you can dream up for your space. Privacy and blackout liner upgrades available.

*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.

Designer Series Woven Wood Shades (Luxury Tier)*

Level-up your interior design skills by featuring these dazzling woven woods. Choose from a wide selection of gorgeous woods ranging from light to dark neutrals. Room darkening and blackout liner upgrades available.

Designer Ultimate Woven Wood Shades (Luxury Tier)*

Create the ultimate escape in your own interior space. These timeless woven woods are just the ticket to finish off your latest home reno project, regardless of your personal sense of style and design. Room darkening and blackout liner upgrades available.

*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.

Create the Home You’ve Always Dreamed About

So you’ve decided to do a home redesign, and your vision is to create a dream home you’ll be proud of. Or, maybe you just want to redesign a single room in your house. Never fear! DIY Design never meant “Do it ALL by Yourself.” For any space, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating. 

Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new window treatments, and Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier, because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process. 

Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.

Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com.

Go Window Shopping Today for Custom Window Solutions to Complete Your Dream Home! >>

What is Edge Binding on Window Shades? A Select Blinds Q&A

/ Super Admin

Question: What is Edge Binding on Shades? What is Its Purpose?

Answer: Edge binding (also edge banding, edge lining) is a decorative fabric hem that runs alongside the edges of a shade (bamboo/woven wood shades or Roman shades). These edge bindings typically vary in width from one to three inches. Edge binding is not just for looks, and can also help your shade (particularly in the case of woven wood shades) perform better and outlast wear and tear.

Edge binding does not hinder your ability to choose a privacy or blackout liner.

Question: How Does Edge Binding for Shades Work?

Answer: As mentioned, edge binding is a fabric hem sewn around the edges of your shades, available in a wide selection of colors and patterns. If the edge binding isn’t an exact match to your shade’s color or pattern, it coordinates as a complementary or accent effect.

One critical function of edge binding is to help strengthen the shade’s edges, help the edges from fraying and splitting (in the case of bamboo/woven wood shades).

Question: Does Edge Binding Really Help Prevent Your Shade From Stretching?

Answer: You may or may not know that, in the case of woven wood shades, they may stretch downward and bunch up near the bottom, because of their weight. This would normally be a natural occurrence and nothing to be concerned about, but it is a factor to take into consideration. The edge-binding fabric fully wraps around to contain the shade, so as to prevent downward stretching caused by gravity. 

Question: Does Edge Binding Really Help Prevent Your Shade From Fraying?

Answer: The natural materials from which bamboo and woven wood shades are crafted, which leave the shade’s edges exposed. This casual, unfinished look might be desired by some homeowners, but it can leave the shade exposed to natural wear and tear.

Edge binding protects the edges of your shade from rubbing against surfaces and potentially fraying.

modern living room interior with furniture. 3d illustration

Question: What Kind of Interior Design Statement Can I Create With Edge Binding?

Answer: As mentioned, edge binding comes in a variety of colored and patterned fabrics intended to coordinate with your shade’s materials. For rooms that feature multiple window treatment types, you can easily tie your look all together with matching end binding fabrics for your bamboo or Roman shades. 

If your bamboo/woven wood shade’s material happens to be very textured, go with a solid colored edge binding fabric to keep things from appearing “too busy.” Color contrasts look amazing, like dark colored edge binding for lighter shades, or vice versa.  

Question: What Are Some Select Blinds Window Fashion Recommendations Featuring Edge Binding Options?

Yes, we offer an edge binding upgrade option on several of our customer-favorite products. Here are some recommendations:

Craftsman Roman Shades (Premium Tier)* 

You’ll love the look and feel of the popular Craftsman design aesthetic in these dapper Roman shades. Get your windows dolled up like a night out on the town with something elegant, bold, and unforgettable. Edge binding available in 2.5-inch width.  

*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.

Designer Series Woven Wood Shades (Luxury Tier)* 

Get ready to level-up your interior design cred with these dazzling woven wood shades. Choose from a wide selection of gorgeous natural textures ranging from light to dark neutrals. Edge binding available in 2-inch width.

Designer Ultimate Woven Wood Shades (Luxury Tier)*  

Create the ultimate escape in your own home with these timeless woven woods. These shades are just the ticket to finish off your latest home project, regardless of what your unique personal décor style may be. Edge binding available in 2-inch width.

Designer Reserve Roman Shades (Luxury Tier)*

Enjoy superior-quality construction and fabrics that are the hallmarks of these top-of-the-line custom window coverings. The easy cordless lift adds to the refined look of all four fold style options. Edge binding available in 2.5-inch width.

*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.

Got any more questions about edge binding? Leave it in the comments below!

Let Us Help You Get More “DIY” Into Your Dream Home Upgrade Projects! It’s A Lot Easier Than You May Have Thought!

Don’t let a home update project overwhelm you. You got this! Custom-craft your home into your dream home. No need to break the bank to do it, either. And we’re here to support you all the way from start to finish with helpful resources to make your life easier. Level up your DIY design cred, and save yourself plenty of money in the process. 

How much is peace of mind worth to you? Free interior design consulting is just another way we can support you in all your home upgrade projects. Call us today at (888) 257-1840 to tap into our free design consultation.

Free samples. Free shipping. Free design consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com.

Go Window Shopping for Some Beautiful New Select Blinds Window Fashions! >>

Great Gazebo Designs to Grace Your Backyard

/ Larry Walker

This post is inspired by my friend Melody. I love visiting her beautiful home where she’s created a backyard oasis that regularly beckons friends and family alike. At the heart of it is a gorgeous gazebo, under which we’ve spent many evenings sipping wine and solving all the world’s problems. By definition a gazebo is a free-standing structure with a proper peaked roof and open framework. From the simple to the sublime, they provide a unique area to decorate and express yourself with almost unlimited design possibilities.

It’s easy to go from pre-fab to fabulous by adding your own touches to manufactured and already assembled gazebos (check out Wayfair, Walmart, Lowe’s, Target and more). If you’re a real DIYer, you can build your own from the ground up using gazebo-in-a-box kits. Whether you’re looking to create an outdoor party place or personal refuge and meditation space, here’s a great guide to getting started on your own to-die-for designs.

Adding some details to prefabricated items makes all the difference.

My friend Melody pumped up the appeal of the patio and outdoor grill with a simple prefabricated gazebo frame that she added lights, a chandelier and cozy chiminea to to create her own charming outdoor bistro. (Photo courtesy of Melody Tune)

Gazebos create an intimate space.

This super simple gazebo can be used almost anywhere and personalized with your own unique design touches. Bamboo shades would make a great accent!

Add some drapes to an existing gazebo.

Drapes add a touch of drama and elegance and are an easy way to customize an ordinary gazebo. Check out some of the cool styles and patterns we offer here.

A gazebo can add some privacy to your space.

Ahh! Talk about a soothing sanctuary. Gazebos make great hot tub and spa enclosures.

Adding outdoor solar shades will enhance your gazebo

You could easily add exterior solar shades here to keep cool and shaded in the summer.