Bright, sunny days can make you feel refreshed and empowered, until the sun gets in your eyes. If you make frequent use of your balcony and would rather not be temporarily dazed by the sun’s rays, here are some handy sunshade ideas you can consider.
Key Considerations Before Buying Sunshades
Before you jump right into investing in a sunshade that works for you, keep these criteria in mind.
Budget
Your budget can determine the type of sunshade you purchase. Large coverage sunshades typically command a higher price point, while smaller or portable options may be more affordable. Additional features, such as motorised functions, can also contribute to the final price.
Durability
A durable sunshade can reliably withstand strong winds, intense sunlight, rainstorms, and other weather patterns that could gradually damage it. Consider aluminium and polyester fabrics for your sunshade, as these materials are weather- and corrosion-resistant while still easy to clean.
Spatial Limitations
Your balcony’s location can determine the type of sunshade you want to use. Some balconies may accommodate larger sunshades that provide ample coverage, while smaller ones may require careful planning to maximise available space for furniture and other elements.
Aesthetics
Some designs may complement your home’s overall theme, while others may create a unique contrast in colours or styles. Be sure to consider your practical needs for the sunshade while going for something thematically appropriate.
Sunshade Ideas to Consider
Home Garden
A collection of hanging and potted plants can be a surprising but pragmatic sunshade option. While this option is suitable if your balcony is not entirely bathed in sunlight, it can still be a handy, non-permanent solution that also beautifies your balcony.
A mix of plants will have various effects as your natural sunshade. Vines and creeping plants can grow upward along pillars, railings, and trellises, their leaves and flowers spreading out to provide comfortable shade from the sun. Potted plants can also be strategically placed where they can bask in the sunlight while still protecting you from the sun’s rays. Moreover, some hardy plants can also serve as a light screen, keeping the wind and rain from reaching you.
Parasols/Umbrellas
While more commonly seen adorning patios and gardens, large parasols and umbrellas can also fit nicely as sunshades for your balcony. They are well-suited to longer or wider balconies with substantial room to accommodate the umbrella’s frame. In fact, their sheer size allows them to effortlessly protect a table of four from the elements, while select models can even accommodate five or six people.
The umbrella pole is typically made from solid wood, like teak, or from metal to ensure lasting durability throughout its use. However, the total weight makes relocation difficult when necessary. Nevertheless, when positioned in the right spot, the umbrella can consistently protect you from rainy showers and bright sunlight at any time of day.
Fixed/Retractable Awning
Fixed awnings are a common sight on many balconies across Singapore. You can find these made from aluminium, known for its lightweight, corrosion-resistant properties, or from durable acrylic or polyester fabrics. They are known for their practical versatility across any balcony type, protecting your balcony from the sun and rain, even on the brightest or wettest of days. Moreover, by blocking the sun’s rays, the awning also keeps room temperatures at manageable levels, a blessing on particularly warm days.
You can also opt for retractable awnings instead of permanently fixed ones. While they command a higher price, they can be easily extended or retracted at will using a motorised control box or manually via a lever or crank. With this, you can quickly adjust the awning as you see fit to welcome gentle sunlight or to shield your entire balcony from rain clouds. Some models can also be set to a timer, extending and retracting at fixed times in a day.
Roller Blinds
A classic choice, roller blinds add a touch of vintage splendour to your balcony while still serving as an effective sunshade. Blinds can come in different designs, blocking most incoming sunlight while allowing small amounts to pass through and illuminate the balcony. They also serve as handy privacy screens to keep prying eyes at bay when rolled down. Most roller blinds are either manually operated or controlled by a convenient remote.
Roller blinds typically come in a range of sizes that can accommodate various window and balcony types. They are generally more affordable than awnings due to their smaller coverage, but they may be easily blown around by strong winds, reducing their overall effectiveness at keeping the elements out. Thankfully, some blinds do feature anchor points to secure them in place when rolled down, ensuring that they can keep out the elements at all times.
SmartShades
DeGrille’s SmartShades are a modern take on roller blinds, utilising an automated track-guided system that prioritises your safety while adding aesthetic appeal to your balcony. These HDB-approved automatic blinds use premium blind tracks with metallic grooves, keeping the blinds in place during strong winds. This feature already makes the SmartShades a more durable option, as it greatly reduces the risk of damage to the blinds in harsh weather. These blinds also handle wind better, cushioning its effects and further minimising damage to their mechanisms.
To ensure continuous, effortless use, the SmartShades come with an “auto balance” sliding roller that slides backwards to prevent the blinds from pushing against the cover. Doing so ensures there is sufficient room to roll up without being crumpled. Its automatic function also detects obstructions in its path, raising the blinds immediately so they do not crush the obstruction. You can then remove the obstruction, and the blinds will lower once again.
Are you interested in knowing how the SmartShades can add both utility and aesthetic value to your balcony? Contact DeGrille today to find out more!