Types of skylight blinds, Awnings and shades

Skylight blinds and shades are good energy-efficient devices. But they also represent costs and have limitations that should be analyzed.

So, before buying a skylight blind, shade or awning consider alternatives like skylights with low-e glass, tubular skylights and other means that can make blinds, shades or awning unnecessary.

See:

Skylight Glasses
Traditional rectangular Skylights
Modern Sun Tunnel Tubular Skylights

Heat-blocking exterior awnings

Heat-blocking awnings - located on the exterior of the skylight - are excellent in terms of energy-efficiency. They block the heat before entering the home, providing maximum protection against heat gains without obstructing views to the outside (though some models do block light and views).

Note: The best skylight awnings aren’t visible from inside the room.

Light blocking shades

Light blocking skylight-shades are typically made from aluminum coated fabric. They can block the brightest sunlight, and are perfect for rooms requiring total darkening (bedrooms…). New products include solar batteries, dispensing with wiring.

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds do not offer the efficiency of light blocking shades or exterior awnings, but involve a tested and cheap technology and reasonable control over sunlight, redirecting or reducing it in an adjustable way.

Roller shades

Roller shades are a cheap sun-screening option for basic room darkening. Most of them are operated manually with a pull cord.

Blinds and Shades: Options

Pay attention: skylight shades, blinds and awnings are manufactured in many shapes, styles, colors and sizes. Materials are often different in density and nature, affecting the results and the amount of transmitted light.