May 5, 2025

5 Smart Shade Solutions That Protect Your Skin and Elevate Your Space

blue and white retractable awning by a pool — *This retractable awning creates a stylish sun-safe zone for both relaxation and entertaining. Your skin (and your outdoor furniture) will thank you!*

At Window Works, we design and install premium shade solutions that block harmful UV rays — keeping your skin safe and your spaces cool and stylish. From advanced exterior shades to smart motorized systems, here are the top 5 products we recommend to protect your family, clients, and guests from the sun.

1. Exterior Solar Shades: Block Up to 95% of UV Rays

Think of outdoor shades as sunscreen for your home or business. Mounted on the outside of windows or patios, exterior solar shades block sunlight before it enters the glass, drastically reducing UV exposure and interior heat. Best of all, you don’t sacrifice the view. These shades are perfect for west- or south-facing windows, outdoor living areas, and commercial settings like restaurants where glare and heat can ruin the vibe.

outdoor patio with exterior roller shades — *These exterior solar shades block up to 95% of harmful UV rays while preserving the view. No squinting required — just pure outdoor enjoyment!*

Often motorized for convenience, these shades can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button — or scheduled to move automatically with the sun. They can be integrated into smart home systems, giving you effortless control while maximizing UV protection.

2. Retractable Awnings: Shade On Demand

Let’s face it – sitting in the sun feels amazing until it doesn’t. That’s where our retractable awnings come to the rescue. Whether you’re lounging on the deck or hosting happy hour on your patio, retractable awnings let you control the sun with the push of a button. These stylish awnings block direct sun exposure, protect outdoor furniture, and reduce your risk of skin damage while enjoying your favorite outdoor space.

yellow and gray retractable awning over patio living space — *Sunshine on demand! This retractable awning adds both personality and protection to an outdoor living space. The cheerful stripes are just a bonus to the serious UV defense beneath.*

Window Works installs top-tier retractable awnings like Durasol, known for their durability and ability to withstand wind and weather.

3. Gennius Retractable Roof Systems: Full Outdoor Coverage

Want luxury-level protection that’s as smart as it is stylish? The Gennius System transforms patios into fully covered, retractable outdoor rooms. With optional zip screens and side enclosures, this product is ideal for homeowners, restaurants, and country clubs who want to create year-round usable outdoor space that blocks sun, wind, and rain.

Img 2053 (1) — *From spring blooms to winter gatherings – this Gennius retractable roof system creates a year-round outdoor room that protects from sun, rain, and everything in between.*

4. Window Awnings: Elegant Protection for Interiors

Not every solution needs to go big. Custom window awnings offer a refined way to block sun from heating up your interiors and fading your furniture. More importantly, they reduce solar glare—saving your eyes and your skin from UV exposure, especially in rooms with heavy sunlight.

classic striped window awning — *This classic window awning proves you don’t need grand gestures to make a big impact on UV protection. Plus, it adds instant curb appeal while keeping interior temperatures cool and comfortable.*

Choose from sleek retractable styles or classic stationary designs tailored to your window shape.

5. Solar Roller Shades: Interior Defense with a View

Ideal for sun-soaked rooms, solar roller shades filter UV rays without darkening the space. They protect your furnishings and skin while preserving visibility. Window Works offers advanced options like Hunter Douglas’s Dual Roller System and Sunbrella’s fade-resistant solar fabrics — solutions that blend protection with high-end aesthetics.

indoor solar roller shades in a gorgeous kitchen — The secret ingredient to this gorgeous kitchen? Sunbrella solar roller shades that filter harmful rays while maintaining the bright, airy aesthetic. These hardworking beauties protect your skin, your floors, and your furniture without stealing the spotlight.

Protect What Matters Most

Sun protection isn’t just for beach vacations and pool days. It’s an everyday concern, especially as we spend more time in those gorgeous sun-filled rooms we all love to design. This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we invite you to think about how your space could be working harder to protect what matters most — you and your family!Ready to build a stylish barrier between you and those aging UV rays? Schedule your personalized consultation today. We promise no scolding about your sunscreen habits (we’ll leave that to your dermatologist). Let’s create a solution that keeps you safe while looking absolutely fabulous.