“Heat and glare are the top two reasons homeowners replace their patio door window coverings.”
– Window Covering Manufacturers Association
Patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home. They bring in sunlight, offer a view of the outdoors, and make your space feel open and connected. But they also bring challenges.
Uncovered patio doors are one of the biggest sources of heat gain in a home. That leads to higher energy bills, more glare, and less privacy. Over time, UV exposure can even damage your floors and furniture.
A patio door sun shade helps fix all of that.
At Made in the Shade Southwest Ohio, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners find the perfect solution—without the stress or confusion. Let’s explore why this upgrade is worth it and how to choose the right one for your space.
Why Patio Door Sun Shades Make Sense
Glass doors are great for functionality, especially in living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens. But they don’t offer any protection on their own. Light floods in. Heat follows. And UV rays can fade your interiors fast.
That’s where a sun shade can help. It acts as a filter, screen, and temperature regulator—all in one product.
Benefits of a patio door sun shade:
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Blocks UV rays that damage furniture and flooring
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Reduces glare for better screen visibility
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Adds privacy, day or night
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Helps control indoor temperature
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Softens natural light without darkening your space
Modern sun shades also look great. They’re sleek, easy to use, and highly customizable. When done right, they blend into your room like they were always meant to be there.
Best Types of Patio Door Sun Shades
Not every shade works well for sliding or French doors. You need one that’s easy to operate and doesn’t get in the way.
Here are the best options we recommend:
1. Vertical Cellular Shades
Best for: Energy savings, modern homes, easy movement
These shades use a honeycomb structure to trap air, improving insulation year-round. They slide from side to side and fold neatly out of the way when open.
You can choose from light-filtering or blackout styles—perfect for sunny afternoons or movie nights.
2. Panel Track Shades
Best for: Wide patio doors, bold design, clean look
These fabric panels glide smoothly along a track. They cover large spaces with ease and stack neatly when open. You can choose from solar screen fabrics or soft textures, depending on your style.
They’re ideal if you want a modern and minimal look.
3. Solar Shades
Best for: Keeping your view, blocking UV, controlling glare
Solar shades use mesh-like material to block harmful rays without making your space feel closed off. They’re a favorite for homeowners who want to enjoy the view while reducing heat and glare.
Available in roller or panel track styles, you can also pick how much light comes through—from 1% to 10% openness.
4. Sheer Vertical Shades
Best for: Elegant style with light control
These combine vertical blinds with sheer fabric. You get soft light plus the ability to adjust for privacy. They’re a great option for formal spaces or traditional homes.
What to Consider Before You Buy
Choosing the right sun shade isn’t just about looks. Think through how your doors are used and what problems you want to solve.
Here’s what we consider during your free in-home consultation:
Door Type & Usage
Is it a high-traffic area? Do pets or kids use it often? You’ll need something durable and simple to operate—like vertical cellulars or sliding panels.
Light Control
Do you want blackout options for sleeping or media rooms? Or just filtered light for entertaining? We’ll show you the difference.
Style & Fabric
We bring samples right to your home. You’ll see exactly how each fabric looks with your floors, furniture, and paint colors.
Mounting Style
Inside mount gives a cleaner look. Outside mount offers more coverage and blocks light gaps. We help you pick what works best.
Automation
Want motorized control? Most of our shades can be upgraded to work with smart home systems or remote controls.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Even the best shade can perform poorly if it’s installed incorrectly.
That’s why our trained technicians handle every detail—from measuring to mounting. We ensure:
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Smooth operation
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Secure, long-lasting fixtures
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Balanced stacking and alignment
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Minimal light gaps
Our customers often say, “I didn’t know it could look this good.” That’s the power of professional help.
Why Choose Made in the Shade Southwest Ohio?
We specialize in custom window treatments for real homes and real people. Our process is simple and stress-free:
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Free in-home consultations
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Expert advice tailored to your needs
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Professional installation
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Top-quality products at fair prices
You won’t find any high-pressure sales here. Just helpful guidance and honest recommendations.
We understand how frustrating it is to deal with heat, glare, or lack of privacy. That’s why we walk with you step-by-step to find the best fit—and install it right.
Ready to Upgrade Your Patio Door?
A sun shade for your patio door isn’t just a design decision. It’s an upgrade that improves your comfort, protects your space, and saves you money on energy bills.
You don’t have to give up natural light. You just need the right solution to control it.
If you live in the Southwest Ohio area, we’re here to help. Schedule your free in-home consultation today and discover what a difference the right shade can make.
If you don’t live in the Southwest Ohio area, no problem. Made in the Shade services customer across the whole nation! Visit our homage to find a dealer near you!
