What Are Retractable Shades?

Retractable shades are designed to retract to stay out of your way when not in use but then slide across when you want them in use. They are created to keep insects out of your home but also to shade you from the sun. Depending on the mesh you choose, it can either be more opaque or more translucent and offer different levels of shade. Retractable shades for patios are also very popular as they shade your outdoor space to sit and entertain comfortably. Whether it’s a retractable shade for your deck or an exterior space, you can find the right one for you.

How Do Retractable Shades Work?

There are a couple of options for retractable shades. 

The first option is a motorized retractable shade. They work with a motor and slide along a track up and down. It is controlled by a remote that moves the screen up and down and can be set to stop at a certain height as well as sync more than one motorized screen shade. 

Large opening shades are for large openings such as patios, bi-fold doors, and multi-panel sliding doors. They retract into a housing and slide across tracks. They latch on the door frame with a magnet to keep it secure. They are chosen because they fit perfectly with any opening, such as a patio, deck, or doorway in your home.

Types of Retractable Shades

There are a variety of retractable shades that may be beneficial for you and your home. There are retractable awnings, exterior retractable shades, motorized retractable shades, sun control retractable shades, and large retractable shades. Below each type of retractable shade is outlined on their features to help you decide on the best fit for you.

Exterior Retractable Shades

Exterior retractable shades can range from an opening on your patio that needs screening, such as a retractable screen and large opening shade or a motorized shade. Depending on your budget or the size of your opening, you may choose one of those options.

Motorized Retractable Shades

Motorized retractable screens are designed with that WOW factor. They are made of mesh and are controlled with a remote as they move with a motor. They are best suited for an outdoor patio area, deck, or garage to create a bug-free and shaded area. You can drop them part way or all the way up or all the way down. You can also sync the remote with multiple units at a time.

Sun Control Retractable Shades

Sun control retractable shades are shades that have more of an opaque fabric to keep sunlight at a minimum. The different opacity is based on your preference. The sun control fabric is best used on motorized screens and on a patio or deck application.

Large Retractable Shades

Large retractable shades are meant for large openings such as bi-fold doors, multi-panel sliding doors, and other large openings. You can have them on your back door onto your patio or porch or on an opening that is on your patio. You can use them in conjunction with your motorized screen as well.

What Are The Best Retractable Shades For Your Space?

The best retractable shades for your space are dependent on what you need and want. It all depends on the setting you are screening. The options include retractable shades for patios, pergolas, decks, garages, bi-fold doors, French doors, or insect/bug screens.

Retractable Shades for Patio

Retractable shades for patios are created to shade the area plus keep insects out. The best option is a motorized shade that drops down and is used with a remote. It makes your patio look and feel comfortable and cozy in all seasons.

Retractable Shades for Pergola

Motorized retractable shades for pergolas can also be paired with a motorized shade to cover the area. If you have multiple sides you want to cover the pergola; you can also add large opening shades to it or another motorized shade.

Retractable Shades for Deck

Every deck has a different design, but motorized shades would fit best on a deck enclosure. Choose from a variety of mesh options and colors. Depending on the layout of your deck, you can either have multiple motorized screens or one and then a large opening screen.

Retractable Shades for Garage

Retractable shades for a garage are best suited with a motorized shade that can easily be mounted on the outside of the garage door and drops down to keep the fresh air in the garage but also keeps insects out and too much sunlight. It’s perfect for creating a home office, media room, or gym.

Retractable Shades for Bifold Doors or French Doors

Retractable shades for a bifold door system are large opening screens such as our 3500 screen. It spans 14 ft wide and 28 ft with a French set. The 3500 is made for this type of application. When it comes to French doors depending on the size, a large opening screen may be the best fit, or a retractable screen may be a better fit if the French doors are smaller and not as wide.

Retractable Shades for Insect/Bug Screens

Bug or insect issues? Retractable shades may be the solution for you. With mesh that is tightly woven to keep insects out, even the smallest critters. Any of our retractable shades will prevent insects from entering your home.

Key Considerations When Choosing Retractable Shades

There are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing the retractable shade for you. The considerations include the material used and the durability, the size and customization options, and motorized vs manual operation with sunlight filtering. Each of these considerations may help you better narrow down the retractable shade for you.

Material and Durability

Material and durability are very important when choosing your retractable shade. The best materials will be sure to make your shade last year. The importance of a durable screen is key to keeping it in good shape for consistent use. Mirage products are all made with the best materials.

Size and Customization Options

The size of your doorway and opening would depend on the sizing you need, but Mirage offers a variety of sizes to fit your home. The colors, mesh options, and sizing are all customizable to fit your needs. The 3500 large opening screen has 4 standard colors; the motorized screen has 7 standard colors and a variety of custom colors. The 1750 retractable screen has 8 standard colors and 18 diamond series colors.

Motorized VS Manual Operation

Depending on what you prefer and the look you are going for, you can choose from a motorized shade or a manual operation. Both are great, but one operates with a motor and looks very nice in a patio setting where a manual shade would be best on a door heading onto your patio or other openings.

Sunlight Filtering

Looking to keep sunlight at a minimum? Retractable shades are the best bet for you. They shade from 30-90%, depending on the mesh you choose. The more shade, the more opaque the mesh is.

Are Retractable Shades Worth It?

Retractable shades are definitely worth it. They are an investment to last you years. Their durability will outlive your traditional swinging screen. They will be sure to keep insects out and bring fresh air in when you need it the most.

Conclusion

From shading, you keep sunlight at a minimum while also providing a durable shade; we have you covered. Choose from a motorized shade, a Large opening shade, or a retractable shade; depending on what you need for your opening, the options are there for you. All can be customized to fit your needs and your home, from a variety of mesh options and colors to sizing.