A big thank you to SmartWings for sending the SmartWings Outdoor Shades of our dreams for us to review. Words cannot express just how much we love them and how they have revitalized our outdoor space.
I read some advice when I was house hunting that advised potential homeowners to “count the damn windows” and then to factor that into the price because window coverings are an expensive investment. That advice has always stayed with me and when we moved, you can bet I counted the windows. In fact, I had already ordered samples of wood blinds, curtains, and shades that I was considering for each window before we even got the keys. I’m a planner, if you didn’t already know. The thing is, I didn’t even consider the covered porch in any of my shade planning.
Oh, I considered the covered porch for all sorts of other planning. There were swings in the plan, there was a barn door rail to slide the swings out of place for pictures, and there were all sorts of ways to hang backdrops for photography. But, I forgot to plan for shade. I guess since it’s an outdoor area, I just assumed I would “work around” the sun? It turns out, working around the unpredictable PNW sun is not an easy thing to do. I think I’m the only PNW’er who often opens the door and goes “darn, it’s too sunny” and then cancels plans and work.
So, in the 18 years we’ve lived here, I’ve tried all sorts of solutions to block the sun, but none of them were great. I’ve tried using large faux wood panels to block the sun {cumbersome and definitely not safe}, I’ve tried flipping the way I take photos and blocking the sun with the backdrops {sadly, they are not a tight enough weave and the sun still comes through}, and then I tried curtains – which were really extra-long catering tablecloths because I needed them to be so tall for the space {cute, but not functional at all and didn’t block enough light}. I was beginning to think there was going to be no way to control the sun and I was forever going to be fighting the light.
And, then I found out about SmartWings outdoor shades and it was as if I heard angels sing.
SmartWings outdoor shades literally solved all of my sun and shade problems on my covered porch in one easy-to-order site. Their outdoor shades are designed specifically for outdoor environments, offering resistance against sunlight, rain, wind, and sand while still being aesthetically pleasing as well as fully functional. Let me tell you, this is no small feat. Every single other “solution” we found throughout the years was either 1) ugly or 2) absolutely inefficient or 3) too hard to use.
In addition to allowing me to use my covered porch for work, I love that the shades also can provide privacy. My kids like to spend three seasons enjoying the porch, and I love that I can shut the shades for privacy as well as keeping it cooler in the summer and not have to deal with sunscreen out there. The shades have a dense cool cross-weave that comes in different light blocking options from 5% – 1%. I went with 1% because I wanted to be able to control the light fully on the porch, but I could have easily gone with a 5% if I was just blocking sun and UV rays.
This is a picture looking directly into the sun to show you just how much direct sunlight the 1% shades can minimize. It still feels light and bright on the porch, but it’s so much better for reading outside {especially on electronics} and for just enjoying the sun without being scorched.
How to order SmartWings outdoor shades
First, you decide what type of shade you want and whether you will mount it inside a frame or over the top, or even a side mount. Then, you choose the color and the weave. After that, you measure twice. Be sure and follow the measuring guides on the SmartWings website and note all the different ways to mount the shades while measuring. Then you measure again. Trust me.
Next, you decide on the type of motor you would like, and this is probably the hardest choice as there are 6 options to choose from to create your perfect smart shades. You can choose a standard motor that works with a remote control, or smart ones that connect with Alexa/Google, Zigbee and Z-Wave motors that are compatible with popular systems like Samsung SmartThings or Home Assistant. Or you can choose one that is Matter connected that utilizes the Matter over Thread protocol to seamlessly connect with major platforms such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Assistant. This motor allows for intuitive control from your preferred app, providing faster response times, stable connections, and enhanced data security.
Once that’s decided, you can choose whether you want to plug in your outdoor shades to an outlet or you want a solar panel to power them. Then you choose your remote, and which side your motor will be on.
Then you submit your order and they begin to work to create your shades. Once your shades are finished to your specifications, they are packed with care and shipped to you so you can hang them and enjoy the shade.
Six things that surprised me about the SmartWings Outdoor Shades
- How much I was going to love them. I knew I was excited about shade on our covered porch, but I didn’t have any idea I would love having motorized shades even as much as I do. Because our porch cover is so incredibly tall, I never was able to even use curtains without a ladder, which meant they were rarely that useful because I couldn’t use them on a whim. Having smart control means that I can actually use them effectively, and I love that you can even automate them with home platforms or create automatic tasks or setting schedules like the Sunrise/Sunset setting where your shades rise with the morning sun and close at dusk. For me, having a multi-channel remote where I can pre-set multiple settings is my favorite feature so far. I love that I can use the remote to control them individually or collectively, and not having to grab a ladder is absolutely essential for quick photo shoots.
- How easy they were to install. Sometimes we get a product to test that touts its “easy install” ability and we end up making three trips to the hardware store to make it work. Sometimes I chalk that up to having a house with some quirks, and sometimes I find it’s just best to hire a professional to install. But these shades? They literally went up in 15-20 minutes each, including measuring, getting out a ladder and tools, and clean up. I don’t know if I’ve had an easier installation, ever. And especially not such a major installation. Note: Each order of smart shades comes complete with user manuals, charging cables, installation screws, and brackets, so no random trips to the hardware store required! 10/10 on the easy install.
- The safety features built into the shades. I love that SmartWings shades are designed with child safety as a priority. That means they have no chains or cords that kids could get tangled in or pull on to damage the shades. This is especially important to me as the shades are outside and I didn’t want to have to worry about the kids’ friends or curious neighbors accidentally messing with them. Since the antennas are located at the top of the valance, the kids would need a ladder and probably an assist from someone tall in order to cause any problems.
- How incredibly quiet they are. I really didn’t want a loud motorized shade that screamed “photo shoot in progress” and was so pleasantly surprised by just how quiet the motor is. It wouldn’t even bother me having the motorized shades inside my home because they are almost noiseless.
- Being able to set stop points on the shades. I have certain lengths I need my shades to stop for various applications, so I love that they are programmed to stop at the railing or at the bottom of the porch, and they have a stop point once they are close to the beams they hang on. You can set these stop points wherever you want for your application. Maybe you set yours so you have a morning setting and an afternoon setting so the shades move with the sun? Or maybe you have it set to just the right level to make the porch feel cozy without completely blocking the view? Whatever you prefer.
- The 3-year warranty. I can’t say enough about how much I love that all the SmartWings outdoor shades are backed by a 3-year warranty for peace of mind. I definitely don’t anticipate having any issues, but I love having a warranty just in case.
I’m not exaggerating on the easy installation process. Each shade comes with a handy drilling guide, which you simply place up on the wall, beam, or ceiling. Then you drill the holes, and screw in the included brackets. These don’t look super exciting, but they are actually quite ingenious and can hold so much weight. Once you have the brackets installed, you simply click the shades into place on the brackets. It really is that easy.
Once they are up, you just need to set up the remotes, which is also incredibly easy. You use the remote to set the stop points and assign each shade a frequency, which the manual walks you through every step of the way. All that’s left after that is just enjoying your new sun-proof outdoor area.
For me, having these SmartWings Outdoor Shades installed has expanded our usable seasons for our porch, and it has effectively created a mini outdoor studio for me. But, even when I’m not using it for photography, I’m excited to read and write out here, and maybe even create a little bit of art.
If you are wanting to enjoy your outdoor areas even more than you already do, I highly recommend SmartWings Outdoor Shades. They not only solved my outdoor dilemma, but they also solved problems I didn’t even realize I had. Maybe your problem area is indoors? You’re in luck, because SmartWings has so much more than outdoor shades. Check out the SmartWings site and start designing your perfect indoor or outdoor spaces. They have blinds, shades, and drapery that can transform any space.