Using porch shades can help you create an outdoor space that is nearly as private and protected from the weather as rooms inside your house. The degree of privacy you get usually depends on the thickness of the material used, as well as whether you can easily open and close the porch shades you choose. You should consider the type and color of the material, because this will make a difference in its appearance. In addition, you will need to decide whether to have your porch shades custom-made or to buy them in standard sizes; custom shades may look nicer but also tend to be more expensive.
One of the first details to think about is what you need your porch shades to do. For example, if you wish to protect your porch from the sun's rays, which tend to fade porch decorations and furniture over time, then you should look for a shade made of thick material. If you just want a little privacy but still wish to let in some sun, then you usually can find light porch coverings that provide some shade while still allowing you to enjoy the daylight. Additionally, you may want to consider whether you will be keeping the shades mostly closed, or frequently opening them at least partially, because you likely will want to find some that are easy to open and close if you intend to be doing that a lot.
The material of the porch shades you choose also is likely to make a big difference in their appearance, so you should carefully consider this option if you want to like how your porch looks. For example, if you want shades that provide a natural look, then you may want to consider shades made of wood. Plastic and cloth shades can offer a casual appearance. You typically also can choose the color you want, with some of the most common hues being beige, brown and white. You can, however, usually select the color that best matches the rest of your porch decor and the exterior of your home.
Many companies that sell porch shades are willing, for an extra fee, to customize the product to your specifications, which means they can cut them to the exact size you need. This requires you to measure the width and height of the opening that you need to cover, keeping in mind that larger shades are typically more expensive than smaller shades. If you wish to save money, then you may be able to buy shades that you cut at home, but you should make sure you have the proper tools to make a clean cut in the material. If not, bear in mind that you can always let the extra material hang at the bottom if the shade you buy is a bit too long for the porch opening.