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Home Decorating

Looking for shades for screened porch

15 years ago

We bought matchstick shades at World Market last summer to use on the then unfinished screened porch. Just got around to hanging them and realized they're not going to work as planned. Now considering Coolaroo shades. Saw some at Lowe's today and when I came home to check prices at other places realized they were a great deal locally. Have you used them or know anyone who has?

Here is a link that might be useful: Coolaroo

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Comments (8)

graywings123
15 years ago
This is funny - I was looking around the internet at coolaroo shades yesterday.

I haven't done a comparison between on-line and Lowes yet. When you say "they were a great deal locally" which way did you mean that - cheaper at Lowes or cheaper on line?
natal
Original Author
15 years ago
I didn't write down the prices, but I'm almost positive each size was cheaper at Lowe's. They only had 2 colors though ... Mocha and Pebble. I'd love to see Southern Sunset.

Here is a link that might be useful: Coolaroo
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Petrushka and Silvia, thank you so much. I'm as shocked as anyone, because most things I make turn into scraps. Or as my mother used to say, "I spend the day making rags", LOL! The shades did their job yesterday. I was working in the back yard in the afternoon and I couldn't stop smiling because I'm so happy it actually works. Petrushka, if you go to the link in my very first post, it will lead you to the blog with the original (my inspiration) and the instructions. I used screw eyes (some people call them eye bolts but they are not bolts, they are screws) in the frames. I used screw hooks in the ceiling. Right now, the screw eyes are placed directly into the hooks. I did buy sisal rope to use between. The plan was to make some fancy knots and I may still do that... but it may take me awhile to get six sets of fancy rope knots made. :) I used a single piece of fence, 6' x 16', sold for around $25 at Lowes and Home Depot, and cut it into three pieces. Then I trimmed the sides of each piece of fence to fit the boards. The top boards are 1x4s and I have 1x2s for trim at the bottom. I still may attach the bottom boards for a more finished look. See the inspirational pictures for example. Here are a few more photos: These were temporary ropes until I could get the real ones cut and made. Then I tried hanging the eyes directly on the hooks and that is where I am today. If I could, anyone could do this project! Carol
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Meany, thank you for the great link. She makes it look doable, and I have her same white heart-detail would-be-wrought-iron garden chairs. I don't have anyone to help me with the taping part -- DH and I fight when simply trying to place a rug on a rug pad! I live in northern Indiana. I need full-length ones, and it would be difficult to find a large, flat, clean place to cut such large pieces, and source some material that's 8 feet or so on the shorter side. Nonetheless, with help with taping, I think it could be done, even by me. I was originally looking for roller shades so I could leave them up all year round, but these are a good option, too. Here is the list of links I assembled to give visuals, prices, and ideas to DH. I've added your youtube link to his list as well. http://www.enclosureguy.com/residential/climate-control-patio-enclosures.html http://www.bestmotorizedshades.com/clear-vinyl-plastic-screens/ http://www.porchkeeper.com/custom.aspx?id=2 http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw=clear+outdoor+blinds http://www.seesawusa.com/products/457 http://icovaflex.co.nz/outdoor-blinds (new zealand dollar is 85 cents) This post was edited by jamies on Fri, Mar 21, 14 at 12:43
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It's a porch. It's going to get dusty and dirty and covered with pollen. In your situation, I'd consider making this a 3-season room, as they are called in my area, and cover the arches with windows that you can open. That's the best way to control the dust and pollen. If you don't want to do that, then I'd get furniture that you can easily clean with a hose. And maybe keep the cushions indoors unless you are actually sitting out on the porch. The covers ratherbesewing would also help. I just think if you try to keep the porch pollen-free you are going to spend all your time doing that, and very little sitting down and enjoying the porch. You could also have removable storm windows made for the arches. They would add some insulating value during the winter, and you could leave them up until pollen season passes. They would completely block dust and pollen while they were up.
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susan1208
15 years ago
I just bought the Coolaroo Shades for my patio. The sun was preventing us from eating on the patio.

I put them up Friday and since than it has been rainy and cloudy and havent had reason to use them, go figure. Unfortunately we need the rain badly, so I can't complain.

They do seem nice and sturdy and should do exactly what I want. I purchased them at lowes. I bought the 8' for 84.00. I believe this is a great price.
Susan
susan1208
15 years ago
Well, we finally had some sun yesterday. So, I couldnt wait to pull down the shade and go eat dinner on the patio.

But that didnt work. The sun came right thru the coolaroo shade, as if it wasnt there.

I am so upset. I dont want to stop dining outside, I just love the outdoors.

Any other suggestions? I was wondering if just the cheap plastic bamboo shades that Lowes shows would do better? Or maybe a darker Coolaroo shade?

Thanks
Susan
natal
Original Author
15 years ago
Susan, I'm really surprised. That's not how they're marketed. Dh took another look at them today and scratched them off our list. We need a cord that can be wrapped up out of the way when the shade isn't in use to keep the curious kitties safe. He saw some roman style shades at Home Depot he wants me to look at. I'm keep you posted. Please do the same.
susan1208
15 years ago
Natal,
I was wondering if any has the darker Coolaroo shade, and if that kept the sun out. I was also worried about the cats, but the cord did not hang too low. I guess this would depend on how high they are placed, I think mine were at 9 ft.

I think I will go look at the cheap plastic ones.

Will keep you informed!

Susan
susan1208
15 years ago
Natal

What was actually wrong with the matchstick shades?

Thanks
Susan
natal
Original Author
15 years ago
The shade was held together by a single piece of bamboo. Which meant it didn't hang straight. Very cheap design I thought would be fine for an outdoor application, but you get what you pay for. I don't expect a total blockage of the sun, just something to filter the glare.

I did notice at Lowe's that the 2 Coolaroo shades they carried had different ratings. One mentioned the amount of UV blockage.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cost Plus Matchstick Shades

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