Outdoor Shades Buying Guide

Outdoor Shades Buying Guide

Outdoor Comfort, All Day Long

From sunny mornings to breezy evenings-enjoy every moment outdoors with motorized shades made for the elements.


UV Protection
Wind-Resistant Design
Setup in Minutes
Setup in Minutes

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Outdoor Collection

Get scorching sun relief & extended outdoor living with SmartWings’ high-performance outdoor shades.

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Bring comfort, privacy, and smart control to your outdoor spaces with our Motorized Outdoor Shades.

Engineered for outdoor use, these shades are built to withstand sun, wind, rain, and sand while enhancing the look and usability of your patio, pergola, or balcony.

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1. Why Choose Our Outdoor Shade

SmartWings outdoor shades are thoughtfully designed to combine durability, performance, and smart automation. Each shade features weather-resistant materials and a sleek aesthetic, making it both practical and elegant.

1.1 Key Features:
  • Sunscreen fabric blocks UV rays, wind, moisture, and bacteria
  • Smart motorized control—no cranks or manual effort
  • The guide wire system and zipper track system can stabilize the fabric in windy conditions
  • Certified lead-free, waterproof, windproof, and flame-retardant (Greenguard & ROHS)
  • Built-in rechargeable battery (outlet-charging), solar panel optional
  • Customizable motor side and valance options for tailored installation

▸ Recommended for: Patios, balconies, decks, pergolas, and semi-outdoor areas.

1.2 Selecting Your Shade Support System

To provide stability and enhanced wind resistance, our outdoor shades offer two distinct support system designs. Each system secures the fabric edges differently to meet various installation needs and aesthetic preferences. Here is an overview to help you choose the best option for your space.

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2. Fabric & Color Selection

Your choice of openness level determines the amount of light, privacy, and visibility your outdoor shade provides.

2.1 Openness at a Glance
Fabric Openness Light Control UV Protection Privacy Outside View
5% Light-diffusing Good Moderate Soft, filtered visibility
3% Effective glare reduction High Enhanced Slightly Visible
1% Substantial dimming Superior Better Obscured
2.2 Fabric Features

Our outdoor shade fabric and zipper track shade fabric are made with a cross-weave technique, forming a vivid X-pattern and durable texture. Beyond aesthetics, the fabric offers:

  • Greenguard Certification
  • Anti-UV
  • Lead-Free
  • Fire Prevention
  • Anti-Bacterial
  • Waterproof & Windproof
  • ROHS Certification

Note: Each product has its own fabric and sample link.

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3. Valance/Hardware Options

Add a finished look and extra protection—especially important for taller or exposed installations.

3.1 For Guide Wire Outdoor Shades
Valance Type Suitable For Height Color Options
Standard Valance Up to 99" (252 cm) White · Black
Oversized Valance Up to 140" (355 cm) White · Black
3.2 For Zipper Track Outdoor Shades
Hardware Color Recommended Colors Reason
White White, Beige, Light Grey Keeps look bright and clean
Black Dark Grey, Charcoal Grey, Black Matches darker shades
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4. Motor Type & Smart Compatibility

All shades come with a built-in rechargeable motor. Choose your motor based on how you prefer to control the shade and which smart platform you use.

  • Standard Motor
  • Simple remote control only

  • Zigbee/Alexa Motor
  • Operates on the Zigbee protocol and is compatible with platforms such as Amazon Alexa (when using supported Echo devices), Google Home (via a Zigbee-compatible hub), SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat, and Homey.

    ⚠️ Note: The "Alexa Motor" is technically a Zigbee motor, simply labeled for convenience. It requires an Alexa device with a built-in Zigbee hub to function—not all Echo devices are compatible. For details and a full list of supported models, visit: Work With Amazon Alexa.

  • HomeKit Motor
  • Integrates natively with Apple HomeKit, enabling Siri voice control, automations, and use in the Apple Home app.

  • Matter Motor
  • Works with the emerging Matter smart home standard, supporting broad compatibility including: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant, Hubitat, and Homey.

  • Z-Wave Motor
  • Compatible with advanced smart home hubs and ecosystems such as SmartThings, Hubitat, Home Assistant, and Homey that support Z-Wave.

📝 Smart platform compatibility varies—choose based on your existing devices and preferred home automation system.

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5. Power Options

By default, the outdoor shade features a built-in Li-ion rechargeable battery, and the package includes a 79" (200 cm) outlet-charging adapter.

Power Source Description
Rechargeable Battery Built-in. No hardwiring needed.
Solar Panel (Optional) Automatically recharges with sunlight.
Extension Cable (Optional) Adds 79" (200 cm) to your adapter or solar panel cable.

💡 Tip: Select the Right Motor Side so the charging port of the solar panel is hidden behind the valance—cleaner and more aesthetic.

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6. Measurement & Installation

Accurate measurement ensures a seamless fit and proper function.

6.1 Measuring Tips
  • Measure the width and height of the opening.
  • Use the narrowest width and shortest height to ensure the shade fits within the frame without obstruction.
Measurement Tip Image
6.2 Mounting Types
  • Ceiling Mount / Inside Mount
  • Suitable for overhead structures like pergolas. Requires a minimum depth of 3 1/8 inches (8 cm).

  • Wall Mount / Outside Mount
  • Ideal for vertical installations (e.g., balcony frames). Adding 2 to 6 inches (5.1 to 15.2 cm) to the exact width and height is recommended to cover the entire opening and provide maximum light coverage.

6.3 Installation Overview

From open skies to cool shade — here’s how it all comes together after installation.


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7. Operation & Control

After assembly, it’s recommended to first use the remote for programming and smart pairing (standard motors can skip sections 7.2-7.3).

7.1 First-Time Setup
  • Fully charge your shade using the included magnetic cable
  • Pair your shade with the remote
  • Set the upper and lower limits according to the manual
7.2 Smart Pairing
  • Ensure the hub is compatible with the motor protocol (check compatibility on the hub’s official website)
  • Place the hub in the same room as the shade
  • Follow the manual to put the shades into smart pairing mode
  • Pair via the app (either “Add Devices” or scan the QR code)
7.3 Smart Scene Ideas
  • Sun Shield: Lower the shade automatically during midday
  • Evening Ambiance: Raise the shade at sunset to open the view
  • Privacy at Night: Once it gets dark, bring down the shade to block outside views and enjoy a more private space

(Note: Different smart home platforms may have different automation settings.)

7.4 Group Control
  • Control multiple outdoor shades at once with a multi-channel remote or app grouping
  • Assign names or spaces to each shade in the app for easy management

(Note: A single channel cannot pair with more than three shades. It’s recommended to assign one shade per channel and use group control for multiple shades.)

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8. Care & Maintenance

Our outdoor shades are designed to endure, but regular light maintenance keeps them looking great.

  • Rinse with water or wipe with a soft cloth
  • For stubborn dirt, use mild soap
  • Do not use abrasive cleaners or pressure washers
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FAQ: Common Questions from Outdoor Shade Buyers

Get fast answers to common outdoor shade questions: installation, charging, smart home use.

Can I install this shade myself?
Yes! Installation is simple with standard tools. For larger shades, having a second person assist is recommended.
How often do I need to charge the battery?
Typically, you should charge your shade every 4 to 6 months, depending on usage.
For heavier or larger shades, more frequent charging may be required.
If you choose the solar panel option, charging can be handled automatically.
Are the motors compatible with all smart home platforms?
Most motors support popular platforms like Alexa and Google Home.
If you’re not quite sure about the concept of smart home integration, please provide the model of the hub you have at home to our customer service team, and we can help you choose.
Do I need direct sunlight for the solar panel to work?
Direct sunlight is best, but partial exposure may still maintain charge levels.
Note: The glass should not have any window grilles. If the center of the solar panel is blocked, it will not be able to receive sunlight.
What valance should I choose for guide wire outdoor shades?
If your shade height is shorter than 99", both valance sizes work. Choose oversized if you prefer a more substantial look.
Can I control multiple shades at once?
Yes! Use a multi-channel remote or the app to group and control several shades simultaneously.

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