During the dry season the heat of the sun could make it very uncomfortable to stay outdoors. It is during days like this that porch shades are very useful. They are also called sun blinds. These are clever contraptions that are used in open terraces with ceilings, rooms with wide glass walls, patios, breakfast nooks and rooms that are often left open to the outdoors.

It is difficult to trace the exact beginnings of porch shades since numerous variations have been used throughout the history of domestic architecture. Several sheets of tree barks were its earliest forms. These were tied loosely together to allow them to be folded up during the day when the sun is not too hot and bright. Scraps of fabric also served the same purpose.

At present there are already shades manufactured with plastic slats, although plenty are still produced using natural materials like bamboo sticks, reeds and twigs. These different kinds of wood are cut into identical thin slats that are assembled in horizontal rows and tied together in such a way that, along with a system of miniature pulleys, the slats can be neatly rolled up and down when desired.

Shades are very functional. They block out the sun’s piercing rays without completely darkening a room. They also keep the shaded porch from becoming too warm since the breeze can also go through the spaces in between the slots. Since the slats are held together by strong, durable string, they do not oppose the wind; rather, they move along with it, allowing air to enter and keeping the room cool.

The mechanism of the shades allows a person to adjust their length. They can be pulled halfway up or released entirely down. The lengths of the shades may vary according to the standard lengths of different brands, although the usual length is 75 inches, which is the standard length of a window, or 100 inches, which goes all the way down to the floor.

There are also roman shades with vertical slates, although these have wider slats that do not allow for rolling. They are instead pulled neatly to the side, one sheet before another, to open up a room; or the angle of the slats can be adjusted perpendicular to the ceiling line. This design is more commonly used indoors though.

Porch shades are useful not only in keeping out heat and bright sunlight, it also provides the necessary cover when privacy is needed.