External Shading
External venetian blinds
The most adjustable of the external shading options. Luxaflex external venetian blinds sit on the outside of the glass with tilting aluminium slats, so you can stop the sun's heat before it reaches the window while still angling the slats to keep daylight and a view out. Made to measure and motorised.
Shade you can adjust
Most external shading is all or nothing. A shutter closes the window off completely; a screen fixes the amount of light it lets through. An external venetian is different, because the slats tilt. That gives you a genuine dial between full shade and open daylight, on the outside of the glass where it does the most good.
As standard the blind is set to sit at an open slat angle, so even with the blind covering the window the slats let filtered light through and keep a view out. Close the slats down and you cut the sun and the glare; open them and you let the room brighten again. It is the closest thing to an interior venetian, but working outside where it can stop solar heat before it enters.
For how external shading compares with interior blinds in a Scottish climate, see our guide to external versus internal shading, with guide prices.
Solar heat stopped outside
The reason to shade on the outside is simple. Once the sun's heat has passed through the glass and been absorbed by your floor and furniture, an interior blind can do little about it. An external blind intercepts that heat before it reaches the window, which is far more effective at keeping a room cool in summer.
Because the slats tilt rather than sit fixed, you keep control. On a bright day you can angle them to reject the direct sun while still working by natural light, rather than shutting the room off completely.
Built to sit outside
The slats are aluminium, in a choice of 60mm or 80mm widths, and the blind runs in a guiding system at each side so it stays controlled in the wind. There are three guide options: a cable-guided system, and standard or heavy-duty side channels, chosen to suit the size of the opening and how exposed it is.
Where there is no architectural pelmet to house the blind at the top, an optional weather pelmet can be supplied to protect it against the elements.
Where external venetians work best
External venetians are particularly well suited to:
- Large or south-facing windows that overheat but where you still want a view
- Glazed extensions, garden rooms and rooms with a lot of glass
- Home offices where glare control without losing daylight matters
- Contemporary homes wanting a clean, architectural exterior
Made to measure
Every external venetian is built to the exact opening, so the price depends on the size of the window, the slat and guide options and the controls. As they are fitted outside and hard-wired to a motor, the installation is quoted for each job individually, taking access and the type of opening into account.
For a price for your own windows, send us the recess width and height for each opening and we will prepare a quote. Get in touch.
Specification at a glance
- Manufacturer
- Luxaflex external venetian blinds
- Slats
- Aluminium, in 60mm or 80mm widths, tilting between closed and 40° open
- Guiding
- Cable-guided, or standard or heavy-duty side channel
- Operation
- Somfy IO motorised, controlled by remote
- Light control
- Tilting slats, from open for filtered light and view to closed for full shade
- Weather protection
- Optional weather pelmet where no architectural pelmet exists
- Colours and warranty
- A range of colours is available. Ask us for the current colour options and warranty details for your project.
Frequently asked questions
What is an external venetian blind?
It is a venetian blind fitted on the outside of the window, with tilting aluminium slats that run in guides at each side. Being outside the glass, it stops solar heat before it enters the room, and the tilting slats let you control light and view rather than simply covering the window.
How is it different from an external screen or shutter?
A screen is a fixed mesh and a roller shutter closes the window off completely. An external venetian sits between the two: the slats tilt, so you can dial from full shade to open daylight and keep a view out. It is the most adjustable of the three.
Do the slats keep a view out?
Yes. As standard the blind sits with the slats at an open angle, so even with the blind down you get filtered light and a view through. You can then adjust the slats towards closed for more shade and privacy whenever you want.
How are they operated?
They are motorised with a Somfy IO motor and operated by remote control, raising, lowering and tilting the blind at the touch of a button. A mains electrical supply is needed at each blind.
Are they suitable for Scotland's weather?
They are made to sit outside, running in side guides or cables to stay controlled in wind, and an optional weather pelmet can protect the blind where there is no architectural pelmet. As with any external shading, we will advise on the right guide option for how exposed your windows are.
Can I have them on a new build?
Yes, and it is worth planning them in early so the pelmet and a mains supply can be allowed for before decorating. If you are building or renovating, talk to us at the design stage and we will advise on what to ask your builder to provide.
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