The warmer weather is here, and so are opportunities for smart home dealers to sell devices and technology that put backyards front and center, including automated outdoor shades. In greater numbers, homeowners are turning to automated shades to make maximum use of their outdoor spaces and turn backyards into beautiful private getaways just a few feet away from home.
According to a January 2026 study by Strategic Revenue Insights, “The global motorized outdoor shade system market is projected to reach a valuation of approximately $12.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7.8% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven primarily by the increasing demand for energy-efficient and smart home solutions, coupled with the rising consumer preference for outdoor living spaces that offer comfort and protection from the elements.”
It seems there has never been a better time for homeowners to enhance their exterior spaces with this effective, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing upgrade. During the pandemic, while people were forced to spend more time at home, many folks were focused on enhancing their outdoor spaces with gazebos, patios, and porches. Now we’re seeing automated outdoor shades playing an increasing role in transforming those outdoor structures into more private, protected, and technologically equipped destinations for relaxing and socializing.
Some of the many benefits of automated outdoor shades include:
- Setting schedules to provide desired sun and shade. Automated shades can not only be controlled from any location via a smartphone, they can also be programmed to rise and lower at set times of day or night to provide the ideal lighting and temperature for any occasion.
- Ideal for any weather, including rain or wind. Automated shades can feature a zipper channel to fully screen in a space, protecting the people and items inside from the elements. With more backyards featuring televisions, sound systems, bars, and fireplaces, keeping these items safe and dry is essential.
- Create a bug-free zone. With a zipper channel on the sides and bristle brush along the bottom, automated shades can fully enclose space and keep bugs out of the shaded area. This is particularly valuable for restaurants or anyone who wants an outdoor dining area free of annoying bees, wasps, and other insects.
- Privacy shades make good neighbors. Privacy is a welcome benefit of automated outdoor shades, with shades available in an array of materials and opacities. In fact: 1% opacity shades are available that block most of the light and ensure maximum protection from spying eyes.
There are a number of different options for controlling outdoor automated shades if they are provided with an RF (radio frequency) gateway. Plus today’s automated outdoor shades are available in a wide range of fabrics, mount types, and with hardware options to suit every application. It’s clear with all the options available, smart home dealers would be wise to take advantage of the increasing temperatures and heat up their business by touting the many benefits to automated shades.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Chacon is the general manager of PowerShades. With more than 20 years of experience in the automation and controls industry, Ryan is an expert in engineering, product development, and IoT. Ryan currently holds 21 issued patents and two pending patents. Follow him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanechacon/.