The Best Awning Accessories for Privacy: Side Screens, Shade Plus & Drop Blinds
Awnings do a fantastic job of providing shade and shelter, but what if you also need a bit more privacy? Whether you have neighbours overlooking your garden, a windy patio, or just want to create a more enclosed, intimate space, the right awning accessories can transform your outdoor area.
Enter side screens, shade plus and drop blinds—two of the best ways to enhance privacy and improve comfort while using your awning. In this guide, we’ll explore how they work, their benefits, and how to choose the best option for your home.
Why Do You Need Additional Privacy for Your Awning?
While awnings provide overhead coverage, they don’t block views from the sides as standard. If you’ve ever been relaxing on your patio only to realise your neighbours have a front-row seat to your morning coffee, you’ll understand why additional privacy solutions can be a game-changer.
Common Privacy Concerns:
👀 Overlooked Gardens – If you have homes or flats nearby, a side screen or drop blind can help create a more secluded space.
💨 Wind Protection – Open spaces can be breezy, making dining or relaxing outdoors less comfortable.
🌅 Low Sun Glare – As the sun sets, it can shine directly into your space, making it hard to enjoy your evening outside.
🏡 Creating an Outdoor ‘Room’ Feel – Side screens and blinds make an awning feel more like an enclosed retreat.
Option 1: Side Screens for Awnings & Pergolas
Side screens are retractable fabric panels that extend from the side of your awning or a fixed point on your wall, creating a barrier against wind, sun, and prying eyes.
Benefits of Side Screens:
✅ Instant Privacy – Blocks the view from the side while maintaining an open front.
✅ Wind & Sun Protection – Reduces wind chill and glare from low-angled sun.
✅ Stylish & Modern Look – Available in a variety of colours and materials to match your awning.
✅ Retractable for Flexibility – Pull them out when needed, retract them when you don’t.
Where Side Screens Work Best:
✔ Homes with close neighbours or overlooked patios.
✔ Outdoor dining areas that need a little extra shelter.
✔ Anyone who wants privacy but doesn’t want a fully enclosed space.
💡 Tip: If you choose a motorised side screen, you can retract it at the touch of a button—ideal for effortless control over privacy and wind protection.
Option 2: Drop Blinds for Awnings & Pergolas
Drop blinds (also called vertical awning screens) attach to the front or side edges of your awning or pergola, dropping down like a roller blind. These are especially useful for blocking sunlight, wind, and providing additional privacy when your awning is extended.
Benefits of Drop Blinds:
✅ Creates a More Enclosed Space – Gives your awning a ‘room-like’ feel, perfect for outdoor lounging.
✅ Sun Protection Without Blocking the View – Many drop blinds are semi-transparent, filtering sunlight while allowing you to still enjoy the garden view.
✅ Better Wind & Rain Shelter – Prevents strong gusts and light rain from ruining your outdoor relaxation time.
✅ Available in Manual or Motorised Versions – Choose a manual crank or remote-controlled drop blind for extra convenience.
Where Drop Blinds Work Best:
✔ Homes that get strong afternoon or evening sun.
✔ Larger awnings where overhead shade isn’t enough.
✔ Gardens that need extra protection from wind and rain.
✔ Anyone who wants a discreet privacy solution that doesn’t require side fixings.
💡 Tip: If you want a fully enclosed outdoor space, you can combine side screens and drop blinds to create a wind- and privacy-proof setup.
Which Privacy Solution is Best for You?
Both side screens and drop blinds provide excellent privacy, wind protection, and sun control, but which is the better choice for your needs?
Choose Side Screens If:
✔ You want instant side privacy from neighbours.
✔ You have an exposed garden that needs extra wind protection.
✔ You want something stylish yet discreet when retracted.
Choose Drop Blinds If:
✔ You need sun protection from the front rather than the sides.
✔ You want to create a semi-enclosed outdoor room.
💡 Verdict: If privacy is your main concern, side screens are the best choice. If you want extra shade and wind protection, drop blinds are ideal. For maximum comfort, why not have both?
Additional Features to Consider
To get the most out of your awning privacy setup, consider these extras:
📏 Custom Sizing – Ensure your side screens or drop blinds fit perfectly to your awning size.
🎨 Colour Matching – Choose fabrics that blend with your awning and home exterior.
📱 Motorisation – Go for a remote-controlled or smart home-integrated option for seamless use.
🌬 Wind & Sun Sensors – Automatically adjust drop blinds based on weather conditions.
Final Thoughts: How to Maximise Your Awning’s Privacy & Comfort
Awnings are fantastic for providing shade and shelter, but for a truly comfortable, private outdoor space, adding side screens or drop blinds is a must.
✅ Side screens are perfect for blocking views and wind from the sides.
✅ Drop blinds create a more enclosed space and protect from sun, wind, and light rain.
✅ Both options enhance your outdoor experience, making your patio more usable year-round.
At GDCG, we provide high-quality awning accessories, including custom-fitted side screens, Shade Plus and drop blinds to match your existing awning.
📞 Want to upgrade your awning for better privacy? Contact us for a FREE consultation today or come down to our showroom in Grantham and take a look at the range of awnings and fabrics we have on show!
🔗 Explore Our Awning Accessories