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Designing Your Outdoor Entertaining Space
June 10, 2025
After a long winter and a stormy spring, summer is finally here in the Midwest!
Once the weather is 70 degrees and warmer, many homeowners are eager to start entertaining on their patios and other outdoor spaces.
Summer brings many entertaining opportunities: cookouts, graduation parties, birthdays, Independence Day, and weddings.
Let's discuss some tips homeowners can use when designing outdoor spaces, including window treatments.
Sunrooms and Three-Season Porches
Sunrooms and three-season porches are two common additions homeowners make to their properties.
Both are excellent for entertaining in the summer. The main difference is that a sunroom typically involves an HVAC system, insulation, and more complex electricity options.
As its name implies, a three-season porch usually works best for spring, summer, and early fall gatherings because it may not have the heating needed for winter use.
Sunrooms with big windows pair well with light and sheer drapery. This pairing keeps the sunroom's airy feeling intact while providing shade and privacy.
If you want a country home aesthetic, you could also try light-colored shutters in a sunroom. The light shining through the shutters' slots creates a unique effect!
Balconies
Another great outdoor space is a balcony. From large rooftop balconies to intimate apartment and condo balconies, there is much to consider when designing the space to host.
For smaller balconies, having a bistro table or high-top tables may be the best use of the space. Hosting a large party in these smaller spaces would be challenging, but it could work well for an intimate gathering, having drinks before or after a meal, or providing a space for guests to get some air.
For larger balconies, experiment with sturdy outdoor furniture sets, durable drapery, and string lights or lanterns. Safety always comes first, so ensure that if you hang drapery on the balcony, guests can still see where the balcony's edge is and that guardrails are there to support it.
Patios and Decks
Patios and decks make for some of the best outdoor parties. These gatherings are great fun for families, where kids can play out in the yard and adults can socialize on the deck while still keeping watch.
Not all deck or patio set-ups may have a place for window treatments per se, but homeowners can consider options to add them in or other ways to shade the space.
Sun shades that hang over the patio or deck are popular, allowing for retraction to accommodate different temperatures. If the patio is a walkout at the bottom of the house, there may be space to hang durable drapery around the area's perimeter.
If all else fails, table umbrellas can offer a bit of shade and a pop of color.
Caring For Outdoor Furniture
Buying outdoor furniture for your space can be tricky.
On the one hand, you want comfortable furniture like anywhere else in your house. On the other hand, outdoor furniture should be durable and sturdy enough to survive the elements. Based on your space's exposures, consider what you will need.
Another important tip is to figure out which direction your space faces. If you have an east-facing patio with lots of sun exposure, consider using timed motorized shades that will cover the area during the sunrise or intense morning sun.
Shades may also help any fabrics on the furniture from fading quickly.
Keeping Bugs and Pests Away
We've all been there: you're enjoying a meal outside when suddenly, a pesky bug decides to share your food. It's nearly impossible to entirely prevent insects from joining outdoor gatherings, but there are ways to deter them.
Outdoor curtains are a great way to keep flying bugs away from the space.
Mesh, lightweight mosquito curtains are popular for many.
Sheer or patterned outdoor curtains can also accomplish the same goal (while being more attractive than a mesh mosquito curtain).
Beyond fabrics, consider lighting citronella candles, spraying peppermint oil, or finding other scents that keep bugs away from the party.
Tips for Temperature Control
Midwest summers can be unpredictable.
If you design your outdoor entertaining space with temperature control in mind, it will get more use; window treatments are an excellent place to start in that end.
Consider adding shades, blinds, and drapery to control some light and heat entering the space. Motorized shades can work well if you want to control where the sunlight enters from at different times during the day.
Give Proctor Drapery a Call Today
At Proctor Drapery, we specialize in custom draperies, shutters, and blinds designed to perfectly complement your home and lifestyle.
In his 50+ year career in the window treatment business, Michael Proctor has seen many types of outdoor and indoor spaces, and can help you create your dream space.
Contact us if you're ready to explore what custom window treatments can do for your home!
