Creating an outdoor space that's comfortable to use throughout the year has become increasingly popular, whether it's for relaxing with family, entertaining guests or making better use of a patio or terrace.
Two of the most effective ways to create a more sheltered outdoor area are external screens and glass systems. While both can improve comfort and extend the amount of time you spend outside, they work in very different ways and are suited to different lifestyles and spaces.
In this guide, we'll explain the differences between external screens and outdoor glass systems, compare their benefits, and help you decide which option is the best fit for your home or business.
What Are External Screens?
External screens are retractable side screens that are typically installed alongside awnings, pergolas and canopies to provide additional protection from the elements.
Available in fabric, clear PVC or a combination of both, they create a sheltered space by reducing wind, glare and low-level sun while still maintaining an open, outdoor feel. When they're no longer needed, they can simply be retracted away, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without any permanent barriers.
Because they're made to measure, external screens can be tailored to suit a wide variety of outdoor spaces, from domestic patios and gardens to cafés, restaurants and other commercial seating areas.
Benefits of External Screens
External screens offer a flexible solution for homeowners and businesses looking to make better use of their outdoor areas.
Some of the main benefits include:
- Protection from wind and draughts.
- Reduced glare from low evening sun.
- Increased privacy from neighbouring properties.
- A choice of fabric, clear PVC or combination screens.
- Retractable designs that can be opened or closed as needed.
- A practical addition to awnings, pergolas and canopies.
Because they can be retracted when the weather improves, external screens allow you to adapt your outdoor space throughout the year rather than committing to a permanently enclosed structure.
What Are Outdoor Glass Systems?
Outdoor glass systems are designed to create a more enclosed outdoor living space while maintaining uninterrupted views of your surroundings.
Rather than using fabric or PVC, these systems use large glass panels that help shelter patios, terraces and outdoor seating areas from the wind and rain while allowing plenty of natural light to enter.
Depending on the design, outdoor glass systems may include frameless sliding glass panels, bifold door systems or other glazed solutions that can be opened or closed to suit the weather and how the space is being used.
They're a popular choice for homeowners looking to create an outdoor room that can be enjoyed throughout much more of the year, as well as restaurants and cafés wanting to provide comfortable alfresco dining regardless of the season.
Benefits of Outdoor Glass Systems
Outdoor glazing systems offer a more permanent solution for extending your living space outdoors.
Some of the key advantages include:
- Excellent protection from wind and rain.
- Clear, uninterrupted views.
- A bright, open feel thanks to large glazed panels.
- A more enclosed environment for year-round use.
- A premium, contemporary appearance.
- Suitable for both domestic and commercial properties.
Because they create a greater barrier against the weather than fabric screens, glass systems can help make outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of the home.
External Screens vs Glass Systems
Although both products are designed to improve outdoor comfort, they suit different needs.
| External Screens | Outdoor Glass Systems |
| Retractable when not required | More permanent installation |
| Fabric, PVC or combination panels | Large glazed panels |
| Provides shade, privacy and wind protection | Provides greater protection from wind and rain |
| Maintains an open-air feel | Creates more of an outdoor room |
| Ideal alongside awnings and pergolas | Ideal for creating enclosed patios and terraces |
| Flexible and adaptable throughout the seasons | Designed for extended year-round use |
Rather than one option being better than the other, the right choice depends on how you want to use your outdoor space and the level of shelter you're looking to achieve.
Which Option Is Best for Your Outdoor Space?
Both external screens and glass systems offer excellent ways to improve your outdoor space, but each has its own strengths.
For Wind Protection
If your outdoor area is regularly exposed to strong winds, both options can make a noticeable difference.
External screens act as an effective windbreak, helping to reduce draughts while still allowing the space to feel open. Glass systems, however, provide a more substantial barrier against the elements, making them better suited to locations where maximum shelter is the priority.
For Privacy
If you're overlooked by neighbouring properties or simply want to create a more secluded outdoor area, external screens often have the advantage.
Fabric screens can provide an additional level of privacy while still allowing light into the space, making them ideal for gardens, patios and outdoor seating areas.
Glass systems maintain clear views, making them a better choice if preserving your outlook is more important than creating privacy.
For Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of external screens is their flexibility.
Because they're retractable, they can be lowered whenever you need protection from the wind or sun and retracted completely when you want to enjoy uninterrupted views or warmer weather.
Glass systems are designed to be a more permanent feature, creating a defined outdoor living space that can be enjoyed throughout much more of the year.
For Year-Round Use
If your goal is to create an outdoor area that's comfortable during as many months of the year as possible, glass systems are often the preferred option.
By providing greater protection from wind and rain, they help create an outdoor room that feels like a natural extension of your home or business.
External screens can certainly extend the amount of time you spend outdoors, particularly during spring and autumn, but they're generally better suited to enhancing an existing outdoor space rather than fully enclosing it.
Can External Screens and Glass Systems Be Used Together?
Absolutely.
In many cases, external screens and glass systems complement one another rather than competing.
For example, you might choose a sliding glass system to enclose the front of a covered patio while installing retractable external screens along the sides. This creates a highly versatile outdoor space that can be adapted to changing weather conditions throughout the year.
Combining different systems can also help strike the right balance between shelter, ventilation, privacy and flexibility, allowing you to tailor your outdoor area to the way you use it.
How to Choose the Right Solution
When deciding between external screens and glass systems, it's worth considering how you plan to use your outdoor space.
External screens may be the better option if you:
- Want a flexible, retractable solution.
- Already have an awning, pergola or canopy.
- Would like additional privacy.
- Want protection from wind and low evening sun while maintaining an open feel.
Glass systems may be the better choice if you:
- Want to create a more enclosed outdoor room.
- Plan to use the space throughout much more of the year.
- Prefer uninterrupted views.
- Are looking for a more permanent addition to your property.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best solution will depend on your outdoor space, your lifestyle and the level of shelter you're hoping to achieve.
Why Choose Aspiration Blinds?
At Aspiration Blinds, we offer both made-to-measure external screens and outdoor glass systems, helping homeowners and businesses create outdoor spaces that are as practical as they are stylish.
Our experienced team will take the time to understand how you use your outdoor area before recommending the most suitable solution for your property. From the initial consultation through to professional installation, we'll ensure every system is tailored to your exact requirements.
Whether you're looking for the flexibility of retractable external screens or the year-round comfort of an outdoor glass system, we're here to help you make the most of your outdoor space.