Report Overview
Exterior blinds market size was worth US$ XX million in 2023 and is estimated to reach US$ XX million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.6 % during the forecast period (2024-2031).
Exterior blinds, shutters and shades are hard coverings primarily used on windows to keep the room from overheating. Due to their operational uses, blinds and shades can include soft materials, such as Roman shades/blinds or roller shutters, but they fall under the hard category. They are functional products designed to filter out excess light and provide privacy.
Blinds are multi-part panels that operate on a string and pulley system held in a headrail that raises the blinds from the bottom of the window to reveal the view. The blinds and shades industry offers a few vertical slatted blinds that move from side to side. Shades, however, are sturdy window treatments composed of softer materials. As a result, the regular release of innovative exterior blinds and roller shutters significantly propels the market growth.
Market Dynamics
Demand for energy-efficient home security is the primary driver of market expansion. However, the blind cord can be dangerous around young children, making it difficult to use. On the other hand, the availability of window blinds in various colors for aesthetic appeal is expected to be a boon.
Increasing government initiatives for home innovation and energy-efficient buildings
The potential benefits of the widespread adoption of energy-efficient window shades are enormous. According to the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC), window systems typically account for 25% of annual heating and cooling costs in older homes but can account for up to 40%. As a result, many homeowners spend more money than necessary on heating and cooling.
DOE research has shown that window attachment products can significantly reduce energy consumption. The Attachments Energy Rating Council and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced in January 2020 that Hunter Douglas had earned the first energy performance rating for window coverings on their cellular and cellular roller shades. Furthermore, with government initiatives to increase home construction and renovations in multiple regions, the market for exterior blinds is expected to expand.
For example, the NHBC- National House Building Council reported that the number of new homes registered in UK in 2019 increased by 1%, accounting for 161,022 homes registered with the organization. Furthermore, the government intends for private housebuilders, housing associations and councils to increase annual construction to 300,000 by 2025. Similarly, according to the Federal Statistical Office, the number of permits for home construction or conversion in Germany in May 2020 increased by 3.9 percent year on year to 32,000. Similarly, sales are expected to rise as the functional benefits of blinds and shutters become more widely recognized.
Rising adoption of smart home solutions
The adoption of smart windows solutions brings home interior experience with connected blinds and shades, curtains that significantly improves comfort and convenience while always maintaining the right balance of natural and artificial light, occupant well-being and maximized everyday conveniences.
Somfy, a company that motorizes and connects exterior shading products and access management systems, announced its new smart shading and Sonesse ULTRA 30 WireFree Zigbee Li-Ion motor at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020 in January 2020. Users can control their window coverings with a single tap on their smartphone, a remote control or a simple voice command via a smart speaker.
High costs of exterior blinds
The high prices of exterior blinds are expected to stifle market growth. It takes some time to get blinds installed and working properly, especially if there are many windows in the house. As a result, labor accounts for a significant portion of the cost—labor costs between US$35 and US$100 per hour. A full house installation typically costs between US$140 and US$440 in labor or about US$50 per window. Most homes have eight windows that require blinds and installation typically takes about four hours.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 outbreak increased home renovation trends, but market vendors reported decreased sales from the custom window covering format. It was consistent with the ban on home visits. In addition, a sizable DIY market has emerged as a channel to facilitate "budget home décor renovations." Trade shows were also canceled or rescheduled.
Asia R+T Asia, for example, is an annual highlight for manufacturers and sellers of window coverings, blinds & shades, external sun protection systems, roller shutters, industrial doors & gates, garage & parking systems, automatic doors and related products. The 16th edition of R+T Asia and the 2nd edition of Home Decoration Asia (HD+ Asia), slated for February 24-26, 2020, have been postponed due to an epidemic of COVID-19 illness in several Chinese regions.
Market Summary
| Metrics | Details |
| Market CAGR | 6.6% |
| Segments Covered | By Product, By Material, By Operating System, By Distribution Channel, By End-User, and By Region |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, and Other key insights. |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market Share | North America |
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Market Segment Analysis
By product, the exterior blinds market is segmented into roller shutters, blinds and screens.
Blinds to be the dominant segment
Venetian, vertical, roller and other blinds are examples of blinds (soft, pleated). A typical window blind is constructed from long vertical or horizontal slats of various hard material types. Cords that run through the blind slats hold the materials together: wood, plastic or metal. Venetian blinds are widely used in office buildings to control light and airflow. As a result, several commercial-based upcoming projects worldwide promise a wider adoption.
Louvres that are vertical blinds are used to control light and can be fully opened by putting them to one side of the window. Although translucent fabrics allow light to enter while providing privacy, roller blinds can be pushed up and down totally or partially to control the amount of light. Furthermore, as numerous initiatives on sustainable commercial constriction emerge, such as the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs setting benchmarks for low primary energy consumption, the data mentioned above were collected over four years from an office building in Frankfurt, Germany.
It emphasized the daylight factors in the workspaces, such as Venetian blinds with varying blind positions and ceiling panels above the desks. In addition, occupants' interactions with windows and blinds were considered critical aspects of passive cooling concepts. It will be likely to accelerate the automation and motorization of blinds shortly.
Market Geographical Share
Rising residential buildings construction in North America
According to U.S. Census Bureau, public residential building construction spending in U.S. increased from US$ 5.07 billion in 2014 to US$ 6.55 billion in 2019. With this, huge investments in home décor and home improvements are expected in U.S., which will propel the window covering market in the region. A trend of increasing residential constructions, driven by the world's growing population, is expected to demand window coverings.
In addition, the commercial construction industry is expanding. According to the FMI Corporation, new commercial buildings in U.S. are expected to be worth US$ 99.42 billion in 2021, up from US$ 47.33 billion in 2012. Blinds.com, a company operating in North America, announced an expansion to its popular cellular shades collection in August 2020, including a complete, integrated system designed to cover any window in the home.
BlindsChalet.com, a U.S.-based window covering provider, offered 55 percent + 5 percent off all blinds, shades and shutters for Black Friday in November 2019. Blinds Chalet has also launched a new smart home automation window treatment compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Bamboo, honeycomb cellular, roller and solar screen shades were the new products in the category.
Market Competitive Landscape
The exterior blinds market is fragmented, with numerous players. Companies typically collaborate with international designers to create aesthetically pleasing window coverings incorporating the most recent designs & colors and enhancing commercial & residential buildings.
Hunter Douglas introduced its proprietary Designer Roller Duolite Shade in July 2020, which combines a sheer fabric for light diffusion and a thick liner for room-darkening on a single roller. Consumers no longer have to choose between having beautifully diffused light with a view-through to the outside and a room-darkening shade due to the new patented Designer Roller Duolite Shade. For optimal light control, they could experience both in a single shade.
Key players in the global exterior blinds market include Graber Window Coverings, Hunter Douglas, Crown Window Shades, Griesser AG, Servis Climax AS, Omniablinds AB, All Blinds Co., Ltd., Gibus SPA, Sunshade Experts and Vertex S.A.
Hunter Douglas
Overview: Hunter Douglas is the world's leading manufacturer of window coverings and a major producer of architectural products. Hunter Douglas N.V. is an international firm based in the Netherlands. The main line of business is manufacturing window blinds and coverings. The corporation is publicly traded. The company's headquarters are in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with a management office in Lucerne, Switzerland.
SCHUCO windows, doors and façade and Q-railings are manufactured in Unit 1 of its facilities. Unit 2 is for uPVC windows, doors and outdoor furniture made with Aluplast German profiles and accessories. Both facilities use world-renowned FOM Italian and elumatec Germany machinery to produce windows and other goods that meet German requirements.
Product Portfolio: The company provides outdoor shades for spaces like patios, porches and sunrooms, with a customized option for selecting material and colors.
Key Development: Hunter Douglas announced the launch of a revolutionary blackout technology, the Duette LightLock system, which has been meticulously engineered to prevent light leakage at the window and provide consumers with a blissful, unparalleled room blackout effect. Duette Honeycomb Shades with LightLock feature distinctive U-shaped side channels overlapping the shades' front and back. The patent-pending side channel design, which includes rows of specifically formed micro-ridges tailored to collect or deflect almost all light rays while preventing light from penetrating the room, is the secret to great room darkening.
