External venetian blinds, roller shutters or awnings? The comparison that makes your choice easy.

Each system excels at something in particular. The key factor is what matters most to you.

In short: external venetian blinds are the best choice if you want to keep out the heat whilst controlling light and privacy. Roller shutters excel at blocking out light, as well as providing protection against burglary, noise and the cold. A fabric awning or sunblind is ideal for providing shade on patios and balconies. Griesser offers all these systems from a single source and can advise you on what suits your home best. Swiss quality since 1882.

Four systems, four strengths.

Each of these systems fulfils a different function – here’s a quick overview of which one is best suited to what.

External venetian blinds (slatted blinds)

Adjustable aluminium slats direct light and keep the heat out, whilst keeping the room bright. The all-rounder for home and office windows.

Roller shutters

A continuous slat curtain provides complete blackout and also offers protection against burglary, noise and the cold. Ideal for bedrooms and the ground floor.

Fabric blinds & awnings

Generous areas of shade over patios and balconies, a warm, inviting look and, depending on the model, protection from light rain.

Facade awning (screen)

Vertical fabric fitted directly to the window: keeps heat out whilst preserving daylight and the view – wind-resistant thanks to the ZIP system.

What matters most
when it comes to the election.

How to make the right choice. None of the systems is universally better – they each serve different purposes. The key factor is what matters most to you in each room: complete blackout, controlled natural light, protection or shading in outdoor areas.

Often, a combination is ideal: roller shutters in the bedroom, external venetian blinds in the living room, and an awning over the terrace. These five criteria will help you make your decision.

Heat protection.
All external systems effectively keep heat out. The external venetian blinds do this without darkening the room.

Light blocking.
Roller shutters are the clear winner here: when closed, the shutter curtain lets virtually no light through – ideal for the bedroom.

Burglary & Noise.
A closed roller shutter curtain acts as a mechanical barrier and also helps to dampen outside noise.

Light & Views.
With its slats, the external venetian blind directs daylight into the room whilst preserving the view – something a roller shutter does not do.

Patios & balconies.
This is where fabric blinds, awnings and façade awnings really come into their own: they provide shade for the outdoor area rather than just the window.

Still unsure? We’re here to advise you.

Recommendations by room and orientation
All systems from a single source
Swiss quality since 1882

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Answers to your questions

Everything you need to know about choosing the right sun protection

What is the difference between external blinds and roller shutters?

The external venetian blind has adjustable slats and controls the light whilst keeping out heat and preserving the view. The roller shutter closes with a continuous curtain, providing complete blackout and offering additional protection against burglary, noise and the cold.

Which is better at keeping the heat out: external blinds or roller shutters?

As external systems, both effectively keep the heat out. The big advantage of external blinds is that they provide shade without darkening the room – it remains bright.

Which provides better blackout?

The roller shutter. Its closed slats let virtually no light through, making it particularly suitable for bedrooms and children’s rooms.

Venetian blinds or roller shutters for the bedroom?

Roller shutters are usually the better choice for the bedroom, as they block out light completely and also reduce noise and heat loss. If you prefer subdued light in the morning, you can also use external venetian blinds with the slats almost closed.

Can the two systems be combined?

Yes, that’s often the best solution: roller shutters on bedrooms and children’s rooms, external blinds in living rooms and studies, and an awning over the terrace.

Can the sun protection be fitted retrospectively?

Yes. Front-mounted venetian blinds, front-mounted roller shutters and façade awnings can also be fitted to the façade at a later date; awnings can, of course, always be fitted. An on-site consultation will help determine which option is best for you.