Waterfront living offers some of the most breathtaking views imaginable—from shimmering sunsets over bays and harbors to gentle morning light reflecting off calm water. But as idyllic as these vistas are, they come with a unique set of challenges when it comes to home design, particularly for outdoor and indoor spaces that face strong sunlight, intense glare, heat, humidity and the need for privacy without sacrificing that million-dollar view.
That’s where professionally designed, custom window treatments—especially those built with waterfront living in mind—make all the difference.
“In recent years, especially since the pandemic, outdoor living has become such a focus,” says Erica Flynn, executive director of brand management, creative services and corporate communications for Graber, one of the most respected names in custom window treatments. “Homeowners are looking to extend their living areas outdoors and embrace nature. Our products help create those outdoor sanctuaries—whether it’s for lounging, reading, dining or just relaxing with a view.”
Style Meets Function at the Shore
With longer days and warmer weather, summer is the season when outdoor patios, porches and decks transform into true extensions of the home. But without proper shading, these spaces can quickly become uncomfortable. Sunlight glare, UV exposure and fading furnishings are all concerns, especially for waterfront homes with expansive windows or open-air seating areas.
Graber’s exterior solar shades are an elegant solution, offering style without sacrificing comfort. They’re designed to block up to 97 percent of harmful UV rays while still preserving natural light and visibility, crucial for homes with scenic views.
“Solar shades come in what’s called an openness level,” Flynn explains. “That refers to the amount of light and UV that filters through. For instance, a one percent openness means you’ll block more UV rays but see less of the view. A higher openness, like 10 percent, gives you more visibility but slightly less protection. It’s all about striking the right balance based on your lifestyle and your view.”
Designed for the Elements
Waterfront homes experience more exposure to sun, salt air, wind and humidity than inland residences. That’s why quality matters when choosing window treatments. Graber’s solar shades and outdoor drapery panels are made with durable, weather-resistant materials engineered to withstand the elements without fading, stretching or warping.
“These aren’t your average curtains or shades,” says Flynn. “They’re built to last, even in harsher environments like coastal areas. We also use bottom-notch anchors to keep the shades steady on windy days, so they’re practical as well as beautiful.”
For homeowners who want more than just protection, Graber also offers outdoor drapery options that lend elegance and softness to any patio or porch. With coordinated accessories like matching throw pillows, homeowners can create a seamless, designer-inspired look that ties the entire outdoor space together.
“Drapery adds that touch of luxury, even outdoors,” Flynn says. “We’re seeing a return to more classic, traditional styles in general—swags, valances, more refined top treatments. And the beauty of our system is that it’s fully customizable. You can coordinate your shades and drapery to get exactly the look you want.”
The Professional Touch
With the rise of DIY culture, many homeowners are tempted to cut corners when it comes to window treatments—often ordering from online marketplaces without considering quality, fit or long-term performance. But Flynn urges caution.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned in this industry is just how unique every single window is,” she says. “Even a quarter inch can make a huge difference in fit and function. DIY might seem convenient at first, but it can quickly become frustrating when things don’t install properly or the product doesn’t meet your expectations.”
Instead, Graber works with a network of more than 10,000 professional dealers nationwide, many of whom serve local communities like Long Island’s North Shore, where waterfront homes are both beautiful and architecturally unique.
“These dealers are highly trained experts,” Flynn notes. “They know the local architecture, they understand homeowners’ needs and they bring a curated, personalized experience to every project.”
Working with a Graber dealer is refreshingly simple. After contacting a dealer via the Graber website, homeowners receive an in-home consultation where a specialist brings sample materials, listens to the homeowner’s needs and helps select the perfect product. From measuring to ordering to installation, everything is handled professionally, eliminating guesswork and ensuring an exceptional result.
“It’s a completely worry-free process,” Flynn says. “The homeowner gets exactly what they want—something that fits beautifully, works flawlessly and lasts for years. And if there’s ever a problem, we’re here to help.”
A Smart Investment
Investing in custom window treatments may seem like a luxury, but for waterfront properties, it’s often a necessity. The benefits go beyond aesthetics—lower energy bills, UV protection, temperature regulation and enhanced privacy are all part of the package.
Graber’s exterior solar shades, for example, help to cool outdoor and adjacent indoor areas, reducing the strain on air conditioning systems and increasing energy efficiency. For homeowners with high-end outdoor furnishings, this protection is key to preserving those investments against sun damage.
“We know people are spending more time and money on their outdoor living spaces,” says Flynn. “Our treatments help protect that investment while making it more enjoyable to use. That’s something our customers appreciate.”
A View to Remember
The true value of professionally designed window treatments for waterfront homes lies in their ability to frame and preserve the view. Whether it’s early morning light reflecting off the water or the golden hour glow just before sunset, Graber’s solutions enhance the experience, letting in the beauty while keeping the discomfort out.
“Every homeowner wants to enjoy their view,” Flynn says. “We help make sure they can do that in comfort and style without squinting into the sun or worrying about their furniture fading. It’s about creating an experience. And for a waterfront home, that experience is everything.”
Whether you’re planning a summer refresh or looking to upgrade your outdoor oasis, consider how the right window treatments can transform your space—and how a professional can help bring that vision to life. After all, when you live by the water, the view should always be part of the story.
Visit www.graberblinds.com to learn more and to find an authorized dealer on Long Island.
