Complete Guide to Outdoor Blinds, Awnings and Shutters
Spending time outside is a staple of Australian culture. Getting your mates together for a barbecue, letting the kids play, or even sitting and reading on your balcony. Regardless of how you’re spending your time outside, two things stay the same: you need sun protection in summer, and shelter from the wind and rain in winter.
What to consider when choosing new outdoor window coverings
With so many types of outdoor window coverings on the market, it can be difficult to know which is right for your home.
To start the process of finding your perfect outdoor window furnishings, we recommend writing a list of things you want from your outdoor area. Here are a few prompts to get you started:
- Do you want to create a shaded area, or would you prefer to completely enclose your space?
- What’s your budget?
- Do you want your window coverings to be permanently fixed in one place, or would you prefer to have retractable blinds or awnings?
- Do you live in a windy area?
- Do you want the convenience of electric outdoor blinds (also known as motorised blinds)?
- Are you looking for blinds for a balcony, patio area or a veranda?
Outdoor blinds
Outdoor blinds are one of the most popular options to choose from when installing outdoor window coverings. Outdoor blinds can:
- Be installed on the outside of your windows, providing additional light control inside your home
- Enclose an outdoor area, such as your patio or balcony
- Provide additional protection from the elements all year round.
Let’s get into the types of outdoor blinds available.
Café/Patio blinds
Cafe Patio blinds are a custom outdoor blind offering, allowing you to completely transform your outdoor entertaining area. These blinds are suitable for both residential and commercial use and are a great option for your home. Café blinds are typically made from PVC Plastic, offering you year-round protection from the elements as well as from any unwanted insects. They are also available in a sunscreen fabric as well as a canvas offering. Café blinds are a great option as a blind for your balcony, veranda, or alfresco area.
These blinds are also fully customisable in their level of transparency. Choose from a completely transparent fabric all the way to a 99% blockout fabric.
Alpha M Outdoor blinds
Alpha M blinds are specifically designed to withstand the diverse weather conditions seen in Australia. These blinds are reinforced with Neodymium Magnets (a specially designed magnet that’s extra strong), providing additional support for the frame, and ensuring the fabric stays taut in all weather conditions.
If you’re after more information about the benefits of Alpha M blinds, head to our blog post.
Windmaster blinds
Another great option for windy areas is our Windmaster blinds. Windmaster blinds have been designed and manufactured locally here in Perth, to deal specifically with the strong winds the city endures. These blinds are reinforced with many features such as heavy-duty base rails, designed to reduce the amount of fabric movement in windy conditions and securing them in place. They are also effective at reducing up to 94% of the heat in your home during the warmer months.
For more on the benefits of installing our Windmaster blinds, check out our blog.
Zipscreen blinds
If you’re looking to create an enclosed outdoor area, Zipscreen blinds are a great way to achieve this. Zipscreen blinds are ideal for closing in pergolas, patio areas, verandas, or balconies. These blinds offer protection from the elements all year round, so you never have to put off an event due to the weather!
To get the most from your Zipscreen blinds, cleaning them is a worthwhile and necessary task! To learn how to clean your Zipscreen blinds, head to our blog.
Motorised outdoor blinds
Motorised blinds are window coverings powered by a motor and are controlled using smart devices rather than traditional manual blind controls. These blinds connect to a Smart Hub device that sits in your home and can connect to 20 sets of window coverings. From this device, you can pair your smartphone or a smart home device such as Google Home or Alexa to control your blinds.
Outdoor motorised blinds are great for adding convenience to your outdoor space, creating a safer area for kids and pets to play in. Another benefit is that they can be controlled within your home, so when the weather is bad, you can lower your blinds without having to brace the elements.
While not all outdoor blinds are compatible with motorised technology, you can choose to motorise:
- Windmaster blinds
- Zipscreen blinds
- Wireguide blinds
Outdoor awnings
Outdoor awnings are an effective way to create shade or coverage over an outdoor space. They tend to sit out over a space, and depending on the type you choose, they can be stationary, or can fold in towards your house so they aren’t in use all the time. Awnings can also sit on the outside of your windows and provide additional shade for rooms in your home needing the additional blockout of light.
Automatic awnings (Auto awnings)
Auto awnings attach to the exterior of your windows to provide your home with additional protection from the weather. These awnings are very popular as they are easy to move into the perfect position for the light control and privacy you desire.
Auto awnings are very easy to install and remove as they are attached to the face wall and not attached to any structural elements of your home.
Pivot Arm awnings
Pivot Arm awnings are a multi-functional shading system which is perfect for circulating airflow and reducing heat in your home. As pivot awnings are heavy-duty, they’re well-suited to larger windows or doors requiring shade and easy access.
To learn more about the benefits of installing Pivot Arm awnings, head to our blog.
Retractable awnings
Retractable awnings (also known as Folding Arm awnings) are a type of awning used as an extension of your roof, to provide additional protection from the weather.
These awnings are supported from your house’s exterior walls, giving it additional strength in enduring heavy downfalls or bouts of strong winds.
For more information about the benefits of Retractable awnings, head to our website.
Wireguide awnings
Wireguide awnings (also called Wireguide blinds) are a versatile awning option as they can be secured to the ground rather than directly onto walls. If you live by the coast, or are frequently exposed to strong winds, these are the awnings for your home as they are designed to have very minimal fabric movement as well as reinforced fixtures and framing.
Canvas awnings
Canvas awnings are a great awning option if you’re after something to provide your outdoor space with protection from the sun. They are also available in a wide range of colours and styles.
Motorised outdoor awnings
As awnings are larger and heavier than other outdoor window coverings, choosing motorised outdoor awnings can save you the hassle of trying to manually operate heavy awnings. The following awnings have a motorised option:
- Wireguide awnings
- Retractable awnings
Outdoor shutters
Outdoor shutters are similar to the ones you’d use inside your home however, they have been made more durable to withstand the elements. Typically, outdoor shutters are made from a PVC plastic or aluminium.
There are a few options for shutters. Some can be used on windows, whereas some can be installed as sliding doors to enclose an outdoor area.
Now that you have more of an understanding of the types of outdoor window furnishings, let’s breakdown each type into the options to choose from for your home.
Roller shutters
If you’re after a different style of blinds for the outside of your windows, another option is installing outdoor roller shutters. Outdoor shutters are manufactured from top grade aluminium, providing many benefits for your home, such as:
- They are an added security measure
- They help to lower your energy bills all year round
- They are a great option for increased light control, particularly for creating a total block out of light when needed.
Aluminium shutters
Aluminium shutters are a durable and lightweight roller shutter providing you with protection from the harsh sun and rain. The aluminium allows the shutters to withstand a range of weather conditions without corroding, warping, or peeling over time.
For more information on the benefits of Aluminium shutters, head to our blog!
Hinged shutters
Hinged shutters are a versatile outdoor shutter option for your home as they can be installed over your windows or doorways, providing additional privacy and easy access outside. Hinged shutters are available in a wide range of slat sizes as well as colours and frame options.
Bi-fold shutters
Bi-fold outdoor shutters are the perfect option for creating an enclosed outdoor oasis for your home. These plantation shutters can be used on windows, sliding doors or patio doors to suit the look you’re after.
The benefits of Bi-fold shutters are that they are easy to use, they add privacy to your home, and in some cases, they can increase your properly valuation. Bi-fold shutters are completely customisable as they can be painted in your desired colour after you place an order.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor blinds, awnings, and shutters
Should I create an enclosed or open outdoor area?
One of the first things to think about when you’re creating an outdoor entertaining area is whether you want to create an open area, or whether you’d like it to be an enclosed space. Creating an enclosed space with window coverings is an easy way to add an extra room to your home without a costly renovation. It’s also perfect for allowing you to entertain all year round, without the hassle of relying on good weather.
If you’re wanting to combine different window coverings for your space, head to our blog on how you can create an enclosed entertaining area using outdoor blinds and shutters.
If you’re just wanting extra shade, adding a few awnings will do the trick, depending on the size of your space.
How to create privacy in your backyard?
Having privacy in your backyard is so important, particularly if you have a swimming pool, want to protect your children, or just want to keep any nosy neighbours out.
There are many ways to add privacy to your yard, with the most common being screens, hedges, or shrubs.
For more ideas on how to maintain privacy in your backyard, have a read of our article on the 5 best and inexpensive ideas for backyard privacy.
How to care for outdoor window coverings
To improve the lifespan of your outdoor window coverings, there are many ways to take care of them. Some of these include:
- Folding away your awnings when they’re not being used
- Making sure your blinds or awnings can withstand the weather conditions where you live. For example, do you live near the coast? Perhaps you’ll need blinds that are designed for stronger winds, such as Windmaster blinds.
- Ensuring you’re cleaning your window treatments regularly. By doing this, you’re removing the potential for any build-up of grime, dirt or mould that might be living on your blinds.
To learn more about how to care for your outdoor blinds, head to our blog.
The best outdoor blinds for windy areas
While outdoor blinds and awnings are designed to withstand varying weather conditions, some coverings are better than others for windy areas. For areas prone to strong winds, we recommend choosing Windmaster blinds or our Alpha M blinds. To help you decide whether Windmaster blinds or Alpha M blinds are better for your home, read more in our blog comparing the benefits of both.
What to include in an outdoor entertaining area?
If you’re in the process of building or renovating your house, outdoor retreat or entertainment area, there are a few things you should take into consideration. Some of these things include:
- Your outdoor furniture
- Facilities (such as a kitchen or barbecue area)
- How to keep your friends and family protected from the elements
For the tops things to consider when creating an outdoor retreat for your home, head to our blog to read more!
Will outdoor blinds protect my outdoor furniture?
Outdoor furniture faces many weather conditions. Especially in Australia, they see extreme heat in summer and heavy downfalls in winter. Having Outdoor blinds is one way you can reduce some of the impact on your furniture to help it last longer.
Outdoor blinds and awnings create a barrier from the sun, reducing some of the direct sunlight and UV rays hitting your furniture. For fabrics, if not protected, they’re going to start fading over time, and for the frames of your furniture – especially anything made from rattan, is going to weaken and could be dangerous to sit on.
Some outdoor blinds, such as Zipscreen blinds, can protect your furniture all year round as they create an enclosed outdoor space either on your patio, veranda or even a balcony area.
For more tips on how to protect your outdoor furniture, head to our blog.
Do outdoor blinds provide sun protection?
Outdoor blinds, awnings, and shutters are designed to reduce the impact of the sun on our day-to-day lives. Some window coverings do this better than others, for example, blinds and awnings with an option for sunscreen fabric. Sunscreen fabric is a type of fabric designed to provide additional sun protection and light filtration.
The best blinds for café areas
If you’re looking for blinds to use in a commercial setting, such as a café, many of our outdoor blinds, awnings and shutters are suitable! Café patio blinds are a great option as they are designed for this use, however you can find many options to suit your budget and needs.
To get more of an idea on choosing the best blinds for a café setting, head to our blog.
What are the best blinds to use on your balcony or veranda?
There are many types of outdoor window coverings that can also be used on your balcony or veranda, as well as for a patio or alfresco area. The best blinds for your balcony or veranda are:
- Zipscreen blinds
- Café Patio blinds
- Wireguide awnings
- Windmaster blinds
Learn more about the best blinds for your balcony or veranda in our blog!
To arrange a free measure and quote with a highly-trained consultant in your own home, give us a call on 13 13 15 or fill out this simple online form. We provide this service to a wide range of locations around the metro and select regional areas, 6 days a week between 8am and 6pm.
The majority of our blinds, curtains and awnings are made in Australia and are sold for the lowest price in the market, guaranteed. Just bring in a quote on any competitor’s comparable item and we’ll beat it by 5%.