5 Things to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Blinds

Outdoor blinds

Outdoor blinds are now considered a smart investment for homes and businesses. Aside from providing shade and shelter, they help you make the most of your living space. At the same time, they also elevate a property’s aesthetic appeal. Needless to say, all of these combined adds effortless value to your asset.

Knowing our Aussie climate well, it helps to also be prepared in advance. For instance, having your outdoor blinds installed before Summer rolls around will ensure you are ready for heat and insects. Absolutely perfect for those garden parties, barbecues, or simply lounging about on the patio. Whatever it is you want to do, you should be able to do it unrestricted.

If you’re thinking about installing outdoor blinds yourself, you are in the right place. And considering this is an important addition, it’s necessary to do your research and learn as much as possible beforehand. We’ve put together a few key things you should look into, so you can understand outdoor blinds better. This way, you’ll know what to expect and exactly what they deliver, as well as how to pick the right product for yourself.

Outdoor blinds


1. What Purposes Do They Need to Serve?

To better refine exactly the type of outdoor blinds you need, you should think about what you want from them. Are you looking to increase and improve your living and entertaining space? Are you wanting to enhance privacy in your backyard? Maybe you want protection all year from rain, wind, heat, light or insects. You may even just want to protect your furniture.

Or perhaps your needs may be more specific. Do you want to let in more of that gentle, refreshing morning sun and less of the harsh afternoon heat? Maybe vice versa? Would you like your blinds to be retractable so you have more flexibility? For example, the Alpha SRS blinds are the ideal solution as retractable blinds for outdoor use. And last but not least, how would you want to operate your outdoor blinds? Manually or automated?

As you can see, there are many questions to ask yourself. By identifying these needs, you can narrow down your requirements, and thereby your selection. This will allow you to continue working your way down, until you’re left with the outdoor blinds you’ve always wanted. With everyone’s needs and backyards being different to each other, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Outdoor blinds

2. The Climate

If you want to use your outdoor area all year, then you should consider the impact of various weather events on it. As mentioned earlier, Summer brings with it months of intense heat, harsh glare and pests. Then of course there’s wind and rain the rest of the year, which at times can get quite strong. This can not only impede on your lifestyle, but also potentially cause damage to your space.

Naturally, you want your outdoor blinds to be able to handle all of these conditions with ease. And the good news is that our selection of outdoor blinds doesn’t need you to pick one benefit over another. They cater to all seasons, and are designed to look their best while doing it.

Outdoor blinds

3. The Ease of Operation

In this day and age, convenience is the name of the game. As such, your outdoor blinds should be a breeze to operate. We doubt you want to be fiddling about with cords and pulleys when the weather suddenly turns. 

Which is why motorising your outdoor blinds can make all the difference. You won’t even have to move, you can simply operate them from wherever you are. It’s especially useful for when you’re not home. Imagine seeing a news report for adverse weather conditions when you’re out of town; you’d be quite anxious. With motorised outdoor blinds however, you can take control of the situation. Use your smartphone/ tablet to operate them, even from thousands of miles away. Just remember that in order to do this, you do need to pair your blinds with your smart devices.

This is also incredibly beneficial for those with accessibility/ mobility issues. There’s no need to physically make your way over to the blinds. They retract and extend at the simple touch of a button, or even, voice control.

You can of course still opt for manual operation if you prefer. This is only suited if you don’t need to use your blinds regularly however.

Outdoor blinds

4. Type of Fabric

You’ll come across different fabric materials in your hunt for outdoor blinds. Typically, this is dependent on the climate. It’s quite an important part of the equation, as healthy ventilation and air circulation is key. For this reason, clear PVC may not be your best bet. While it provides unhindered views, it isn’t ideal for warm climates as it traps heat. You also won’t be able to control the amount of light coming into the space and it does nothing for privacy.

Mesh on the other hand, is a more favoured fabric. It’s versatile, and can be found in varying grades to assist with ventilation and view-through. While repelling sunlight and heat, it can keep out the cold effectively too. It’s also better suited to controlling light and all things considered, creates a comfortable space. You also get better privacy as it limits visibility.

Canvas is yet another option, known for its high UV protection and durability similar to acrylic materials.

Outdoor blinds

5. Energy Consumption

With outdoor blinds offering so much in terms of benefits, you’d think they were done. Not quite.

Aside from all the wonderful advantages they bring to your home, they go a step further by assisting with energy consumption. So for example, in Summer, they can help make your home more energy efficient by blocking up to around 35-40% of the sun’s rays. This in turn reduces your dependence on air-conditioning. In the Winter, the same is true. Your outdoor blinds will help keep the cold out, so your home can maintain a regular temperature. This also means less heating, which ultimately means lower energy bills. Think of all you could do with the money you save!

Outdoor blinds


Conclusion

Overall, outdoor blinds are a no-brainer. They really elevate not just your home, but your standard of living in itself. You get to maximise the use of those previously ignored spaces, while enjoying them in comfort. No more worrying about repellent or having to enjoy the rain from indoors. You can sit out in the safety of your patio, with a warm cuppa in hand and your feet curled up in your favourite chair. 

With a wide range of styles and fabrics to choose from, you can match them with the rest of your home too. This way, you needn’t compromise on aesthetics in any way. You could even make them stand out by going for something completely different. It’s all up to you. 

For more, take a look at these 4 key benefits of outdoor blinds. Our expert consultants are also on-hand to assist with your outdoor blinds requirements. Book an appointment for a free consultation, and have someone assess your needs in-person. We’ll then share our ideas and advice, and go over some fabric options with you. We’ll also bring our fabric samples for you to have a look at in the comfort of your home. Easy done.

5 Reasons Why Outdoor Blinds are a Must-Have for Your Home

outdoor blinds

Outdoor blinds are a type of window treatment designed to be used outside of a building. They are typically made of durable materials that can withstand exposure to the elements, such as sunlight, wind, and rain.

Outdoor blinds are a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of their outdoor living spaces. These blinds are designed to provide shade, privacy, and protection from the elements, while also adding a touch of style to your outdoor area. They come in a variety of styles and materials, including bamboo, wood, aluminium, and synthetic fabrics.  They can be installed on the outside of windows or on patios, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces.

Here are some of the key features and benefits of outdoor blinds:

1. Increased Privacy with Outdoor Blinds:

Outdoor blinds offer an added layer of privacy to your home, shielding your outdoor space from prying eyes. They act as a barrier between your outdoor space and the outside world, creating a sense of seclusion and privacy. This is particularly useful if you have neighbours nearby, and you want to enjoy your outdoor space without feeling exposed.

2. Protection from the Elements with Outdoor Blinds:

One of the most significant benefits of outdoor blinds is that they provide protection from the elements. Whether it’s excessive heat, wind, rain, or insects, these blinds can create a comfortable and safe space for you and your family to relax in. They can also prevent harsh UV rays from damaging your outdoor furniture and other belongings. This makes your outdoor space more usable and enjoyable, no matter the weather.

3. Enhanced Aesthetics:

Outdoor blinds come in a variety of colours, styles, and materials, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home’s exterior. They can also be customised to fit any size or shape of outdoor space, adding a touch of sophistication to your outdoor living area. Use outdoor blinds to add an extra layer of depth and character to your outdoor space, enhancing its overall appearance.

4. Increased Home Value:

Installing outdoor blinds can increase the value of your property by adding an extra functional living space. They’re an excellent investment that can add both functionality and aesthetics to your home. This is particularly beneficial if you are planning to sell your home in the future.

Outdoor blinds


5. Energy-Efficiency:

Outdoor blinds also help to improve the energy-efficiency of your home. They do this by providing insulation which helps regulate the temperature. This then reduces the amount of energy required to cool or heat your indoor living spaces. This means lower energy bills and a more comfortable, sustainable home all year round.

Overall, outdoor blinds are a great investment for any homeowner looking to enhance their outdoor living space, increase privacy, and protect their home from the elements. They can be operated manually or with a motorised system. Motorised outdoor blinds can be controlled with a remote or smartphone app, making it easy to adjust the level of shade and privacy as needed.

If you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to improve the appearance and functionality of your outdoor space, then these blinds are the answer. They come in a variety of styles and materials to suit your home’s décor, and are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. With a range of options available, it’s easy to find the perfect outdoor blinds to suit your needs and budget.

Our team can easily assess your space and its requirements, advising you on the best choices. Make the most of your free in-home consultation that’s also obligation-free, and thumb through your favourite fabrics in your own space. Got a tricky space to work with? We love a challenge, and always have a solution up our sleeves!

Alpha straight drop awning

4 Key Benefits of Outdoor Blinds

Zipscreen

If you want to expand your living and entertaining spaces, why not bring the indoors outside with outdoor blinds? 

Over the years, outdoor living has certainly taken centre stage when it comes to designing homes. Here in Australia, people love to live outdoors, and extending part of the home is common. However, we’re also known for some spectacular weather events which makes things interesting to say the least. For example, searing heat followed by hail in the Summer is normal, as are the wild storms blowing through. Then Winter brings its own set of challenges, with cold winds making you wish you lived anywhere but here.

Needless to say, this doesn’t contribute to the ideal outdoor environment. Imagine trying to host a dinner party with your guests swatting away all kinds of creepy-crawlies. Or having a gale pour in, soaking your delicious meal. The only way to recover is to steal that bottle of wine and retreat into a corner.

Alpha straight drop awning

While Aussie outdoor entertaining typically meant ‘Summer barbies’, things are a little different now. New homes, and even commercial buildings now factor in the ‘outdoor’ in their plans. It is seen as an important feature, and has become hugely popular amongst people. Naturally, this calls for the right elements, in order to create the perfect outdoor living area. 

How do we do this? By using outdoor blinds of course. We can help you attain that perfect alfresco space, to use as you please. Our wide range of high-quality outdoor blinds are designed to fit any space, from patios to verandahs and more. Pick your style, colour and design, and you’re good to go.

By now you’re probably curious about how outdoor blinds like our Alpha SRS can benefit you. Here are some things to look forward to.

Outdoor blinds


1. Maximise Usable Space

Let’s face it, finding homes with ample space within your budget is a Herculean task. The market is more competitive than ever, with less options out there. Nowadays, most homes sit on smaller blocks with equally small backyards. So having to turn down a house for the lack of entertainment space, can feel like you’re losing out. Especially if you love everything else about it. 

Which is why sometimes it can help to think outside-the-box. You can maximise usable space with outdoor blinds, creating outdoor ‘rooms’ if you will. They offer complete coverage, comfort and relaxation throughout the year. No matter the weather, your plans won’t be foiled because you’re protected. Plus, you can use the space for a range of occasions over and over again.

If you love hosting yet are struggling to accommodate all the guests you’d like to, we certainly recommend outdoor blinds. After all, who doesn’t love a good excuse to party?

Outdoor blinds
Outdoor blinds

2. Protection From the Elements with Outdoor Blinds

Adding outdoor blinds to your backyard allows you to use your alfresco space through every season. They stand up well against changing weather patterns, and help keep insects at bay. This is especially true in Summer, when bugs of all shapes and sizes feel like they must all turn up together. 

They can also create a shield to protect you from rain and windy conditions as well as the sun. There is nothing worse than settling down with a nice glass of chilled Chardonnay, then being burned to a crisp. Enjoy weekends with family and friends without having to worry about the weather. After all, you work hard and deserve every minute of it.

Straight drop awning

3. Increase Privacy with Outdoor Blinds

Are outdoor blinds good for your home privacy?

Ah it’s Nosey-Josie peeping over the fence again. God knows what she wants this time around, but you don’t want to know. What you do want, is to ensure she doesn’t have a bird’s eye view. 

When you’re closer to your neighbours than you’d like, this is a common problem. And let’s face it, keeping a good relationship with them is important. So as much as you’d like to tell Nosey-Josie off, you’re going to have to take the high road. That road being outdoor blinds of course.

Why get into an altercation when you can be slicker than James Bond? Outdoor blinds can help increase privacy, so you can relax in peace. Feel safe and sheltered in your homemade private retreat, without having to constantly look over your shoulder.

Outdoor blinds
Outdoor blinds


4. Aesthetics and Usage

A home should be functional and practical of course, but you also want it to look good. So won’t roller shutters take that way?

Not quite. Maybe the roller shutters of yore were an eyesore, but today they’re works of art. The use of modern-day technology has made it possible for us to mould metals better, and integrate colours. Overall, roller shutters sport a clean, minimal look, so they give your home a modern twist. We’re especially proud of our shutters for being both practical and good-looking. You have a very high chance of finding something that fits just right.

Then of course, we need to think about operation and usage. The thought of having to manually raise and lower your shutters is probably not very appealing. Which is why fortunately they come with motorisation options. This means that you can operate from anywhere in the house, with a remote control. Some of these options even include solar-power.

All our roller shutters have manual operation built into them, even if they’re motorised. This is to ensure that no matter what happens, you can still operate them without hassle.

5. Adds Value to Your Home

Outdoor blinds are able to add value to your home by satisfying both functionality and aesthetics. Not only do they look a million bucks, they serve a very important purpose by creating extra usable space. Potential homebuyers see such features as valuable, so if you plan to sell at some stage, it’s certainly a plus. 

By enhancing the look and feel of your home, outdoor blinds are able to add life to it. Instead of letting precious space go to waste, you can make utmost use of it. This in turn means your home is used to its full potential. 

Our high-quality blinds are sure to add value to your home, so be sure to have a browse through our options.

Ext zipscreen
Ext zipscreen


Conclusion

Our outdoor blinds aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. They are especially designed for you and your unique needs. You can make a statement with bold, contrasting colours, or keep things neutral if you wish. It all depends on whether you want to make a focal point or blend seamlessly with the existing scheme. 

Regardless of whether you’re a little bit country or a little bit rock’n roll, we have outdoor blinds that fit the bill. Choose from a wide range of colours and fabrics to suit your taste. You’re bound to find something you love. They’re also built to last a long time, and are easy to clean and maintain. Should something go wrong, rest assured our team is at the ready to come out and assist. 

If you’d like to find out more about our outdoor blinds, get in touch with us. We can help you book an appointment, where one of our consultants will come out to assess your needs. From there, we will work closely with you to select the right colours, fabrics and frame. Go on then, the collection is awaiting you!

The Spotlight On Clear Waterproof Outdoor Blinds

Australians embrace outdoor living, whether it’s hosting friends for a Sunday Barbie, sharing a family meal on the patio, or unwinding with a coffee while taking in the morning breeze. But as much as we love the fresh air, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Sudden rain showers, strong winds, and chilly evenings can make outdoor spaces uncomfortable, forcing you indoors when you’d rather stay outside.

Instead of letting the weather dictate how and when you use your outdoor area, clear outdoor blinds offer the perfect solution for your space. These PVC outdoor blinds create a sheltered, comfortable space while maintaining uninterrupted views of your surroundings especially when you need to watch your kids playing! Unlike traditional fabric blinds that block out the scenery, clear blinds allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds—protection from the elements without feeling enclosed.

Whether you want to enclose a patio, balcony, pergola, or alfresco dining area, waterproof outdoor blinds can seamlessly extend your home’s living space. Available in manual or motorised options, they offer the flexibility to adjust coverage based on the weather—whether you prefer a simple crank system or the convenience of automatic outdoor blinds operated by remote control.

From residential patios to café seating and commercial venues, PVC outdoor blinds are a stylish, durable, and highly functional addition to any outdoor setting.

What Are Clear PVC Outdoor Blinds?

These blinds are made from durable, high-quality PVC that acts as a transparent shield against the elements. With the ability to custom-fit any space, clear PVC outdoor blinds are a practical and stylish solution for those looking to maximise their outdoor living experience year-round with the feel of an extra room in the house.

Benefits of Clear PVC Outdoor Blinds

✅  Unobstructed Views

One of the key advantages of these blinds is that they provide weather protection without blocking your view. Unlike traditional blinds or solid enclosures, they let you enjoy your garden, pool, or scenic surroundings while staying comfortable. Whether you have a city skyline, a coastal view, or a lush backyard, these blinds allow you to take it all in without obstruction.

✅  Weather Protection Year-Round

Australia’s climate can be unpredictable, but that shouldn’t stop you from making the most of your outdoor space. Waterproof outdoor blinds act as a barrier against wind and rain, keeping your area dry and protected no matter the conditions.

  • In Winter: They help trap warmth, reducing wind chill and creating a cosy outdoor retreat.
  • In Summer: They block out strong winds while maintaining airflow, so your space stays cool and comfortable without feeling stuffy.
  • During Rain: Enjoy your patio even when it’s wet outside, as the PVC surface prevents water from entering your space.

✅  Custom Fit for Any Space

Not all outdoor areas are the same, which is why custom-made clear PVC blinds are the ideal choice for a precise and seamless fit. By tailoring the blinds to your specific layout, they can complement your home’s architecture and décor while providing effective protection against the elements. Whether you require full-length coverage for a patio or a compact enclosure for a balcony, a made-to-measure solution ensures a polished, professional look.

clear PVC outdoor blinds

✅  Manual or Motorised Options

Watson outdoor blinds are designed to be effortless to use, whether you opt for manual operation or a motorised system.

  • Manual Operation: A cost-effective option that allows you to adjust the blinds with a simple crank handle or pull-down mechanism.
  • Motorised Outdoor Blinds: Enjoy the convenience of remote-controlled operation, letting you open or close the blinds at the push of a button. Perfect for large outdoor spaces or homeowners looking for seamless automation.
  • Smart Integration: Some automatic outdoor blinds can even be integrated into smart home systems, allowing you to control them remotely or set them to open and close on a schedule.

✅  Enhances Outdoor Entertaining

Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a social gathering with friends, PVC outdoor blinds make your space more inviting and versatile. No need to cancel plans because of unpredictable weather—these blinds keep your outdoor entertaining area functional year-round.

  • Block out cold winds for winter gatherings.
  • Shield guests from rain without closing off the space.
  • Maintain a comfortable temperature without sacrificing fresh air.
clear PVC outdoor blinds

Where Can You Use These Blinds?

✔️ Patios & Pergolas: Enjoy year-round outdoor living without worrying about wind or rain.
✔️ Balconies & Verandas: Add a stylish protective layer while maintaining an open, airy feel.
✔️ Cafés & Restaurants: Create a comfortable, weatherproof dining experience without blocking the outdoor ambiance.
✔️ Commercial Spaces: Ideal for storefronts, hospitality venues, and outdoor seating areas.

clear PVC outdoor blinds
clear PVC outdoor blinds

Choosing the Right Blinds

When selecting the right type of blinds, consider the following:

Durability: Ensure the PVC material is high-quality and resistant to cracking, yellowing, or warping over time.
Ease of Use: Decide whether a retractable or automatic system best suits your needs.
Frame & Fittings: Choose strong, weather-resistant fittings to ensure your blinds last through all seasons.
Customisation: Opt for custom sizing and installation for a perfect fit.

With professional installation, you can enjoy a seamless, hassle-free setup, allowing you to make the most of your outdoor area without complications.

clear PVC outdoor blinds
clear PVC outdoor blinds