Designing the perfect outdoor space requires a lot of thought, planning, and investment. It should have the right layout and furniture to make it a comfortable, functional, and appealing place for recreation, entertainment, and leisure.
Plants in your deck or patio add a touch of nature to the space. Lighting ensures the space remains functional even when the sun goes down. A fire pit or water feature, which can act as a focal point, gives it character and invites relaxation.
Outdoor blinds are also essential fixtures since they enhance the space in various ways.
If you’re unsure if outdoor blinds are worth installing in your patio, deck, veranda, or gazebo, read below to find out why they are essential for your space and other facts worth knowing about these fixtures.
What Are Outdoor Blinds?
Outdoor blinds are window coverings designed and made with tough materials to withstand elements and protect the outdoor space and everything inside it. These fixtures also make your alfresco area cosier and usable regardless of the weather conditions and time of the day.
These outdoor fixtures offer the following benefits:
- Protection from elements
Your outdoor space and everything inside it are constantly subjected to heat, rain, moisture, UV rays, and dust. Exterior blinds can protect this spot, the furniture, and other things you store here from these elements.
With these fixtures, you can prolong the look and condition of this space and furnishings and clean and maintain them more easily.
This particular type of window covering also keeps insects at bay. As such, you, your family, and guests can stay here without worrying about mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs.
- Enhanced energy efficiency
Exterior blinds are made of materials that block sunlight and reduce heat transfer. Because of this, they help keep the area cool during warm days.
Closing the blinds during the cold season helps keep your outdoor space comfy since they prevent cool air from entering and warm air from getting out.
These benefits can lower your cooling and heating costs and reduce your energy bills.
- Improved privacy
Outdoor blinds are typically thicker than curtains, which keep out prying eyes and give you better privacy. Whether you’re having breakfast with your spouse, lunch with your family, or dinner with your friends, you can enjoy the time you spend here day or night.
These fixtures are must-haves if your neighbours are close by and tend to be nosey. They’re also essential if your patio or deck is near a busy road.
- Additional appeal
When chosen correctly, blinds can make your outdoor area more appealing.
These fixtures add visual interest and texture to the space. If your patio, deck, veranda, or gazebo has harsh lines or sharp angles, the blinds can soften their look and make the area more attractive and inviting.
These benefits ensure you have an outdoor space you can use anytime of the year for any purpose.
What Are the Popular Types of Outdoor Blinds?
Outdoor blinds come in different types, which means you can choose among several options to find one that suits your alfresco area, needs, and style preference.
Below are the most popular types of blinds you can consider for your outdoor space:
- Track
This type of blinds has side tracks that secure the material in place and prevent unnecessary movement and noisy flapping. Their design provides more protection against wind, rain, and UV rays.
- Straight drop
This type of outdoor window covering retracts from the bottom and rolls up manually or with the use of a crank-motorised control. Side track-free straight drop blinds offer more coverage and are excellent options for windows or openings without space for side tracks.
- Chain guide
Outdoor roller blinds are easier to raise and lower, thanks to their easy to operate chain guide. Their user-friendly manual centre-lock system ensures you can lock and tension the blinds at different levels smoothly.
- Café style
Also called PVC blinds and bistro blinds, these coverings are typically made of PVC plastic and are tinted or clear. They offer clear outdoor views and can withstand water and sunlight exposure. They do not crack, peel, and discolour easily as well.
Exterior blinds come in different materials and designs and can be custom-made, allowing you to have the perfect fixtures for your outdoor space.
How Can You Choose the Right Outdoor Blinds for Your Home?
Below are some tips for choosing the most suitable blinds for your outdoor space:
- Consider your purpose for getting outdoor blinds.
Knowing the specific reasons why you need outdoor blinds can help you save time finding the best one for your home.
If you need fixtures that protect your outdoor spot from the elements, look for weather-resistant fabrics. If privacy is your priority, opt for dark or opaque blinds with thicker materials.
Choose translucent blinds if you want your space to get more natural light. They allow sunlight to pass through while diffusing it, enabling you to enjoy the view without the glare.
- Factor in the weather in your area.
Choosing the right blind material that can withstand the natural elements in your place ensures you have fixtures that can last for a long time.
If you live in an area with hot temperatures or one that’s constantly deluged by heavy rainfall most of the year, you need fixtures made of materials that do not easily crack and warp. Examples of these are PVC, acrylic, and woven fabric.
- Think about ease of handling.
Whether you’re raising the blinds to let in more light or lowering them for extra shade, the process should be smooth and straightforward.
If the space is small, manually operated blinds are excellent options. However, if you have a large alfresco area, motorised blinds are more convenient since you can control them with a touch of a button.
- Consider your home’s exterior style.
Your blinds should blend with or complement your exterior design. If you have a contemporary home, sleek, minimalistic blinds in neutral tones are your best choice. On the other hand, natural materials like timber can enhance a rustic or coastal aesthetic exterior design.
Also, select the right hue for your blinds so that they match with your home’s colour palette.
As a final tip, set a budget for buying your blinds. When you spend enough time studying your options, you can find the perfect ones without breaking the bank.
When you know the different types of exterior blinds and the best material that suits your area, you can have the perfect fixtures that protect your outdoor space and make it comfy and functional.
