A patio is an extension of your home and you should be able to enjoy spending time in your outdoor entertaining area all year round.
Outdoor blinds are a great solution, providing you with shelter and a comfortable environment in a wide variety of weather conditions.
They are also designed to make the exterior of your home and your patio area look as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
However, with so many different types of outdoor blinds on the market, it can be difficult to choose exactly the right product for your home.
We have put together this ultimate guide to outdoor patio blinds to help you make the best decision for your home!
What Do I Need to Consider When Choosing Outdoor Blinds?
When it comes to outdoor blinds, the needs and preferences of every individual homeowner will be different. It is important to choose a product that truly meets your requirements as outdoor blinds can be a substantial financial investment.
The first thing you need to consider is how you want to improve the comfort of your outdoor space.
For example, what is the climate like where you live? If it is usually hot and sunny, you might be looking for outdoor patio blinds that can block out the sun, providing you with a cool, comfortable place to sit.
Alternatively, you might frequently have to battle with rain and wind, so you will need blinds that provide you with shelter from these conditions.
You also need to think about how you want your patio to look.
Do you want blinds that have an unobtrusive appearance, or would you prefer for your outdoor patio blinds to become a standout design feature in their own right? This decision will depend entirely on your personal tastes.
In addition, you need to consider how you use the space.
Would you like the blinds to create more privacy in your backyard? Or do you want to keep the area as open as possible, for example, if you entertain guests regularly?
Finally, you need to work out your budget.
The cost of outdoor blinds can vary greatly, depending on which type you choose. It is important to work out what you can afford before you make your selection, and try not to go over budget.
Once you can answer all these questions, you’re ready to begin your research into the different types of outdoor blinds to find the right product for you.
What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Blinds?
What Are Roller Blinds?
Outdoor roller blinds are a popular choice for alfresco living and entertainment areas.
They can withstand various weather conditions, creating a more comfortable outdoor experience regardless of the climate where you live.
Operated via a simple rope and pulley system, outdoor roller blinds can be adjusted to any height. Many can even be attached to the floor when required, offering complete privacy, shade and protection from the elements.
Outdoor roller blinds are generally considered to be the most budget-friendly choice when it comes to outdoor blinds.
Due to their timeless design, they also coordinate well with all styles of property, whether your home is modern or more traditional.
What Are Plastic Blinds?
Ideal for modern properties, plastic blinds instantly give the outdoor areas of your home a contemporary, streamlined look.
They are made from clear or tinted PVC, which is tough, durable and ideal for keeping out the wind and rain. As outdoor PVC blinds are clear, they are not so effective at blocking out sunlight, and they are not the ideal choice when it comes to creating privacy.
However, they do have an extremely attractive, chic appearance, and they are available in various tints and levels of opacity.
Outdoor PVC blinds join together cleverly to form a protective screen around your patio. They are a popular choice for cafes as well as homeowners due to their stylish looks.
What Are Electric Blinds?
Electric outdoor blinds are a great way of future-proofing your home. Many electric blinds can now be operated from your smartphone, so you don’t even have to move when you want to create a more pleasant environment.
There are many different styles of outdoor blinds that can be operated electrically. These include retractable outdoor blinds, wire guide awnings and multi-stop awnings, all of which offer smooth, quiet operation and versatility in providing shade and comfort for your entire patio area.
Obviously, electric outdoor blinds are more expensive than manually operated blinds. However, if you are looking for the ultimate convenience and your budget will allow it, these blinds could be a great choice for you.
What Are Bamboo Blinds?
Outdoor bamboo blinds are becoming increasingly popular with Perth homeowners.
They offer a warm, wooden look that is ideal for all property styles. In addition, they are an environmentally-friendly choice as they are made from an all-natural material.
Outdoor bamboo blinds usually come in the Venetian style, which is currently on trend both inside and outside the home. Some outdoor bamboo blinds can even be motorised for greater ease of use.
They are budget-friendly and extremely easy to operate, whether manual or electric. They are also highly effective at providing shade from the sun, although they do not offer such high levels of protection from wind and rain.
What Are Canvas Blinds?
Canvas outdoor blinds are among the most popular choices as they are so versatile.
They come in a huge variety of styles and colours, so it is easy to find canvas blinds that suit the design of your property.
Many of today’s canvas outdoor blinds use Zipscreen technology, so the blinds lock together with zips, forming a complete outdoor room that is protected from the elements.
This is an ideal solution if you want to create more privacy in your backyard and make it more usable all year round.
These types of blinds are not always the most cost-effective, but they are a great investment.
What Are Blockout Blinds?
Outdoor blockout blinds are an ideal choice if you live in a hot, sunny climate. They fit over the outside of your windows, effectively blocking out the heat from the sun’s rays and reducing glare.
Blockout blinds make both the inside and outside areas of your property more comfortable, especially during the summer months.
They also enable you to enjoy complete privacy, and they make your home more energy-efficient by reducing the need for air conditioning.
Outdoor blockout blinds are available in different colours and materials, so you can simply choose the style that suits you best.
What Are Waterproof Blinds?
If you live in an area where it frequently rains, waterproof outdoor blinds will be the right choice for you.
Café blinds or strap down awnings are some of the most popular choices within this category.
They will offer the best protection from the wind and rain for your patio area, enabling you to enjoy outdoor living for more months of the year.
Café blinds are generally made from clear PVC, while strap down awnings are canvas options.
Outdoor waterproof blinds tend to be much more effective at keeping the heat in rather than blocking it out. They are more popular in cooler climates.
How to Clean Outdoor Blinds
Outdoor blinds are a fantastic addition to any home, offering shade, privacy, and protection from the elements. However, like any outdoor feature, they can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime over time, making them look less appealing and potentially affecting their operation.
Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking fresh but also extends their lifespan by preventing issues like mould, mildew, and material degradation.
What you’ll need:
Steps to clean outdoor blinds:
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Dust Off Loose Dirt: Use a soft brush or broom to remove dust, leaves, and cobwebs from the blinds. Make sure to clean both sides thoroughly.
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Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bucket. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the material.
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Wash the Blinds: Dip a soft sponge or cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the blinds. Pay extra attention to stains or dirt build-up, but don’t scrub too hard, as this can wear down the material.
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Rinse with Water: After scrubbing, rinse the blinds using a garden hose or pressure washer on a low setting. Ensure all the soap is washed away to prevent residue build-up.
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Let Them Air Dry: Allow the blinds to dry completely before rolling them up or retracting them. This will prevent mould and mildew growth.
How To Install Outdoor Blinds
Installing outdoor blinds can enhance your outdoor living area by providing shade, privacy, and protection from the elements. While the process may seem daunting, with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s entirely possible to do it yourself. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you install outdoor blinds easily and efficiently.
What you’ll need:
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Measuring tape
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Pencil or marker
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Drill and drill bits
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Screws and wall plugs (suitable for your wall type)
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Spirit level
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Ladder
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The outdoor blinds kit (with brackets, bolts, and screws)
Steps:
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Measure and Mark: Take accurate measurements of the installation area. Mark the drill hole positions for the brackets using a pencil.
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Check Alignment: Use a spirit level to ensure your marks are straight and aligned for a proper fit.
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Drill Holes: Drill holes for the brackets, inserting wall plugs if necessary, to suit the surface.
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Install Brackets: Attach the brackets to the wall or ceiling, securing them tightly.
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Attach Blinds: Clip or screw the blinds into the brackets, following the manufacturer's instructions.
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Test Operation: Lower and raise the blinds to ensure smooth movement and make any adjustments if needed.
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Secure Bottom (Optional): Attach any optional tie-downs or bottom fixings to prevent the blinds from flapping in the wind.
By following these steps, you can quickly install outdoor blinds and enjoy a more comfortable and private outdoor space.
Find Out More About Outdoor Blinds in Perth
As experienced Perth patio builders, Great Aussie Patios understand your needs when it comes to creating a highly usable, attractive outdoor living area.
Along with patios, we also design and build pergolas and carports for both commercial and residential clients across Perth, WA.
Don't hesitate to contact us at (08) 9493 7115 to find out more about how we can help create your perfect outdoor space. It's also easy to get a free online quote at any time!