Outdoor Blinds – Reinventing Your Alfresco Area

If you are like most Aussie homeowners, your alfresco is the queen of outdoor living. It’s where you fire up the barbecue on weekends, entertain friends and family, or enjoy a glass of wine after a tough day at work. But here’s the rub: Left uninspired, it can feel as though your alfresco area is underused, particularly when the weather isn’t behaving.

That’s where outdoor blinds can make a difference. They do more than just shield from the sun or rain. They’re about turning your space into a year-round refuge that’s secluded, comfortable, and stylish. No matter if you live in Brisbane or on the coast, outdoor blinds help make your patio, deck, or verandah a real extension of your home.

Read on to discover how outdoor blinds can transform the way you experience your alfresco and what variety suits you, plus learn insider tips to ensure you select the perfect match for your lifestyle.

Why Outdoor Blinds Are a Game-Changer for Alfresco Living

It is a problem anyone in Australia who has ever spent any time outside would have experienced: one day it is stinking hot, the next the wind is howling and then sometimes it just won’t stop raining. Outdoor spaces are for the outdoors, but even with good soiree weather, they’re not always comfortable.

Which is why outdoor blinds are such a smart investment. They:

• Shield your space from the elements – Block the midday sun, cut down on wind, or keep out rain so you can relax outside no matter the weather.
• Provide privacy for you – Great if your alfresco looks out to the neighbours or a passing road. You’re benefiting from the outdoors without feeling so exposed.
• Expand your home – By surrounding your alfresco with blinds, you’re extending the living space of your abode into another “room”.
• Enhance the style of your home – Available in contemporary designs, fabrics and colours, blinds add polish and can also help bring your outdoor aesthetic together.

Consider them part shield, part design statement, that is to say: They’re practical but also handsome as hell.

Trending Outdoor Blinds for An Alfresco Area

All alfresco’s were not created equal, and neither are outdoor blinds. The best choice for you will vary depending on your home’s layout, your style, and how you intend to utilize your space. Here are a few examples of options that tend to be popular:

• Zipscreen Outdoor Blinds

For a sleek, contemporary appearance, it’s difficult to go past zipscreen blinds. They’re streamlined, nestling into side channels as if they’re part of the window itself and forming a virtually impenetrable wall against sun, wind, and insects. Many homeowners have them because they’re perfect for entertaining any month of the year, and they keep things closed off in winter yet open to the outside in the summer, compared with other options that look similar to these but won’t fold up like this so easily.

• Outdoor Roller Blinds

Roller blinds. Simple, functional, and adaptable, roller blinds fit the bill when funds are tight. They unfurl when you want shade, or privacy, and they roll up neatly when it’s not. You can find them in a variety of fabrics, including light-filtering mesh and heavy-duty block-out.

• Straight Drop Blinds

Straight drop Blinds – Perfect for outdoor areas that require a streamlined solution. They fall straight down, making a wall against the sun and wind. They’re simple to use, better suited for open spaces, and they pack a decent blend of cost and performance.

• Wire Guide Awnings

These blinds hang on a figure 8 stainless steel wire for stability under breezy conditions. They’re especially great for large alfresco areas as they offer shade in different heights depending of how much shade you need. And, they appear streamlined and modern, which is sexy to design-minded homeowners.

Selecting an Outdoor Blind

Choosing Zipscreen outdoor blinds or any blinds isn’t just a matter of choosing what looks good. It is becoming more and more a matter of selecting the one that fits your climate, home, and lifestyle. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Consider the elements – Your environment, Coastal homes have to deal with salty air and heavy winds. Homes in inner cities may have UV shielding and privacy top of the list.
• Pick the right fabrics – Mesh fabrics are all the rage at the moment as they allow natural light through and help to block UV rays. PVC offers a clear view, but is more insulating.
• Choose how you’d prefer them to operate – Motorised blinds are very convenient (especially if installed over a large area), with manual, of course, being easier on the pocket.
• Match your style – Choose colours that match your exterior paint or deck. Neutrals are forever, but bold hues can be a real statement.
• Strategize budget-wise – While ready-made blinds will typically cost less at the beginning of your project, when you invest in made to measure or custom-made shades, they result in years and years of perfect fitting and looking great.

Benefits of Adding Outdoor Blinds to Your Alfresco

Outdoor blinds are not only practical, with they come a multitude of benefits that will make you glad you spent every dollar:

• Easy living comfort – Make a winter snug or summer cool zone.
• Conserves energy – These blinds can reduce the amount of heat coming into your home and cool down ac costs.
• Increased property value – A smart, practical alfresco space is a major selling point for prospective buyers.
• Designed to your heart’s content – A full range of colors, materials and designs means you can really make the alfresco a reflection of who you are.

How to Keep Your Outdoor Blinds in Good Condition

As with everything else around the house, a bit of routine maintenance can help keep your blinds looking and operating at their top caliber:

• Hose them down gently or wash with soapy water every few weeks to prevent dirt accumulation.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning agents that may break down the fabric.
• Keep everything working Zips, tracks and brackets should be checked regularly.
• During heavy winds or storms, close your blinds to prevent extra wear and tear.

With the right care, good outdoor blinds should last for years, helping to ensure your alfresco area remains looking new.

Creating a Space You’ll Love

In the final analysis, outdoor blinds are not just an accessory they can turn your alfresco into a living area you’ll want to use every day. Whether you’re protecting your family from the sun, providing a little extra privacy, or creating a cosy space for winter meals alfresco…the perfect range of outdoor blinds to suit any need and budget.

If you’ve been considering an upgrade to your alfresco, now’s the time to act. With a wide selection of designs and materials, you can find one that suits your home, your style and your pocketbook. And when they’re there, you’ll never understand how you survived without them.