Most people don't know that outdoor blinds can transform your patio space. Compared to the furniture, flooring and layout, they're often seen as an afterthought. But the truth is, they contribute as much to space as any of those things. They create privacy, protect you against the elements, and ensure your patio is usable all year round. And when they're rolled down, they become very important to the overall aesthetic of the place.
After all, they essentially function as walls for outdoor spaces, turning your patio into a room. We make sure rooms inside our homes look beautiful, so why should we neglect rooms on the outside? This article has gathered and summarised the critical details you need to consider to choose the best outdoor blinds for your patio. They'll help you create a comfortable space that family and visitors can enjoy, making sure you're the host nobody turns down.
Consider What You'll Use the Space For
When it comes to choosing patio blinds, looks matter, but they're not the only thing you should consider. One factor that certainly shouldn't be overlooked is how you plan to use your patio space. How does this affect which blinds you buy? Well, imagine you're trying to create a quiet spot for reading or relaxing. In that case, you might want to maximise privacy and shade with dark, heavy blinds.
Meanwhile, a family creating a multipurpose space might want adjustable blinds that make it easy to control light levels. The time of day you plan to use the space is also important. If it will mostly be used in mornings and evenings, when the sun isn't at its full strength, then lighter blinds may be enough. But if you plan to use it on sunny afternoons, UV-blocking heavy-duty options would be more appropriate.
Think About the Climate in Your Area
Many areas in Australia experience intense sunlight throughout the year. If you live in a region where that's the case, you should definitely be looking for outdoor blinds made from UV-resistant materials. As well as protecting people from harmful rays, they'll also prevent the furniture on your patio from fading or cracking. There are also options for people living in regions where the climate is cooler, such as insulated blinds.
Insulated blinds can help shut out wind and retain warmth, ensuring you can still use your patio during colder months. If you live in an area that sees a lot of rainfall, you probably already have a roof over your patio, but you'll need to factor the weather into your blind choice, too. If they're likely to be wet or damp often, you should buy waterproof and mould-resistant ones.
Understand Your Material Choices
The material your blinds are made from will determine how protective they are against the sun, wind and rain. It also affects how your blinds look, how well they blend into your patio's aesthetic, and how much visibility you'll have when they're rolled down. Three of the most popular material options are PVC, mesh and canvas. Each has slightly different qualities and needs a different level of maintenance.
PVC offers a good amount of visibility while also protecting you from the wind and rain. However, since air cannot easily pass through, heat can be trapped during hotter months. Mesh blinds allow for better airflow while still allowing visibility and blocking UV rays. Canvas blinds, meanwhile, offer the least visibility but the most privacy and shade. Canvas is also a bit harder to clean than the others, which can easily be cleaned with water.
Choose an Appropriate Style or Design
As well as coming in different materials, outdoor blinds come in all kinds of different styles. Most people will be familiar with roller blinds, which offer practical flexibility because you can adjust their height or retract them entirely. However, there are flexible alternatives, such as zip-track blinds. These have runners down the sides that hold the blinds in place, meaning they're less prone to blowing in strong winds or letting insects get inside.
If practicality is your main concern, then motorised versions of the above can be a smart choice, especially if you have a very large patio. However, it's also important to consider aesthetics. Generally, patio blinds look best when they complement the rest of the space. They're not the focal point, but they should match your theme. Think minimal designs and neutral tones for modern spaces, and textures and patterns for rustic ones.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
Outdoor shade blinds can be expensive. The price will obviously be higher if they need to cover a very wide area, but you may also pay very different amounts based on the material and style, as well as extra for features like motorisation. That's why it's important to set a budget and keep it in mind while you consider all of the factors above. You may need to make compromises.
However, it's wrong to look at your blinds as only an expense. When setting your budget, remember that it'll prolong the life of your patio furniture and enable you to get more use from it. Another reason not to just pick the cheapest option is that higher-end ones may be more durable, meaning they'll last longer before needing replacement. Many include warranties, too.
Conclusion
Whether you choose minimal mesh roller blinds or billowing canvas ones, outdoor blinds transform your patio's functionality. The right choice will create a space that not only looks pleasant, but maintains your ideal temperature and light levels while shielding you against nature. By taking a structured approach to the decision by considering each of the aspects above, you're bound to find something that suits your space.
One final aspect that it's important not to overlook is blind safety. Both cords and motorised mechanisms pose risks, especially to small children. When choosing outdoor blinds with these features, ensure that they are sufficiently out of the reach of babies or toddlers. Then you'll have a patio the whole family can enjoy.
