Choosing Outdoor Blinds & Awnings To Shade Your Home

Blinds aren't just for elevating your indoor spaces - they can also be used for upgrading your home from the outside. Outdoor blinds are a versatile tool you can use to keep your home nice and cool in the summer and warm and cosy in the winter. These blinds bring a number of benefits to elevate both the aesthetic and ambience of your space. At Spotlight, you can shop from a range of different blinds, varying in material, size and colour tone. Explore our range of Spotlight outdoor blinds and elevate your home right from the outside of your space.

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• Why You Need Outdoor Blinds For Your Home
• Types Of Outdoor Blinds & Awnings For Your Space
• Choose The Right Material For Your Outdoor Blinds & Awnings
• Manual VS Motorised Blinds & Awnings
• Tips For Installing Outdoor Blinds & Awnings

Why You Need Outdoor Blinds For Your Home

Outdoor blinds can offer a number of benefits in elevating your home. Some blinds can be used to increase privacy, while others can be used to expand your outdoor entertainment space, allowing you to enjoy this area all year round. Ultimately, they provide protection against the elements, whether that be blocking out the sun's rays, creating a dark, cool space in the summer, or preventing wind and rain from infringing on your outdoor celebrations

Types Of Outdoor Blinds & Awnings For Your Space

At Spotlight, you can explore a variety of types of outdoor blinds, ensuring you find the perfect window solution for your space and needs.

Patio Blinds

For those looking to protect their outdoor alfresco area from the elements, a patio blind is sure to be the perfect addition. These blinds act as a barrier from the wind, rain, and in some cases the glare of the sun to create an enclosed outdoor entertainment area free from weather disruptions. Great for pergolas, verandahs and balconies, Spotlight offers a range of patio blinds in different materials and sizes to suit your space.

Cafe Blinds

Much like patio blinds, cafe blinds offer protection against weather elements, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor area despite rain, hail or shine! These blinds are typically made from clear or tinted PVC, allowing you to enjoy the view from your outdoor area without worrying about the weather putting a damper on your gatherings.

Roller Blinds

Great for installing in your outdoor entertainment area or over the top of your windows, outdoor roller blinds are a valuable addition to any home. They offer convenience in operation, allowing you to easily adjust the height of your blinds to tailor the amount of light into your space and offer incredible privacy benefits.

Motorised Blinds

For those enjoying our custom-made blinds service, you have the option of adding on our blinds motorisation service. This service allows you to enjoy convenience in the operation. These blinds feature a motor powered by batteries, electricity or other energy sources that roll the blinds when controlled by a remote control or mobile phone. Select an appropriate remote to suit your situation, depending on the type of motor selected, for instance, wall mounted, handheld or key ring, or in the case of outdoor blinds, connected to wind or sun sensors and timers. Add on motorisation to your outdoor fixed guide, straight drop strap down and folding arm awning to allow you to get the best out of your blinds.

Fixed Guide Awnings

A simple window covering solution, fixed guide awnings are installed outside your windows, providing shade from the sun. These window coverings are composed of an acrylic or canvas fabric that is threaded onto "guide" rails that are attached to your house or window. This allows you to raise or lower the awning with ease to achieve your preferred amount of shade and sun protection. When lowered, these awnings can also project at an angle, keeping heat away from the glass while allowing for air circulation.

Retractable Awnings

A versatile shade solution, retractable awnings are an excellent addition to any outdoor space. These awnings are often either wall or ceiling mounted and can be extended to provide shade to your outdoor area. When not in use, you can retract the blind to prevent strong winds from damaging the fabric.

Choose The Right Material For Your Outdoor Blinds & Awnings

While you can shop from a range of different types of outdoor blinds and awnings here at Spotlight, you can also enjoy shopping from a variety of materials to best suit your blind preferences.

PVC

A durable material, PVC provides a solid barrier against rain, wind and when tinted, harsh UV rays. When clear, they offer protection from the elements without blocking the view of your outdoor area.

Mesh

For those wishing to enjoy a light breeze without your blinds blocking air flow, then mesh outdoor blinds are sure to be the perfect addition to your space. Mesh blinds are composed of a durable, woven fabric screen that allows air to circulate, preventing the trapped heat and stuffiness associated with PVC. This material offers a level of privacy to your outdoor area, allowing you to see out during the day while restricting the view from the outside.

Manual VS Motorised Outdoor Blinds & Awnings

The two types of operation you'll come across when it comes to outdoor blinds are manual and motorised. These operational styles come with their own benefits. To help you determine which is best for your space, let's dive into the different types:

• Manual - This refers to blinds that are operated using physical effort to control the positioning of the blinds through other mechanisms, such as chains or cords. These manual blinds are typically easier to maintain and repair and aren't dependent on power.
• Motorised - Offering enhanced convenience through a remote, smartphone, voice control, or automated timer, motorised blinds are great for controlling your window coverings in hard-to-reach areas or in busy households. These blinds are often more expensive than manual blinds due to their technical features, however, they bring a sleek, modern look with no dangling cords or chains, great for homes with young children or pets.

Tips For Installing Outdoor Blinds & Awnings

When installing outdoor blinds and awnings at home, it's important to ensure you have accurately measured your space. Make sure you've gathered all the fixings and hardware you need. If you're unsure, make sure to read any provided instructions, and if you're missing pieces, explore our range of outdoor blind accessories to prepare for installation. Before installing, consider the placement of your blinds, ensuring they can adequately block out the sun when needed. This placement is also important when installing manual blinds, as you want to ensure that your blinds' operation system is easy to reach. And lastly, use a leveller to make sure your blinds or awning is even.

Custom Outdoor Blinds and Awnings - Made to Measure

At Spotlight, we also offer a made to measure service, where a friendly member of staff will provide a free measure and quote for your outdoor blinds. With this service, you can enjoy outdoor blinds that are made to perfectly fit your space. This service also offers the option to book an expert installation for a seamless process.

Made to Measure Outdoor Blinds & Awnings

Shop The Range Of Outdoor Blinds & Awnings At Spotlight

At Spotlight, you can explore our extensive range of outdoor blinds online, where you can have your purchases conveniently delivered to your home. If you have any questions or queries, you can also shop at your local Spotlight store, where our friendly team can help you find everything you need to cover your windows in style.

If you're still unsure about the best types of window coverings for your home - or are after custom treatments like plantation shutters or outdoor awnings - you can also explore Spotlight's Made to Measure options. Call 1300 662 742 or book a FREE in-home measure & quote today!