Homeowners with outdoor rooms are going to want to add some kind of protection from the sun and the elements and, fortunately, there is a wide variety of blind and shade solutions available. You’re going to need to make your selection based on size of the area you are trying to cover. The material of the blind or shade will also be an important factor when making your choice and, of course, you want something that is waterproof.
After all, these blinds and shades are going to be exposed to the outdoors and you want something that’s going to be resilient and last a long while. You have plenty of options at your disposal, but first, let’s go over some of the more common types that are on the market. Once you find something you prefer from this list, you can start doing your research as to the color, size, and material options from your local dealer.
Blinds
Here are many of the most popular blinds options that you can select from as you begin your search to protect and beautify your outdoor room. The following are all ideal choices but you must decide which one suits your area best.
Veranda Blinds
These blinds are the perfect choice to provide a level of privacy while allowing for plenty of light to filter in from the sun. These blinds are versatile and you can find them in a multitude of various colors to match the décor of any room. What makes them even more useful is that they can also prevent harmful UV rays from damaging any of your furnishings.
Ziplock Blinds
You might compare these to veranda blinds due to their similarity in appearance and functionality, but you also get the added benefit of a layer of screen material. This is good protection from flies and mosquitoes who might come in and try to bother you and your family. The best part is that the blind still offers the same level of protection as a veranda option without compromising your enjoyment of the outdoors.
Patio Blinds
If you’ve even been to an outdoor cafe or restaurant you may have seen these types of blinds in use since many eating establishments will have them installed for the purpose of protecting patrons from the wind and rain should the weather turn severe. This option is typically manufactured from a PVC plastic and they are installed directly next to one another along the perimeter of the room. When they are drawn, they act as a continuous shield from the rain and wind without gaps in between.
Alfresco Blinds
When you go with an alfresco blind, you are selecting one of the best options for safeguarding people and belongings from the elements. These are most often used on balconies, verandas, and patios as a way to keep direct sunlight, rain, and wind from reaching the area where they’ve been installed. They consist of tension screening which can be made of any number of possible fabric options.
Shades
If blinds aren’t your thing, you also have the option of going with one of the many different shades that are available for homeowners to protect the outdoor rooms of their homes. Some of these choices might be better suited for your environment than some others, so it’s up to you to do the research before you make a purchase. With that said, the following are some of the most popular selections that are chosen by consumers just like you.
Awnings
What’s great about an awning is that it’s basically a roof that you can install over your deck, patio, or balcony for the purpose of muting the sun’s impact on your space. You can still enjoy the feeling of lounging about outside, but without the glare of the hot sun overhead beating directly down upon you. These are typically made of a canvas that has been outfitted onto a frame which is installed on the side of your house.
Roller Shades
These work in a similar manner as an awning but they function differently. While an awning uses a steel frame to bring the shade over your outside areas, a roller shade rolls up when not in use. There are some retractable awnings on the market, but if you are looking for something convenient that you can open and shut when need be, roller shades are the more popular choice. You can even find them in motorized or manual versions with many choices as to the type of material.
