Outdoor blinds are becoming more and more common for many Australian backyards, and some are even starting to appear on the front verandah of houses big enough to take advantage of this space! If you are looking at upgrading your outdoor living area before summer gets into its highest gear, then you need to add outdoor blinds to your plans. Not only are they exceptional at preventing sunshine from scorching you whenever you want to have a barbeque or social gathering outside, but they can help prevent insects, keep cool air inside and generally make life more comfortable for you.

Here are three different types of outdoor blinds that you should start looking at.

1. Bistro Blinds

Bistro blinds are so named for their common usage in many restaurants and outdoor dining areas. They are generally made of see-through plastic and come in sectional patterns that can be rolled up to make it as enclosed or as open as you want. These bistro blinds provide a more complete seal, which means you can enjoy air conditioning if you leave your back door open, but it also means you get less of a natural environment when outside. However, during winter they are extremely helpful and great to have as a backup option.

2. Roller Blinds 

Roller blinds are probably what you thought of when you first heard about outdoor blinds. They are large blinds composed of mostly synthetic material that can be lowered or raised using a simple pulley system. They are tougher than their indoor companions in that they can withstand moisture, dirt, direct sunlight and heat with very minimal ageing. They are also easy to hose down and clean if they get a bit too dusty and attach to a wide variety of overhanging structures from awnings to gazebos. They are also fantastic at choosing the amount of sunlight you want, and you can have them darker or lighter depending on your preference for lighting. 

3. Retractable Blinds

Retractable blinds are a little bit different to roller blinds in that they are often darker and thicker and meant to block out light from entering your home rather than entering your outdoor living space. They are therefore generally placed on windows and screen doors rather than at the end of your awnings. They provide a lot more cover than many types of curtains or indoor blinds, but also many people find that they look more aesthetically pleasing. They provide great privacy and can tie the whole look of your home together.