How to create shade with outdoor blinds
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How to create shade with outdoor blinds

  • Advice
- October 26, 2021

Creating shade with outdoor blinds is a sophisticated way to enjoy your outdoor area when that summer sun bakes in.

From creating an inviting outdoor room on the patio to screens for shade and privacy, outdoor blinds can serve multiple purposes and tick several of your outdoor living boxes all at once. 

In this blog we’ve put together some examples of work we’ve done in this space over the years, looking at several options to inspire you as you ponder your own outdoor screen project. 

Using a mesh tint for your blinds

The very clever mesh textile we use at Sunshade is designed to withstand the strain of NZ’s demanding UV environment. 

The extremely high UV-R rating means that those inside are almost fully protected from the sun’s rays. It also aids in protecting your outdoor furniture and interior living areas from weathering.

Mesh also doubles as a privacy screen so you can relax in your space – perfect if you wish to create the feeling privacy in a close-quartered suburban environment.

All our mesh screens have some visibility from the inside, allowing that outdoors-in feel. Some of the lighter-coloured screens do offer a light and soft muted view of the garden or other aspect. Colour choice really comes down to your requirements for outdoor living on balance with the design aesthetic you are after.

You can also mix and match!

Pro tip: Another useful purpose for outdoor blinds, especially the Ziptrak track-guided screen system, is that they can keep out debris and pests.

Ziptrak Outdoor blinds feature a bottom bar which seals the gap between the blind and the floor to keep dirt and debris out

Fitted with a unique bottom bar which seals the gap between the blind and the floor, the Ziptrak® bottom bar stops the flow of dirt, leaves and other riff-raff, as well as pleasantly blocking draughts.

Designing your outdoor blinds for the sun

When designing a patio area, we’ll always help our customers factor in the positioning of the sun in all seasons. The best kind of design will make the most of the light, warmth, and wind year-round.

In terms of layout, options include choosing full mesh for all screens to enclose the patio, just putting one screen in that pesky spot where the sun beats in, or using a mix of mesh and clear screens depending on your outlook. 

After a site visit we will make recommendations to suit your space, and help you consider all the angles. Onsite we can show you through examples of other work we have done and look at different ways to use colour, textile, and space to achieve what you want. 

Interested in scoping your own outdoor blinds? 

Send us your questions or an enquiry for a quote. We’ve been installing shades and screens since the ‘90s and have a wealth of ideas on how to create a shady and modern looking space. 

We’d love to hear from you – get in touch today.

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