Buying Outdoor Blinds: Things to Consider

If you are thinking about purchasing outdoor blinds for your home, you may be looking for more info about what to consider. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

The type of blind

Retractable blinds

Retractable outdoor blinds are a great solution if you wish to block out direct sunlight. A retractable blind is made of one piece of material which forms a solid wall between your window and the outside world. The drawback of this type of blind is that it isn't possible to let just a little light in. Instead, it is all or nothing.

Pivot-arm blinds

A pivot-arm blind is a type of awning which provides great protection against the heat of the sun and from the rain. The awning stands out from the side of your home at an angle. On some designs, you may be able to adjust the angle at which the blind sits. The spring-loaded arms on either side of the blind help to keep it stable in high winds. The major benefit of installing this type of blind is that its design allows air to flow through open doors and windows.

Shade blinds

Shade blinds are created using strips of material. Each strip lies side by side horizontally or vertically. By pulling on a draw string, you can move each strip simultaneously. The major advantage of using shade blinds is that you can control the amount of light which enters your property by partially opening or closing the blinds.

The type of fabric

Next, you will need to consider the type of fabric used to make the blinds. Outdoor blinds are made using a range of materials. It is typically best to avoid blinds made of natural fibres. While this type of material works well indoors, it is likely to degrade when exposed to rain and sunshine. For the best results, you need to look for a set of blinds which is made using PVC, treated wood or polyester. Each one of these will be able to withstand exposure to the elements.

The size

Outdoor blinds are available in a range of standard sizes which are designed to fit many windows found in domestic settings. However, if you wish to install the blind in front of a window which is a non-standard size, you may need to invest in a bespoke blind which has been made to fit. Bespoke blinds may be slightly more expensive compared to the ones which you can buy straight off the shelf. However, it is likely to be the best option, as using two smaller blinds in an attempt to cover a larger window will often result in unsatisfactory results.


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