8 Tips For Choosing The Right Outdoor Blinds

Dennys Upholstery & Outdoor Blinds • August 7, 2025

Outdoor living is an essential part of the Australian lifestyle. Whether you're making the most of your backyard, furnishing an outdoor café, or enhancing the alfresco area of a rental property, the right outdoor blinds can transform how you use and enjoy these spaces. But with the vast range of styles, materials and operating systems available, choosing the right option can feel overwhelming.


In this guide, we’ll explore the most important things to consider when choosing outdoor blinds—particularly for properties in coastal areas like Ballina. From weather resistance and energy efficiency to style and convenience, these eight practical tips will help you make the most informed decision.


1. Consider the Weather Conditions in Your Area Before Choosing a Blind


The coastal climate can affect your outdoor features with salty air and intense UV to high winds and heavy rain. So, when it comes to outdoor blinds, it’s vital to choose materials and systems that withstand these environmental pressures.


Key considerations for weather resistance:


  • UV-resistant materials help prevent fading and cracking over time.
  • Wind-rated blinds, such as track-guided systems like Ziptrak®, hold firm in gusty conditions.
  • Waterproof options, including clear or tinted PVC, block out rain while maintaining visibility.
  • Corrosion-resistant fittings are a must in coastal regions.


Selecting the right blinds for your climate will extend the lifespan of your installation and reduce ongoing maintenance.


2. Know the Difference Between PVC & Mesh Outdoor Blinds


Material selection influences everything from light control and airflow to visibility and longevity. Two of the most popular options for outdoor blinds are clear/tinted PVC and open-weave mesh, each with its own set of benefits.


PVC Blinds:

  • Fully block wind and rain.
  • Preserve views with clear transparency.
  • Retain warmth, ideal for cooler evenings.


Mesh Blinds:

  • Filter harsh sunlight without completely blocking the view.
  • Allow airflow, making them perfect for hot or stuffy environments.
  • Provide daytime privacy from outside eyes.


Choosing between PVC and mesh will largely depend on your priorities—whether that’s weatherproofing, ventilation, or visual privacy.


3. Don’t Overlook Style—Blinds Should Match Your Outdoor Aesthetic


Beyond function, your blinds should enhance the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. Whether it’s a residential deck or commercial alfresco dining area, a well-chosen blind complements surrounding design elements.


Design points to consider:

  • Colour coordination with your home’s exterior, furnishings or feature walls.
  • Fabric texture that matches modern, rustic or coastal styles.
  • Transparent vs tinted options, depending on whether you want to showcase views or provide a sleek backdrop.
  • Neat integration of tracks or brackets into your space.


With made-to-measure solutions like those offered by Denny’s Upholstery, you can ensure your blinds look as good as they perform.


4. Manual or Motorised? Match the Mechanism to Your Lifestyle


The way your blinds operate can make a big difference in convenience and accessibility. Manual blinds offer simplicity and cost savings, while motorised systems bring ease and smart-home compatibility.


Manual Blinds:

  • Economical and simple to use.
  • Ideal for areas where blinds are rarely adjusted.
  • Best for smaller or easily accessible installations.


Motorised Blinds:

  • Operate with a button or remote—ideal for hard-to-reach areas.
  • Integrate with home automation systems for scheduled adjustments.
  • Provide a polished, seamless user experience.


If you manage a commercial space or simply want maximum comfort at home, a motorised system could be well worth the upgrade.


5. Choose Custom-Fitted Blinds for Uniquely Shaped Outdoor Spaces


Not all patios, verandahs, or alfresco areas are neat rectangles. Custom outdoor blinds can be designed to match even the most unconventional outdoor layouts, ensuring a cleaner finish and better performance.


Advantages of custom-fitted blinds:

  • Exact measurements reduce light leaks and exposure to weather.
  • Seamless integration with existing architecture, even on uneven surfaces.
  • Improved insulation with track-guided systems that eliminate gaps.
  • Smarter use of space, especially in tight or awkward areas.


Off-the-shelf options often lack coverage and aesthetic appeal. A tailored solution ensures your blinds work well and look right.


6. Understand How Outdoor Blinds Improve Energy Efficiency


Outdoor blinds aren’t just about comfort—they can also contribute to a more energy-efficient home or commercial property. By reducing solar heat gain through windows, they help moderate indoor temperatures and reduce reliance on air conditioning.


Energy-saving features to look for:

  • Sun-filtering mesh reduces glare and UV without sacrificing light.
  • Insulating PVC panels can trap warmth in winter, perfect for all-year use.
  • External shade systems prevent heat from reaching the glass, unlike internal blinds that trap heat indoors.
  • Blinds with tight side channels, like Ziptrak®, offer full enclosure when needed.


Incorporating outdoor blinds into your design can improve thermal performance and add value to your property.


7. Look for Low-Maintenance Features in Your Blind Choice


Living by the coast means dealing with extra salt, moisture and dust—so low-maintenance blinds are key to keeping outdoor spaces clean and functional year-round.


Low-maintenance features include:

  • Treated or coated mesh and PVC that resist mildew and stains.
  • Non-rusting components, such as aluminium tracks and stainless steel fittings.
  • Smooth, retractable mechanisms that minimise wear.
  • Blinds that are easy to clean—a simple wipe-down with warm water is usually enough.


Choosing durable, weather-appropriate materials will minimise upkeep and extend the life of your installation.


8. Work with Local Experts Who Understand Outdoor Living in Ballina


Outdoor blind solutions work best when they’re tailored to the local environment. Local specialists understand the unique demands of Ballina’s coastal conditions and offer advice based on real-world knowledge and proven results.


Why working with a local expert matters:

  • Product recommendations are tailored to local weather patterns and property types.
  • Responsive customer service and onsite assessments are more convenient.
  • Access to Australian-made products that are built for harsh local conditions.
  • Trusted installation with local follow-up and servicing.


Denny’s Upholstery offers expert advice, supply, and installation for outdoor blinds in Ballina, ensuring you receive a customised solution that enhances your outdoor lifestyle.


Get Tailored Outdoor Blind Solutions for Your Home or Business


At Dennys Upholstery & Outdoor Blinds, we help homeowners, businesses and property managers choose and install high-quality outdoor Ballina blinds that combine function and style. Whether you’re after the all-weather protection of PVC, the airflow of mesh, or the convenience of motorised systems, we’ll guide you through the process and deliver a solution that fits your space.


Get in touch to book a measure and quote. Your outdoor area deserves blinds that work as hard—and look as good—as you do.