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Outdoor Blinds & Curtains: A Comprehensive Guide

Why You Need Outdoor Blinds or Curtains?

Outdoor blinds and curtains function similarly, although the former is better suited for more exposed areas. They are a low-tech way to keep the sun and the weather out, making your house, apartment, or office cooler in the summer, and warmer in colder days. The needs and benefits of outdoor blinds in Singapore and other tropical countries are more prominent because the rain is frequent enough and the sunny days last twice as long.

Thanks to the shade and shelter that certain types of outdoor blinds provide, you can enjoy your outdoor area all year round, no matter what the weather is like. This lets you expand the living space without spending a lot of money. On the other hand, diaphanous curtains surrounding exterior sitting areas are great for enhancing the mood and reminiscing the lazy summer days.

Another major advantage of blinds and curtains is that they enable you to fully enclose an outdoor area without obstructing any views. They are particularly suited to decks, verandas, pergolas, patios, and balconies where you would want to enjoy the cool breeze and the refreshing scenery while maintaining some privacy.


Outdoor Blinds Builds and Installation

An outdoor roller blind is as easy to install as an indoor roller blind. This is because the primary difference between outdoor and indoor blinds is that the materials used in making outdoor blinds are able to withstand outdoor conditions. Naturally, this makes them last for a long time, making them a worthwhile investment for any home.

Outdoor roller blinds can be installed in a variety of ways including rope and pulley, hand rolled, crank handle and roller, extension arm, electronic motor, and a fully tracked enclosure. With simpler models, you may be able to install it yourself. But if you choose an automated system or one that has a vertical tracking device, it might be a better idea to have a qualified curtain and blinds shop handle the installation for you.


Do I Need Roof Blinds or Awnings?

If you have an overhanging roof, but still need protection from the sun, consider a retractable vertical awning. Vertical awnings are like wider, longer versions of outdoor roller blinds. Both manual and automatic systems are readily available in the market. And if you have a ladder and are careful, you may be able to install one of these yourself. Try to get an installation quote from your blinds supplier first, though. You may find the installation cost to be surprisingly affordable, saving you from unnecessary effort and headaches.

Folding arm awnings are ideal for areas where you want to prevent the sun from entering the house and be able to have an unobstructed view at the same time. Some folding arm awnings extend far enough to even provide as much shade as a standard patio roof. There are more sophisticated models in the market that not only can be electronically controlled, but even have light and moisture sensors that will automatically open or close the blinds depending on the weather conditions. Advanced systems like these should only be handled by professional blinds installers.


Which Outdoor Blinds Are Popular?

Other types of outdoor blinds or curtains that Singapore people frequently install include:

  • Sunscreen roller blinds
    These outdoor roller blinds are made from a durable UV filtering fabric. Rather than blocking out light altogether, sunscreen blinds block out harsh UV radiation so you can still enjoy the outdoor view from inside the house.
  • Cafe blinds
    These are the clear blinds that surround alfresco areas at cafes and restaurants, but nowadays they are also found in many homes. Aside from clear or tinted PVC, you can also order cafe blinds made from solid PVC materials in many different colours.
  • Patio blinds
    Sometimes you like your patio to be wide open to the great outdoors. At other times, though, you wish your patio had walls for more privacy. With patio blinds, you can have the best of both worlds — an outdoor patio and a protective walled area.
  • Venetian blinds
    Venetian blinds are blinds that are made by joining together a number of horizontal slats on either side. The control and versatility that Venetian blinds offer are hard to match. Moreover, they require minimal maintenance and are easy to clean.
  • Vertical blind shutters
    Some outdoor shutters can make you feel caged in. Vertical blind shutters, however, have the opposite effect. When installed in panels, you can open as many or as few as you like to create interesting focal points and adjust the privacy level.

When choosing outdoor blinds, make sure to choose high-quality blinds that are easy to adjust and able to stand up to all weather conditions. Pay extra attention to the opening and closing mechanism; make sure they are both sturdy and efficient. Higher quality outdoor blinds also tend to have longer warranties for both the fabric and the working mechanisms.


What Materials are Available?

Outdoor blinds used in Singapore are typically made of PVC, canvas, or a special “sunscreen” mesh material that blocks out UV light. PVC blinds are perfect for areas where you want an unobstructed view but need shelter from the wind or rain. While not as weather resistant as PVC, you can look into canvas and mesh blinds for a greater variety of colours and styles to be installed in less exposed areas.

For outdoor curtains in Singapore, polyester is a common choice due to its fabric softness and design flexibility. WeatherSmart Outdoor Curtains is a unique synthetic blend that greatly exceeds polyester in long-term outdoor performance. Another popular choice is Sunbrella, a solution-dyed acrylic, a heavy-duty yet lightweight fabric.

Outdoor shutters are often made from timber, but the lighter aluminium shutters are also popular. Powder coated aluminium shutters come in a wide range of colours and styles nowadays. They are great for building owners who want the wood look without the maintenance requirements of timber.


Where to Buy Outdoor Blinds or Curtains at Affordable Price?

Local curtains and blind suppliers are the best parties to reach out for your outdoor project. Remember that when having your blinds installed by a professional team, ensure that the material and the workmanship both come with a guarantee.

If you reside in or near Singapore, there are dozens of styles of blinds and curtains available at The Curtain Expert, with affordable prices* ranging from about $100 to $1,000 or more. Ask for a free quotation and we will be happy to provide you with brochures outlining our product ranges. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect blinds for your home renovation project.


*The cost and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. Actual prices of blinds and curtains vary locally and are subject to market forces.