The best patio blinds and awnings for making the most of variable shade and sun.

During the colder months on the North Coast, there is nothing better than warming yourself in the winter sun. If you get the chance to have a moment outside, the warmth of natural light feels like it is recharging your body. However, this doesn’t last long. As spring wears on, the sun starts to get a little stronger, and direct sunlight starts to bite. Soon direct sunlight starts to get uncomfortable, and when summer hits, it is all about escaping the heat in the nearest shade.

Some of the most common requests we have are for solutions to this problem. The customers want sun in the winter, but shade in the summer. The sun provides a natural energy that can reduce heating and lighting costs, so why not make the most of it? Here are a few common patio awning solutions that will allow you to control how much sunlight your outdoor area gets.

Pivot Arm Fabric Awnings.

A pivot arm awning is an ideal awning for a smaller balcony of patio area. The fabric awning can roll up fully out of the way inside a headbox and is attached to an arm that can be adjusted to different positions. The arms can provide a vertical shade barrier but can also be positioned to provide horizontal shade. Fabric Awnings come in a range of fabrics of various colours and block out properties, so they can be used to block rain on windows and balconies.

Controllable via a manual winder or an internal control box on some models, the pivot arm awning is infinitely adjustable to help catch or hide the sunlight.

By extending the pivor arm horizontally, the area can be shaded and sheltered from the sun.

Folding Arm Fabric Awnings

Folding arm fabric awnings are a stylish solution to your shade problem. The folding arm awning extends horizontally, effectively creating a cover for your patio. The awning folds away into a discreet cassette to give you a totally open alfresco area to enjoy the sun. In the warmer months, the awning can be extended via a manual or motorised control, to give you as much shade over your area as you require.

The awning is cantilevered off the wall of your existing structure, so it doesn’t need extra posts or supports. Most models have a pitch control to give you the right balance of shade and view.

Some models also have a range of rain and wind sensors available as well, to make sure the awning is protected in strong wind conditions or if you forget to retract it before a storm.

The awning retracts into a discrete cassette when not in use, allwoing natural light to warm the area.

Giotto Tension Fabric Awnings

The Giotto is a full cassette awning that runs horizontally over aluminium tracks, kind of like a horizontal blind. The fabric of the blind is fully tensioned and adjustable via a motorised control, so you can open or close the awning as much or as little as you desire.

The Giotto is designed to shade glasshouse and skylights but can also be used in a fully open alfresco area as a dedicated shade cover. It can be attached to most existing structures, but some models can be fitted with legs to make it a free-standing structure. The Giotto is a very stylish and versatile solution for semi-permanent shade.

Alfresco Aluminium Shutters

In other more complex configurations, shutters can be installed in hinged, sliding, bi-fold or stacking panels to help you totally open the alfresco area or close it to completely escape the hot sun.

Opening and Closing Roof

The roof panels are fitted with wind and rain sensors and will automatically close in the event of bad weather.

Stylish and sophisticated, an opening and closing louvre panelled roof will let you live outdoors at any time of year.

Contact Us for more options

These are just a couple of options for controlling variable light conditions, if you would like to see what best suits your budget and situation, contact one of our design consultants to see what is available. We have a huge range of products to help you get outdoors and stay there!