Window Coverings for Your Outdoor Space

With so many options to choose from, selecting window treatments can be a challenge. Different rooms call for different styles of window coverings - it's not a one-size fits all approach.

Here at Somfy, we pride ourselves on making your life simpler, including helping you choose the right window coverings for your home. With that in mind, we've created a ten-part series to help you choose the best window coverings to suit each room of your home.

Part Ten: Outdoor Space

Living in Australia, it's natural to want an outdoor space where you can dine, entertain friends or just relax. The key to the perfect outdoor space is to create an area that functions as an extension of your home.

In this month's blog, we take a look at some of the most popular solutions to shade your outdoor space.

Awnings

Retractable awnings are a stylish solution for your outdoor space, offering shade and a touch of class. A standout feature of a retractable awning, compared to a fixed solution, is that it can be completely retracted when not in use.

By opting for automated awnings, you can easily protect your guests and yourself from the elements. With a single touch on your remote or smartphone, or even utilising voice control, you can shield your outdoor party from the weather, or retract your awning on a fun summer day to enjoy the sunshine or watch the sun set.

Somfy also offers several sensor options to prevent damage to your solutions. Somfy's wind sensor automatically retracts your awning when the wind picks up to protect your system. Alternatively, our sun sensor will automatically extend your awning to keep not only your outdoor space shaded, but your indoor living area cool too!

Pergolas or Roof Systems

A couple more permanent solutions are retractable pergolas or roof systems. The major benefit is that they are suitable for use in any weather condition, including in high winds, unlike awnings.

Effortlessly create covered outdoor entertaining or living spaces, regardless of the weather, for a true extension of your home. Then, in sunshine, you can either adjust the louvres on the roof to filter sunlight, or retract the membrane on your pergola to open up your outdoor space.

External Screens

External screens offer a sleek and sophisticated addition to your outdoor space. Designed to not only provide protection from the sun, but added privacy too. With automated external screens, you can adjust the size and shape of your space, simply by opening or closing them.

When lowering your motorised external screens, your outdoor furniture is protected from the weather elements, your guests are shielded from the heat in summer or cold in winter, and they can even prevent flies and mosquitoes from interrupting your summer entertaining!

Additionally, when used on windows, external motorised blinds block the heat or cold before they reach the glass of your window, effectively reducing your home's thermal heat gain/loss. This lessens the demand on your air conditioner or heater, consequently leading to reduced energy bills!

Recommendations

When designing the layout of your outdoor space, you want to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.

By pairing external screens with an awning or pergola, you can transform your outdoor space to an outdoor room that can be enjoyed all year-round!

Motorisation is perfect for your outdoor window coverings, especially considering the effectiveness of sun and wind sensors. Sit back, relax and let your Somfy solutions do the work for you!

If you're interested in transforming your outdoor space with Somfy, or would like to know more about our home automation solutions including voice control, speak to your local Somfy Expert retailer today!

More:

Part 1: Window Coverings for Your Bathroom

Part 2: Window Coverings for Your Home Theatre

Part 3: Window Coverings for Your Kitchen

Part 4: Window Coverings for Your Home Office

Part 5: Window Coverings for Your Bedroom

Part 6: Window Coverings for Your Living Room

Part 7: Window Coverings for Your Nursery

Part 8: Window Coverings for Your Dining Room

Part 9: Window Coverings for Your Transitional Spaces