As the sun shines and the air turns warmer, there’s no better time to make the most of your outdoor living space.
An alfresco area is an outdoor space attached to the house. It’s designed to seamlessly extend the indoor living area, blurring the lines between inside and outside. Alfresco areas let you bring the outside world in by creating comfortable, stylish and functional outdoor settings under your roof.
A critical part of creating a thriving alfresco area is choosing the right blinds, shutters, or awnings. With a plethora of options available, making the right choice can be daunting.
In this blog, we explore eight stylish and practical ideas for window coverings in your alfresco area, so you can enjoy the glorious Australian weather while maintaining comfort and privacy outdoors. Read on!
Understanding alfresco areas
Stemming from the Italian term ‘al fresco’, which translates to ‘in the fresh air’, an alfresco area is an outdoor living space that extends your home. It’s designed to be enjoyed all year round — be it under the warm summer sun or during the cooler, wetter seasons. Alfresco areas are not just “added on” but form part of the original house and roof structure, creating a seamless indoor and outdoor living blend.
Unlike patios, alfresco areas are typically fully covered, offering protection from the elements while allowing you to enjoy the outdoor environment. They’re perfect for dining, entertaining, or simply lounging around, especially during warm weather.
Most Australian homes enjoy the fresh air by keeping the alfresco areas open. Some areas include windows or sliding glass doors to let in sunlight while protecting the area from rain and wind.
Zip Awnings for alfresco areas
Zip Awnings, also known as Zip Screen Awnings, provide optimal sun and light control and are one of the most popular choices for alfresco awnings. They are engineered to run smoothly and quietly, adding to your alfresco area’s comfort and tranquillity.
Features of Zip Awnings
Zip Awnings are designed with hidden interlocking parts that work with self-aligning side channels. This ensures smooth operation and a sleek finish. The side channels also contribute to the roller fabric’s continuous tension, reducing sagging and ripples. This ensures smooth retraction and a clean, crisp finish when in use.
Benefits of Zip Awnings
Apart from their aesthetic appeal, Zip Awnings are known for their versatility. They can be operated manually or motorised with a remote control, providing a convenient, easy-to-use shading solution. Zip Screen Awnings are made of durable materials that can withstand everyday weather conditions, ensuring longevity.
Who Should Choose Zip Awnings?
Zip Awnings are an excellent choice if you want a sleek and contemporary look for your alfresco area. They offer a clean, modern aesthetic that can be customised to suit any home decor. Plus, they’re a great option for those who want a durable and easy-to-use shading solution that provides optimal light control and weather protection.
Design Tips
Choose a colour for your Zip Awnings that complements the exterior colour of your home. For a modern look, choose neutral colours like white, grey, or black.
Straight Drop Awnings for alfresco areas
Straight Drop Awnings are another excellent option for window coverings in your alfresco area. These awnings are designed to be simple yet effective in controlling sunlight and providing privacy in outdoor spaces.
Features of Straight Drop Awnings
Straight Drop Awnings operate seamlessly with either a crank handle or spring operation. Thanks to their intuitive design, they can be lowered to various heights, offering you excellent control over light, sun and airflow.
Benefits of Straight Drop Awnings
These awnings are made with stylish and practical see-through mesh that keeps your outdoor seating and entertainment areas cool and shaded. They provide a robust barrier against harsh winds while allowing comfortable airflow in your alfresco area.
Who Should Choose Straight Drop Awnings?
Straight Drop Awnings are an excellent choice for a fuss-free yet effective window covering solution. Their sleek and unobtrusive design makes them popular for those who want to maintain their outdoor view while reducing glare and harsh sunlight.
Design Tips
Straight Drop Awnings often come in a range of contemporary colours. Consider choosing a colour that matches your outdoor furniture or decor for a cohesive look.
Markilux Awnings for alfresco areas
Markilux Awnings are renowned for their exceptional aluminium textile weaving and fabrication. They are ideal for enhancing any outdoor setting, including alfresco areas.
Features of Markilux Awning
Markilux Awnings are designed with self-cleaning technologies, making it easier to maintain their pristine appearance. They also offer superior insulation, light control, sound dampening and convenient manual or electronic operation.
Benefits of Markilux Awnings
Markilux Awnings are known for their sleek and modern design. They come in classic colours or vibrant, eye-catching hues to make your outdoor areas stand out. Their easy-to-use mechanism makes retracting and extending the awnings quick and simple.
Who Should Choose Markilux Awnings?
Markilux Awnings are perfect for those who appreciate quality and innovative design. If you are looking for alfresco awnings that offer excellent functionality, style and ease of use, Markilux Awnings are a great choice.
Design Tips
With the wide range of patterns available, you can choose a design that complements your alfresco area’s decor. The Markilux range includes over 250 patterns, so you can find the perfect fit to blend with or enhance your existing exterior decor.
Aluminium Shutters for alfresco areas
Aluminium Shutters are durable and stylish solutions for controlling light and airflow. They are handy in alfresco areas, helping to minimise glare, control the temperature and add a fresh, contemporary look to your space.
Features of Aluminium Shutters
Aluminium Shutters are made using robust Element 13 materials that won’t bend or warp over time. They are available in timeless, classic plantation shutter-style designs that add an elegant, stylish touch to your space.
Benefits of Aluminium Shutters
Aluminium Shutters offer long-lasting durability and strength. They are a great addition to your existing decor and can make your outdoor areas even more stylish.
Who Should Choose Aluminium Shutters?
If you aim for durability, strength, and style in your window coverings, Aluminium Shutters are a great choice. They are perfect if you’re looking for alfresco shutters made from sturdy and reliable materials that stand the test of time, without sacrificing style.
Design Tips
Aluminium Shutters can be customised with a timber-look finish to give the appearance of hardwood. They can also be customised with eight different colours to suit your style.
Roller Shutters for alfresco areas
Roller Shutters are a popular choice for modern Australian homes. They offer optimal light and noise control, enhancing the comfort of your alfresco area.
Features of Roller Shutters
Custom motorised roller shutters are designed to allow light control and are engineered to run smoothly and quietly. They are available with semi-automatic and fully automatic controls, making them easy to use.
Benefits of Roller Shutters
Roller shutters have noise-dampening qualities and completely block out light at any time of the day or night. This is a great solution if you’re looking for alfresco shutters that can completely block out light and massively reduce sound when fully closed.
Who Should Choose Roller Shutters?
If you are looking for a contemporary and functional window covering that offers excellent light and noise control, roller shutters are ideal. They are also perfect for individuals who value privacy and wish to block the view into their alfresco area.
Design Tips
Choose a roller shutter colour that complements your alfresco area’s aesthetics. A neutral colour like white or grey can give your outdoor space a modern and sleek look.
Blinds-N-Shutters is Newcastle’s choice for quality alfresco blinds, shutters and awnings
At Blinds-N-Shutters, we supply and install stylish, high-quality alfresco shutters, awnings and blinds to suit a range of outdoor areas. Whether you’re looking for stylish plantation-style Aluminium Shutters or versatile, timeless Zip Screen Awnings, we provide precise installation across our entire range.
Get in touch with our team or visit us at our Thornton showroom. We’ll chat through your outdoor blind ideas and help you find the perfect fit for your alfresco area. Contact us today for a free measure and quote!