How to Choose the Right Outdoor Blinds

New Zealanders love the outdoors. We’re a nation that builds decks before we build fences, that throws a barbecue at the faintest hint of blue sky, and that considers jandals “proper footwear” at least six months of the year. But as much as we love an open-air lifestyle, nature isn’t always on our side.

Outdoor blinds were invented for people like us—people who refuse to let a rogue gust or a particularly aggressive sunbeam dictate how we use our spaces. Whether it’s about keeping cool, blocking the breeze, or simply making sure your outdoor furniture doesn’t take an unscheduled flight, outdoor blinds are the simple, stylish, and surprisingly effective solution.

 

Are Outdoor Blinds Worth it? 

Some outdoor setups look like they’ve been cobbled together in a hurry—an old shade sail that’s seen better days or makeshift curtains that flap wildly in the wind. While they sort of do the job, they’re hardly a long-term solution.

Proper outdoor blinds, on the other hand, give you control over your space without the hassle of constant adjustments or surprise tangles. They provide:

  • Sun Protection: No more shifting seats to dodge glare.
  • Wind and Rain Shielding: Enjoy your deck without chasing after flying cushions.
  • Privacy: A little extra seclusion when you need it.
  • Extended Living Space: Turn your outdoor area into a comfortable retreat all year round.

So yes, they’re worth it. And if you choose well, they won’t just be practical—they’ll enhance the look of your home too.

 

Meet the Two Champions: Awnings vs. Shades

At Total Look Blinds, we specialise in two high-quality outdoor blind solutions—each designed to suit different needs while maintaining the same level of durability, style, and functionality.

  • Awnings (Ellipse): These extend outward to provide shade and retract neatly when not in use. Perfect for those who want flexibility and an open-air feel while still enjoying reliable sun protection.
  • Outdoor Shades (Quatro): A sleek vertical blind that acts as a barrier against sun, wind, and rain while still allowing airflow and visibility. Ideal for outdoor areas that need a little extra shelter without feeling closed in.

If you’re looking to create a shaded retreat while keeping things open, Ellipse Awnings are a great option. If protection from wind and privacy are key priorities, Quatro Outdoor Shades provide the perfect balance. Both are made with high-quality materials, custom-fitted to your space, and designed for ease of use.

 

Awnings (Ellipse): The Smart Shade Solution

Awnings have come a long way from the clunky, outdated designs of the past. Ellipse Awnings from Total Look Blinds offer a sleek, streamlined way to create a shaded outdoor space that’s both functional and stylish.

How They Work

  • Extend outward to provide instant shade.
  • Retract smoothly when no longer needed.
  • Designed for seamless operation—no ropes, no unnecessary hassle.

Why They’re a Great Choice

  • Custom Fit: Tailored to suit your outdoor area perfectly.
  • Modern, Clean Design: A smart addition that complements any home.
  • Manual or Motorised: Choose between classic crank operation or effortless motorisation.

Whether it’s for a morning coffee spot, a relaxed outdoor lounge, or a shaded entertainment space, Ellipse Awnings provide a simple, effective way to enjoy your outdoor areas in comfort.

 

Outdoor Shades (Quatro): Year-Round Comfort Without Compromise

When you want to enjoy your outdoor space no matter the weather, Quatro Outdoor Shades offer the ideal solution. Designed to shield against sun, wind, and rain while maintaining visibility and airflow, they strike the perfect balance between protection and openness.

What Sets Quatro Shades Apart?

  • Protection Without Blocking the View: Filter the elements without feeling closed in.
  • Designed for NZ Conditions: Built to withstand high UV exposure and changing weather.
  • Customised for Your Space: Available in clear, tinted, or a variety of mesh fabric options. Our range from 5% openness to 1% openness ensures that you get full control over the amount of UV you let in.  

Unlike traditional blinds, Quatro Shades offer flexibility, allowing you to control light, wind, and privacy without creating a fully enclosed area. Whether it’s for an outdoor dining setup, a sheltered patio, or a comfortable lounging area, they provide a practical, stylish, and reliable solution.

 

Enjoy Your Outdoor Space—No Matter the Weather

New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle shouldn’t be dictated by the elements. Whether it’s the glaring summer sun, a gusty afternoon, or an unexpected drizzle, there’s no reason to retreat inside when the right outdoor blinds can give you the best of both worlds—fresh air and comfort, style and practicality.

At Total Look Blinds, we’ve designed our Ellipse Awnings and Quatro Outdoor Shades with real Kiwi homes in mind. They’re built to last, tailored to fit, and effortless to use. No fuss, no compromise—just a smarter way to enjoy your outdoor space, year-round.

Ready to make the most of your deck, patio, or outdoor area? Get in touch today for a free quote. Our team is here to help you find the perfect outdoor blind solution—so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your home the way it was meant to be.

Top Quality Custom Blinds and Shutters

Total Look Blinds has the best and most experienced people in the industry with a combined experience of greater than 180 years within the industry. If we can’t help you nobody can. We offer free help and advice when you ask us to meet with you.
Contact us Today

What Our Customers Say

Excellent
4.8
Jackson Whitham
Outstanding service from everyone at Total Look Blinds. Jo was incredibly helpful in quoting a sun screen blind over the phone including looking up previous work done at home to match measurements, ordered over the phone and installed in less than 2 weeks - well ahead of schedule - high quality, friendly installer. Definitely recommend using this company!
nicola taylor
Amazing company, amazing team and amazing service. Totally recommend Total Look Blinds.
Tina Smith
Have used Total Look Blinds for a number of years and always outstanding service. Jo had my blind repair turned around in less than 3 hours. Highly recommend them.
Stephen Ball
Very happy with result, beautiful appearance. High quality, efficient and effective at a good price.
Heidi Reid
Great service and wonderful blinds, thanksJo in the office was helpful and available Roger was superb with his installation and communication thanks
Vaughan Ludlam
Excellent product, pricing and service from Total Look Blinds – thanks David, Lauren, Carl & the rest of the team.
Tracy-Ann Willcock
Thank you Jo and Roger at Total Look Blinds. Your service and after service and products are absolutely fantastic. From 3 years ago when Roger installed the Blinds to the fantastic after sale service today, absolutely brilliant. Jo and Roger are just such nice people. Thank you!
Jayne Steele
Loving my new blinds, awesome service, great advice with colour selection , soooooo glad went for the motorised option, so simple and at the end of the day not really that much more for convenience, no cords and fun
Shirley Wensor
Highly recommend Total Look Blinds. Thanks to Carolyn for your extra understanding. Excellent installer also.
hong he
Love the company and the products they provided and installed. We are very grateful for their wonderful support and help!
Peter McLeod
I enquired about a blind repair. Response was quick and friendly and when I took the blind into the factory to get it fixed, it was done immediately, with a smile and finished within 10min. Very impressive and much appreciated
Bhavika n Divesh Kumar
We used Total Look Blinds in 2005 for our family home. After 19 years of wear and tear we needed some parts and couple of vertical blinds track needed fixing. Took a drive to Takanini and was greeted by the office lady Jo who was very helpful and was amazed when she pulled out our 19 years old invoice from their record. The team manage to fix the track within a day and got the parts i needed at a fair price. Highly recommend them if you want quality products and a fantastic after sales service. Great company to deal with 😊
Nerissa Attewell
Excellent service, quick turnaround the whole team were informative and helpful! We love our blinds so much :)
Paula Reason
Total Look Blinds are amazing ! Fantastic fast service , top quality product, friendly, and best of all , installed early !
Ant MacLean
Had an old vertical blind that was manufactured by them, that was broken. Excellent cheery and quick repair service and great value too.Support kiwi jobs stay local. If you buy something NZ made you can get spares.
Kambiz Radman
Could not be happier with my new sun screens and blinds, look awesome. The material seems nice and hopefully durable (I'll update you on that later)."Terry" is a positive Rep who speaks clearly. He measured well but didn't explain some installation details, which confused me afterward. However, "Carolyn" came to the site and explained everything very well. Roger is a professional installer who did a quick and clean job. Thanks "Jo" for admin updates and following up. 101% recommended.
Reema Prasad
Total blinds highly recommended good service excellent job very happy using them from 10yrs .
Alisha Dodds
This is the second time we have used total look blinds and they are amazing! So simple to get a quote, easy ordering process and arrived much sooner than we thought! The installer was super lovely and I will be getting my blinds through this company again!
Louise Kennedy
Total Look Blinds were absolutely amazing to deal with. From prompt and clear communication through to an excellent and earlier than expected fit, I could not be happier. Thank you for such a stress free, professional experience. Will recommend your company far and wide!
Niall Robertson
Excellent service quality product from this company who consistently delivers a great personal experience to its customers.Comes highly recommended. Thank you Team!
Anwar Sadat
Excellent piece of work and commitment from the team to get the blinds delivered and installed on time.
Peter Glass
Great service from quote to install. Deliver on their promises. Multiple repeat customer. Excellent team to deal with.
John Trotman
We had Total Look Blinds install blinds in our House they were very professional and efficient,from when Terry first measured and Quoted until the blinds were installed,would recommend them for all your blinds and curtains you may need,Thanks again for a great service.
Antoinette Cooney
Happy to recommend the service and products provided by Total Look Blinds recently.Terry did the initial measuring with helpful suggestions. Roger the installer was great and a perfect tradesman to help us ‘oldies’ - no rushing through the job or explanations. Pleased with our vertical and roll up blinds👏
WYNN RIECHELMANN
Absolutely love our TotalBlinds shutters! They have transformed our bedroom. Service from measure up and quote was excellent and communication with the TotalBlinds team was a pleasure! They took half the time than was quoted by another supplier and although they were a bit cheaper, the shutters are very good quality. Plus they are NZ made! Highly recommend!
Sally Clegg
First class service, products and support from Total Look Blinds. We have asked these guys to come three times as we add more blinds to our home. They look so good and work brilliantly. Really pleased!
Lanice McMillan
Thank you for your awesome service and flexibility to get quotes on very short notice. Love the roller blinds
Marley Brady
We had stunning shutters installed throughout the house. The staff were great and we love the final look! 5 stars
Mark Jeus Buenavista
Great company to deal with. Terry is very knowledgeable. Happy with the outcome of our kitchen windows with shutters. Next project would be shutters in our living room windows. Thanks Total Look Blinds team!
Jim Richardson
Total blinds were Totally Professional. Excellent service from measurements to advice given through to the final fitting and the blinds look great! The price was also very reasonable and far better than competitor's. I totally recommended Total Blinds. Thanks! Jim
JOSEPHINE TOK
Awesome Terry & friendly office staff. Great products, prices & prompt delivery. This is the 3rd time using them. 15 years on, still have our records intact. Deservingly an Ace Company:)
Parvaneh Karimi Fishani
We had double roller blinds installed in our new house. The price was much more reasonable compared to other shops, and their service was reasonably fast. The staff were friendly and helpful!I can't say much about the quality of the material since the blinds haven't been installed for long, but we hope they will be as good as the service we received!
K R
TLB was recommended by a friend in Auckland who had used them twice. I had blinds installed at my new house in Raglan, excellent quality, service and communication. Highly recommended.
Vicki Landon
Cannot fault Caroline and the team from Total Look Blinds. Very professional and accommodating. Friendly people from the measuring, advice on product and installation. We have used them in several houses and will continue to do so. Highly recommend Total Look Blinds.
David Lim
Vertical and horizontal blinds completed on time. Reliable and great people to deal. Over the years, I have engaged the services of Total Look Blinds a few times and I have always been pleased with the results. I would do it again in the future with any hesitation. Highly recommended.
James B
Lovely blinds with professional service.Sincere thanks to Laren for your helpful advice and Carl for excellent installation…..much appreciated
Melissa Slater
Awesome consultation gave really good ideas and pointers. Quick to manufacture and install. End result is beautiful.
Grant McFlinn
From first contact with Sales Consultant Lauren to Jo in the office and installer Carl, the entire process was nothing short of exceptional. As for the blinds themselves, thanks to Lauren's invaluable input, they look amazing and are undoubtedly high quality. Thoroughly recommend and will most definitely use again.
Lia Wongsohardjo
I love my roller blinds from Total Look Blinds, the products are great. They have excellent customer service, the sales, the admin and the installer are amazing. I have bought from them twice for my house in Oteha and now in Orewa where I moved recently. Terry is very expert, kind and helpful, he is a talented salesman.
Katie Duffy
Have used this service for my own home and a rental. Quick efficient professional service. Highly RecommendKerry Watt
Eve O-R
A five star company to deal with, accurate, quick, professional and reasonably priced. Definitely will return. Highly recommended!
Lisa Fong
Could not be happier with my new shutters - big shout out to Total Look Blinds who did a fantastic job with the measure, manufacture and installation! All done in NZ so would highly recommend!
Trudi Stevenson
Total Look blinds were an outstanding company to work with. They installed both shutters and blinds in our home at competitive prices and using high quality materials. Timing and installation were faultless. We are thrilled with the service and the result.
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