Outdoor living is stitched into the daily rhythm of life in New Zealand. Whether it’s fish and chips on the deck, Saturday morning coffee under the sun, or a full-blown wh?nau gathering around the BBQ, we Kiwis make serious use of our outdoor areas. But if we’re being honest, we also spend an unhealthy amount of time dragging chairs indoors, hovering over weather apps, and trying to convince ourselves “it’ll pass” as the wind picks up our picnic.
There’s a reason more Kiwi homeowners are investing in outdoor shades, awnings, and weather-resistant blinds. It’s not just about sun protection, it’s about creating more usable space, reducing maintenance, increasing privacy, and making the most of what we already have. Let’s take a look at why demand is skyrocketing - and why your home might benefit from an outdoor solution that actually works in New Zealand’s climate.
If you’ve been in New Zealand for more than a week, we’re sure we don’t have to tell you just how unpredictable the weather is. One hour it’s glorious sunshine, the next you’re getting whiplash from a rogue southerly. This unpredictability makes outdoor living risky, unless, of course, you’ve got outdoor shades that offer protection without sacrificing fresh air or open views.
Our Quatro outdoor blinds are specifically engineered for the kind of chaos the NZ weather system likes to throw at us. Unlike flimsy DIY options or overseas imports, these blinds are made locally, using materials that laugh in the face of strong winds, UV radiation, and sideways rain. The high-tension channel system means they stay taut, silent, and secure—even when Mother Nature decides to test her strength.
They also help regulate temperature, offering shade on scorching days and shelter during cooler evenings. That means fewer “quick dashes inside” and more uninterrupted time outdoors.
There’s a growing trend in home design that isn’t about building bigger, but using existing spaces better. And one of the most effective (and cost-efficient) ways to do that is with outdoor blinds and awnings. A shaded patio or deck isn’t just a fair-weather feature, it’s a legitimate extension of your home.
Outdoor shading systems such as our retractable awnings allow homeowners to effectively “switch on” or “switch off” their outdoor spaces, depending on the mood or the weather. Want full sun while you enjoy your morning brew? Retract the awning. Hosting lunch and don’t want the midday glare? Extend it in seconds.
This level of flexibility means you get a new ‘room’ without needing a consent form, builder, or six months of scaffolding. It’s a smarter way to expand your living space, especially when paired with outdoor furniture, heaters or lighting.
Modern housing developments often come with the sacrifice of privacy. Great for communities, less great when your deck faces directly onto your neighbour’s laundry line. If you’ve ever tried to enjoy a wine and ended up in accidental eye contact across the fence, you’ll understand the appeal of a well-positioned outdoor blind.
Outdoor blinds provide discreet privacy without cutting you off from your surroundings. Unlike clunky fences or permanent barriers, they can be raised or lowered depending on who’s in view and how much visibility you want. It’s a refined solution that keeps your garden open when you want it, and protected when you don’t.
This level of adaptable privacy is a major reason so many urban homeowners in Auckland and Wellington are choosing custom outdoor blinds. It allows them to enjoy their spaces confidently, even when those spaces are in full view of the neighbours.
There’s a common misconception that installing outdoor shades means a complicated process or high maintenance. Not with us. At Total Look Blinds, we handle everything from free consultation to installation with no drama, no jargon, and no salesy nonsense.
All of our outdoor blinds and awnings are made locally to order, using weather-resistant, marine-grade components that are designed for long-term use. The fabrics we use are UV stabilised to resist fading and fraying, while the mechanisms are purpose-built for longevity in exposed conditions.
And when it comes to cleaning? A quick hose down and a soft brush is often all it takes to keep your shades looking as sharp as the day they were installed. No specialised products, no fussy maintenance schedules, just outdoor shade that works and keeps working.
Can’t decide between Quatro blinds and a retractable awning? No stress: we’ve put together a quick guide to help you figure out which is better for your property.
If your deck, patio or pergola is currently underperforming, it might not be the space. It might just need a bit of smart, tailored shading to make it liveable all year round. Whether you’re after sun protection, shelter from the wind or more privacy – we’ve got the solution.
At Total Look Blinds, we’ve spent years helping Kiwis get more out of their homes with blinds and awnings made for real New Zealand conditions. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all, which is why everything we do is custom-measured, locally made, and professionally installed.
Ready for an upgrade? We’re here to help you make your outdoors actually usable—rain or shine.
