Types of Outdoor Blinds Explained
Zip, straight-drop and channel-guided screens — the outdoor blind types we make, how each one works, and which suits your space.
“Outdoor blinds” is a catch-all for several different products, each built for a slightly different job. Some fully enclose a space; others simply take the edge off the sun. Here's a plain-English run-through of the main types we make, so you know exactly what you're comparing.
Alfresco & zip blinds
The all-rounder for patios and alfresco areas. The fabric runs inside a channel down each side, so the blind stays taut and fully sealed against insects, wind and glare — turning an open patio into a room you can use in any weather. Available manual or motorised.
Patio straight-drop blinds
A clean, everyday sun-and-privacy screen that drops straight down over an opening. Pick your mesh openness to balance view, airflow and privacy — more open to keep the outlook, more closed for shade and seclusion. Manual or motorised.
Zipscreen outdoor blinds
The premium channel-guided system, engineered and built in Australia. A patented fabric guide keeps the screen ultra-smooth and secure even in strong wind, and it pairs with motorisation and smart-home control for effortless operation. Our top pick for exposed, coastal or high-use spaces.
Compare the types
How the four outdoor blind types stack up.
Alfresco / Zip
- Fully enclosed with side channels
- Seals out insects, wind & glare
- Ideal for patios & entertaining
- Manual or motorised
Patio Straight-Drop
- Everyday sun & privacy screen
- Choose your mesh openness
- Keeps the view, cuts the glare
- Manual or motorised
Zipscreen
- Premium channel-guided system
- Engineered for strong wind
- Ultra-smooth fabric finish
- Smart-home & remote ready
Type questions
Zip (channel-guided) blinds lock the fabric into side tracks, so they fully seal the space and handle wind far better. Straight-drop blinds hang over the opening without side channels — simpler and lighter, and great for everyday sun and privacy, but not fully enclosed.
A channel-guided zip system like Zipscreen is the strongest. In exposed or coastal spots, it's the type we'd usually recommend.
Yes — alfresco, patio and Zipscreen blinds all offer motorisation.
Not sure which type suits your space?
Book a free in-home measure and quote — we'll bring samples and match the right outdoor blind to your home.
Like what you're reading?
Book a free in-home consultation — our consultants bring fabric samples to your door and turn ideas into real windows.