Shade blinds are the perfect way to protect your outdoor area over summer.
With summer in full swing and the unbearably hot weather upon us, you might be a little concerned about the damage the heat can do to your furniture.
The harsh rays of the sun do as much damage to furniture as they do to our skin.
You’ve probably already seen faded seat cushions or discoloured wooden tables – both prime examples of just what the sun is capable of.
Sunlight loves to eat away at colour.
In fact, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause irreparable damage to your outdoor furniture.
It even has the potential to weaken the structural integrity of your outdoor sets – especially if they are made of plastic or wood.
Moisture damage can have a similar effect, so it’s important to take the proper steps to hide your outdoor furniture from the elements.
That’s where a stylish and practical set of shade blinds come in.
It’s nice to have that pergola or verandah to sit on, but it may be worthwhile protecting your furniture with shade blinds as well.
Wooden furniture
Wooden tables and chairs can be costly.
You want to take care extra care with them, since sun and moisture damage can be difficult to fix.
Sunlight can affect the colour and texture of wood.
Some woods darken as a result of sun exposure, while others lighten.
Wooden varnishes can turn yellow and cloudy, finally cracking and peeling if you leave them in the sun for too long.
Water damage can also destroy wooden furniture.
If water manages to get under the finish on your furniture, you’ll begin to notice milky water stains, water rings and possibly even rot.
This will cause the surface to warp and the overall structure to weaken.
Water sealants and ultraviolet light-resistant barriers are available to protect your wood from the sun, but excessive exposure can still wear away at the coatings and damage the wood – the best remedy to any possible weathering is to protect your wooden furniture with shade blinds.
Upholstery and other fabrics
The fabrics you use on upholstered furniture or to cover a surface are also greatly affected by exposure to excessive sunlight and moisture.
You’ll want to choose carefully which fabrics to use for your outdoor furniture.
Some fabrics weather more slowly than others; for example, cotton and wool blended with acrylic, polyester and nylon are less likely to fade.
Linen and silk on the other hand fade fast.
Fabrics with darker colours fade more rapidly than those with lighter colours.
Leather is especially susceptible to sun exposure.
It fades, stiffens and cracks when exposed to too much heat and moisture.
Once leather has dried out, it cannot be repaired.
Water damage can also ruin a good piece of upholstered furniture.
If fabrics gather and trap mildew or rain, the moisture damage can cause mould, stains and watermarks.
For outdoor upholstery, you can apply repellents or protectors to protect against stains and mildew; however these need to be reapplied at the start of every season.
As with wood, the best way to protect your fabric is to avoid too much exposure to damaging UV rays or rain. Installing shade blinds will protect your outdoor furniture.
Preventive measures
What good is having a pergola or verandah if you can’t put furniture on it?
It’s best to take preventive measures to ensure it doesn’t come to this.
The most effective preventive measure is keeping your furniture out of direct sunlight.
That’s where shade blinds come in handy.
Shade blinds provide shade not just to your guests but also to your furniture.
They are designed using an open weave that leaves fine pinholes in the material that filter the heat and light.
They also block rain!
Shade blinds are the perfect way to protect your outdoor furniture, making sure that you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style while not compromising on the aesthetic and structural quality of your furniture.
Read here for the top FAQs and answers about outdoor blinds.
Australian Outdoor Living is passionate about helping people love their life outdoors. We offer a range of products, including:
- Outdoor blinds
- Artificial grass
- Roller shutters
- Carports
- Timber decking
- Pergolas, verandah and patios
- Outdoor Kitchens
Have you been thinking about renovating your home? Fill out the free measure and quote form at the top of this article and a member of our dedicated sales team will be in touch.
