A pergola is a beautiful structure that offers respite and relaxation on a sunny or rainy day. With the addition of outdoor blinds or a shade system, your pergola can quickly become an outdoor room that you and your friends can enjoy any time of year specially in Perth, WA’s climate.
The right combination of fabrics and styles can create a secluded, indoor space outside or an outdoor oasis, safe from the sun.
It’s important, then, to consider your options and your intended use for your pergola before you install an integrated pergola blind system.
What Are My Shading Options?
When you are looking at shade options for a pergola, you need to determine if you want to block-out all light – or simply shade it enough to be able to see the outside.
Block-out Shading
Block out shading is perfect for very bright sun, especially if you are looking to create a respite from heat and light. Placing block-out shades around the sides and top of your 
pergola will give you an oasis even during the brightest part of the day.
See through shades
See through shades allow air to circulate and shade you under the pergola, but still allow you to see your garden or the landscape. These are perfect in an already shady area that needs extra shade at a particular time of day or if you are looking for bug protection in addition to shade from the sun.
Consider the Weather
Is your pergola an escape from the rain and wind? Or is it a place for you to hang out by the pool when it’s hot and sunny?
You also should factor in the weather when thinking about how low you want your pergola shades to fall. If you are just trying to create shade, then a short or mid length blind will often work. However, if you are trying to block out the light or the elements, then consider something that goes to the floor.
Wire Guides or Tracks?
When placing shades on your pergola, you have to decide on the mechanism for hanging and moving them around.
Wire guides are sleek, made of architectural stainless steel and can withstand even gusty winds. On the other hand, tracks keep your shades in line and provide you with a seamless way to move your shades around your pergola.
Wire guides have fewer pieces overall to contend with and can, in theory, be adjusted slightly for height, as needed.
Locking down your pergola’s shade system
When you choose the option to lock the bottom rail of the shade in place on the ground, you give yourself a pergola/cabana style option. Basically, this means that you are creating a room outside and the shades won’t blow around. If you are looking to create that “oasis” from the weather, this is definitely your best option. However, if you like the free flowing idea of the shade – particularly a see-through shade – then leaving it without the locking option may be more aesthetically pleasing.
Do you want manual or automated operation?
In addition to the style of your shade, consider how you want to operate it. Some shade systems come with remote controls while others have a hand crank. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. A hand crank, for example, will require a little more muscle than a remote. A hand crank will never fail due to a low battery.
Trusted awnings and blinds specialists can help you navigate the wide range of choices and options for your pergola project. An experienced professional can provide suggestions and offer insight to help you achieve the perfect outdoor living space with your blinds selection.
Give Stu or Ash a call on 08 9389 1003 or why not come into their Nedlands or Osborne Park showrooms for a chat about your pergola shading needs, today.
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