I’m in between two options—sun louvres or fabric blinds. Guess which one I’m getting…
I’m back with another update on my quest to tame the unforgiving Wellington sun glare (and occasionally ferocious winds) without sacrificing the style of my indoor jungle.
Since my last blog post, I’ve come across two main contenders: sun louvres and fabric blinds. Picking between the two has been trickier than I expected, especially when you factor in aesthetics, functionality, and good old Kiwi weather.
My best mate—who lives a few suburbs over—recently decided on fabric blinds for their house. They went for that airy, linen look which fits right into their Hamptons-inspired décor.
One big plus was how easy the blind installation process was; they even got them motorised, so raising or lowering them is a matter of pressing a button (no more tangling cords around a cat or child!). My mate also liked the variety of shade fabric selection out there, meaning they could filter the sun just enough without plunging their living area into total darkness. It’s a good option if you want quick relief from glare, and it’s relatively straightforward compared to more extensive solutions like some architectural shading setups.
So, why am I hesitating? Well, while fabric blinds are excellent for interior comfort, I’ve realised I also need something that can handle the wild outdoors. I’ve got a small courtyard where I love to entertain, and I’m keen on eventually creating an outdoor living space that’s both functional and stylish. Fabric blinds would handle sun control indoors, sure—but might not stand up to the wind as well if I used them in an exterior sun shade capacity. I’ve seen a few outdoor blinds around town, and they can be pretty effective, but I’m a bit iffy on how they’d cope with Welly’s gusts unless they’re really robust.
Cue an innovative sun control solution—sun louvres, which I’ve discovered can be part of a broader sun control system for both indoors and out. They’re a more permanent fixture, often installed on the exterior of your home. I love that they can be angled to let in or keep out sunlight, helping regulate temperature and glare without giving up my lovely garden view. They also look quite modern, which suits my preference for clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic. Plus, they can integrate seamlessly with custom blinds indoors if I decide I need an extra layer of shading.
Now, I’ll admit: sun louvres aren’t the cheapest option on the block, and the process might be more involved than simply hanging up fabric blinds. But after chatting with a specialist at Louvretec NZ (recommended by a friend who’s as obsessed with home styling as I am), I’m starting to think the investment might be worth it.
They explained how the louvres are designed to withstand wind while still letting the breeze flow through—perfect for ventilation in our sometimes-stuffy work-from-home environment. I also learned that sun louvres can help my home become more energy-efficient. I’ll read more about this, and I’ll share what I find here!
At this point, I’m weighing up the simplicity of fabric blinds versus the versatility of sun louvres. Both have their perks, and I’m still in the decision-making phase.
But one thing’s for sure: I’m getting closer to a solution that’ll banish my midday glare woes and keep my beloved monstera from scorching. Stay tuned for more as I continue to explore the best ways to keep my home stylish, comfortable, and Kiwi-proof!
