The best outdoor blinds and awnings suppliers in Canberra

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Elite Window Furnishing is rated one of best outdoor blinds and awnings suppliers in Canberra. Photo Thomas Lucraft.

Canberra sure does have the best of the best when it comes to weather in Australia. From breathtaking blooms in spring to glorious sun-baked summers, outdoor living is an absolute treat.

With a perfect blend of cosmopolitan cool and eco sass at every turn, it comes as no surprise that Canberrans are expanding their outdoor spaces in droves. The alfresco lifestyle is one of luxury, offering the freedom to merge indoor with out and getting the best of both worlds whilst doing so.

That said, not all of us can simply knock down and rebuild. Most of us need to consider utilising existing space – and making it more liveable. Perfectly matched outdoor blinds or awnings are a helpful solution. They offer protection from the heat, glare, wind, and rain, all whilst increasing space.

Traditional canvas awnings have been used around the world for decades. Much like their modern counterparts they provided shelter and privacy, while equally lifting aesthetics. The newest options offer complete automation in a range of synthetic materials with all manner of retracting capabilities.

With so many options finding the right outdoor blind or awning can be confusing. This is where your local outdoor blind and awning supplier comes into play. These specialists in outdoor window furnishings make light work of a hard task; and we have shortlisted the best that Canberra has to offer below.

What makes a great outdoor blinds and awnings supplier?

The best in class blind and awning suppliers provide exemplary personalised service from start to end, stock quality products from the world’s leading brands, and offer years of expertise. Finding a great supplier will ensure you are fitted with an outdoor solution that not only looks great – but will last too. Here are our tips on what to look out for:

  • Quality components. As the saying goes, the whole is only as good as the sum of its parts. This old adage holds true when it comes to outdoor blinds and awnings. To ensure you maximise value from your investment look for suppliers who stock premium quality components and state of the art materials. Even a manual blind will short when fitted with poor parts, so look for quality at every stage. Fortunately, there are a raft of innovations particularly when it comes to blind and awning fabric, which means more choice and better quality around the board. Understand your rights as far as warranties go and be clear on maintenance and care advice.
  • Expertise. While a trade license isn’t required to install outdoor blinds or awnings in the ACT; it makes the call for experience ever more pressing. As a result, look for suppliers with years of proven experience and a long list of happy customers. Be sure to check online reviews and directories for recommendations. Experts generally shine through upon meeting however this is only really put to the test in installation, so it pays to do your homework.
  • Expansive range. The best outdoor blind and awning retailers stock products that address a range of outdoor needs and solutions. Look for depth in their product range, and for world class brands. Be clear on your specific needs and prioritise these with the supplier. The best outdoor blind and awning suppliers will be able to recommend the best solution regardless of budget.
  • Custom Measure. The most reputable blind and awning retailers will provide highly personalised service including a custom measure and quote. This involves sending one of their experts to your home or business for a one-to-one consultation, where your needs and key concerns are identified and addressed. This should also include a measure and detailed quote covering both supply and install charges.
  • Maintenance. A flawless installation is one thing, however having someone to lean on when issues arise is another. Subsequently, be sure to enquire about post installation services such as repairs and maintenance. Do they offer call out services? Who can you contact to troubleshoot an issue? What happens if you need to submit a warranty claim? The best retailers will have simple and straightforward solutions to all of these in house.

The best outdoor blinds and awnings suppliers in Canberra

Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Regency Knights

With over 45 years’ experience, locally owned Regency Knights has been helping Canberrans select and install outdoor blinds and awnings for all applications. This professional, attentive window furnishing business provides custom-made products for all tastes, styles and budgets.

Regency Knights offers high-quality window, outdoor deck, doorway and courtyard shade solutions in a range of styles, from classic to modern. An extensive selection of fabrics is available, in all colours and styles, with up to 10 years’ fabric warranty.

At Regency Knights, customers can choose alpha awnings, traditional awnings, specialty awnings and the Australian designed and made Zipscreen awnings. Also motorised awnings for ease-of-use and straight-drop blinds. Only external-grade metals are used.

Regency Knights provides advice on the best way to fit out spaces for shade in hot summers, to enhance entertaining areas and to create insect-free environments. Full sun-blocks canvas, sun-shading acrylic and one-way screen fabric choices provide maximum flexibility.

Professional installation is by experience technicians who expertly handle tricky and difficult-to-access areas, including with clever mounting options. Free estimates and quotes are available. Products and installation are backed by warranties for peace of mind.

Ondrae Campbell wrote on Google: “Regency Knight installed two outdoor blinds for us, and we are very happy with the results. They know blinds, explaining options for a complicated space. All staff were professional, courteous and helpful, even shifting the outdoor furniture for the install and moving it back where it belongs. They took away all the packaging and old blind fixtures as well.”

ELITE Window Furnishings

Locally owned and operated in Fyshwick, Elite Window Furnishings offers an array of top-quality, versatile indoor and outdoor window products that redefine residential and commercial spaces. A curated selection of stylish, functional curtains, shutters, awnings and blinds ensures the perfect solution for every type and size of window.

Elite Window Furnishings supports clients across Canberra to transform their windows into focal points. It's all about the perfect blend of style, functionality and sophistication - with a wide range of products to choose from, all showcasing high-quality craftsmanship, there's something for every lifestyle and budget.

The team certainly knows windows, providing expert advice and working entirely in synch to ensure seamless service. Installation is meticulous and demonstrates a deep understanding of all processes, steps and requirements.

Outdoor window solutions include automatic, zip screen, straight drop and folding arm awnings, external roller shutters, and security doors and screens.

Free measures and quotes are available.

Anna Neelagama sung the company's praises on Google in June 2024.

"The team at Elite Window Furnishings were amazing and it was a completely full service," she said.

"Consultation/ measurement, design, product and material selection, and installation. Totally transformed our spaces. Thank you!"

Canberra Blinds, Awning & Curtain Centre

The Canberra Blinds, Awning and Curtain Centre offers a large range of both indoor and outdoor window furnishings along with repairs and cleaning services all under the one roof.

Servicing both retail and trade markets, they offer outdoor solutions to help you get the most of your alfresco areas whilst protect your home from the elements.

Stocking both fixed and retractable outdoor blinds and awnings from all the leading brands be sure to consult this team for some options.

Jatin Khanna shared this great review via Google, “Thanks Terry, for a great product and excellent service. Extremely happy with my zipTrack and e-zipline Awnings. They look great! Your prompt follow through and quick remediation are excellent testimony of your professionalism and workmanship!

Indoor Outdoor Blinds Australia

Local and independent, Indoor Outdoor Blinds Australia have been serving Canberra and surrounds for over twenty-five years. They supply and install an expansive range of architectural, commercial, and residential shade solutions.

From café blinds, to ziptrack or straight drop awnings, stylish cupolas and dutch hoods, to florentine and folding variants Indoor Outdoor Blinds have a large catalogue of products.

Paddy Woolley had a positive experience with Indoor Outdoor Blinds as shared on Google, “Good range of products and service from Stephen, his lads did a great job of our entertaining area. Happy with the quality and value.”

Australian Outdoor Living ACT

First opening its doors in 2014, Australian Outdoor Living ACT has focused on making the great Australian dream a reality by setting new standards of innovation and excellence in outdoor living solutions.

Glen Carratt shared this glowing review of Australian Outdoor Living ACT on Google, “Vince installed our outdoor blinds this morning. We are extremely happy with them. He was very friendly & was a pleasure to have him doing the job...”

If you’re looking for other window covering options check our article on the best roller shutter suppliers, or for indoor window dressings perhaps our article on the best curtain suppliers Canberra has to offer. To integrate your outdoor blinds or awnings into your smart home read our article on the best home automation system installers in the region.

If you’re also looking to update your garden, our articles on the best turf and artificial grass suppliers or the best landscapers in Canberra might be helpful.

Your experience with outdoor blinds and awnings suppliers in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the outdoor blinds and awning suppliers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are outdoor blinds waterproof?

Most outdoor blinds offer a degree of water resistance, the extent of which will depend on the weave of the fabric selected and its quality.

How do outdoor blinds retract?

Outdoor blinds are typically roller mounted screen systems which are either manually retracted or automated via motorisation. Consult your outdoor blinds supplier for available options to suit your space, needs and budget.

What is the best material for outdoor awnings?

Outdoor awnings come in a variety of material options each with their own benefits. The most durable outdoor awnings tend to be made of synthetic materials such as acrylic, offering great heat insulation and water repellent properties.

How long do awnings last?

The lifespan of an awning is subject to the material of construction, climatic conditions, and degree of maintenance. Generally speaking; the average awning typically lasts between 5 to 10 years.

How far can a retractable awning extend?

Generally, the average retractable awning can extend up to a maximum of 4 metres. As these are custom built always consult the retailer for recommended specifications to suit your space.

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Country Blinds4:27 am 22 Nov 23

“These outdoor blinds are a game-changer for enjoying the sunshine without the glare! ☀️ What’s your go-to outdoor comfort solution?”

I recently used Canberra Blinds Awning and Curtain Centre in Fyshwick to repair and clean 3 older Roman blinds that did not work properly. They collected, cleaned and repaired them before returning them on the same day. Very happy with their prices. Friendly and helpful staff. Will definitely be using them again and also will be ordering an outdoor retractable awning for Christmas.

Regency Knights are the best in canberra. Their customer service is impeccable, and professional. I’ve had some blinds installed by them and their office team were very helpful in the showroom and their installers were reliable as well. Their pricing is also very competitive I’ve found.

I recently used Canberra Shutters for new plantation shutters and roller shutters in my home. He is a local guy, Steve, with 20 years experience, has recently gone out on his own after contracting to most of the big blind and shutter companies. The service was amazing, and prices quite a bit more competitive than the other quotes I sourced. Installation was beautifully done, he is pretty obsessed with quality. I will definitely use him again.

Angelina Smith5:31 am 26 Aug 17

You can choose the best blinds online from Dynamic blinds online which leaves your room with very smart and fresh looking design. To know more visit here http://dynamicblinds.com.au/

Yesterday – nine months, many phone calls and several site visits after our cellular blinds were first paid for and then installed – Kresta fitted window frame surrounds that will block the convection currents that had negated the blinds’ potential insulation benefits.

I recommend that, if you are having blinds installed, you withhold a proportion of the payment until the blinds have been satisfactorily installed. If the installer doesn’t agree, you can use someone else.

miz said :

Hi Maya, to kill bed bugs you have to wash in hot water and or use hot dryer, which would not be suitable for the kind of heavy curtains you were describing.
May I humbly suggest RiotACT does an article on bed bugs? People have a lot of incorrect preconceived ideas.

There’s a guy in one of the flats on Northbourne who, according to signs in his window, is a bit of an expert on bed bugs. Bags not knocking on his door though.

miz said :

Hi Maya, to kill bed bugs you have to wash in hot water and or use hot dryer, which would not be suitable for the kind of heavy curtains you were describing.
May I humbly suggest RiotACT does an article on bed bugs? People have a lot of incorrect preconceived ideas.

Bed bugs can also be frozen. I have used this method when bringing some items into the house I was not sure of. http://www.bedbugs.umn.edu/bed-bug-control-in-residences/using-freezing-temperatures-for-bedbug-control/
There are also certain indications that bed bugs are present, such as rusty looking spots and apparently a smell. None of the curtains I brought home exhibited any of that.

BombaySapphire10:56 am 16 Feb 15

Thank you all so much for your advice and input! Knowing who to avoid is a great start (and I was considering spotlight and Kresta, so thank you for helping me!)

Unfortunately, yes, as posters have pointed out, I cannot just buy some and install them myself. But I am happy to support a Canberra business to do so, as long as they are willing to take on the job!

We went and saw Watson’s Blinds and Awnings on Saturday morning and they were absolutely lovely – so much so that we have them coming to do a measure and quote today.

Thanks again!

Sandman said :

dungfungus said :

PJW said :

I’ve recently installed honeycomb/cellular blinds from cellularwindowshades.com . Based in the US, even with shipping the cost was less than half any price I was quoted locally.

Canberra, where the disposable incomes are amongst the highest in the world and the shoppers go out of their way to shop everywhere else.
Have a drive around some of the town centres and Fyshwick to see how many empty shops there. Then feel good about yourself.

Canberra, where the retailers feel that the higher disposable income somehow justifies their higher margins than anywhere else and there’s no need to actually keep a suitable level of stock on hand. Most Canberra retailers are simply one extra middleman, ordering stock from the same place Joe Blow of Sydney can walk in off the street and buy minimum quantities.
We don’t have the economies of scale to justify shopping locally for items in excess of $500.

My first business venture years ago was retailing in NSW. I only succeeded because I had a full time job and two part-time jobs which made it 7 days a week work for several years.
I had an opportunity to expand into Canberra however the cost of wages, rent and everything else meant that the selling prices would be higher than other regional centres in NSW so it didn’t happen.
I know lots of retailers in Canberra (rather more that were retailers).
None are making any money – just barely a living with long hours and enormous risk. There is the daily risk of further competition coming to Canberra (like IKEA which is going to be heavily subsidised by ACT Government/ratepayers) so trading stock is cut to a minimum to minimise losses if the business fails (that dreaded day when it is cheaper to keep the shop doors closed rather than open them).
Your view is one of self-interest. If we don’t support our local retailers more we will all end up buying “out of town” by necessity. When that point is reached, just see what price an order with a Canberra postcode commands.
Based on what you said you will still buy from IKEA in Sydney even though they will have an outlet in Canberra? You need to clearly explain your position on this.

Hi Maya, to kill bed bugs you have to wash in hot water and or use hot dryer, which would not be suitable for the kind of heavy curtains you were describing.
May I humbly suggest RiotACT does an article on bed bugs? People have a lot of incorrect preconceived ideas.

dungfungus said :

PJW said :

I’ve recently installed honeycomb/cellular blinds from cellularwindowshades.com . Based in the US, even with shipping the cost was less than half any price I was quoted locally.

Canberra, where the disposable incomes are amongst the highest in the world and the shoppers go out of their way to shop everywhere else.
Have a drive around some of the town centres and Fyshwick to see how many empty shops there. Then feel good about yourself.

Canberra, where the retailers feel that the higher disposable income somehow justifies their higher margins than anywhere else and there’s no need to actually keep a suitable level of stock on hand. Most Canberra retailers are simply one extra middleman, ordering stock from the same place Joe Blow of Sydney can walk in off the street and buy minimum quantities.
We don’t have the economies of scale to justify shopping locally for items in excess of $500.

miz said :

Re comment about using second hand curtains – I would think twice, due to bed bugs. Having had to deal with a small outbreak recently after my young adult child returned from Queensland (presumably in the luggage), I can attest that they are very difficult to treat (they are not killed by flea/cockroach bombs, which can just spread the problem). And they don’t just live in beds, they can also live in fabrics, furniture, carpet, your handbag, you name it. (Can you tell I have become mentally obsessed???)

Anyway, I would not wish them on anyone, and apparently vintage/second hand items are notorious so I would steer clear of anything you cannot wash and/or put in a hot dryer for an hour.

As an aside, I am amazed there is not info about bed bugs on TAMS website, particularly as
Canberra is a very transient place and they are often in hotels and luggage. Clearly they ARE here in Canberra, given that hand written sign hanging from one of the govvie flats recently:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/man-blames-act-government-for-bedbug-infestation-at-northbourne-flats-20140814-103wre.html

Happy to share my experiences further if anyone is experiencing similar issues. If you travelled anywhere over Xmas I would be checking!!

There is a thing called washing. Why would one hang curtains without naturally washing them first?????

Re comment about using second hand curtains – I would think twice, due to bed bugs. Having had to deal with a small outbreak recently after my young adult child returned from Queensland (presumably in the luggage), I can attest that they are very difficult to treat (they are not killed by flea/cockroach bombs, which can just spread the problem). And they don’t just live in beds, they can also live in fabrics, furniture, carpet, your handbag, you name it. (Can you tell I have become mentally obsessed???)

Anyway, I would not wish them on anyone, and apparently vintage/second hand items are notorious so I would steer clear of anything you cannot wash and/or put in a hot dryer for an hour.

As an aside, I am amazed there is not info about bed bugs on TAMS website, particularly as
Canberra is a very transient place and they are often in hotels and luggage. Clearly they ARE here in Canberra, given that hand written sign hanging from one of the govvie flats recently:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/man-blames-act-government-for-bedbug-infestation-at-northbourne-flats-20140814-103wre.html

Happy to share my experiences further if anyone is experiencing similar issues. If you travelled anywhere over Xmas I would be checking!!

PJW said :

I’ve recently installed honeycomb/cellular blinds from cellularwindowshades.com . Based in the US, even with shipping the cost was less than half any price I was quoted locally.

Canberra, where the disposable incomes are amongst the highest in the world and the shoppers go out of their way to shop everywhere else.
Have a drive around some of the town centres and Fyshwick to see how many empty shops there. Then feel good about yourself.

I’ve recently installed honeycomb/cellular blinds from cellularwindowshades.com . Based in the US, even with shipping the cost was less than half any price I was quoted locally.

Simmo said :

My partner recently used Spotlight and they were terrible. $7000 paid upfront, then had to continually ring them to get them to come and measure. It eventually took them a couple of goes at measuring and four different times for fitting to end up with some average blinds that were poorly fitted and use cheap plastic fittings everywhere. They have since been back (after numerous phone calls) to repair the render they damaged and refit a blind that had started to fall off the wall within one month. Avoid at all costs.

I’d avoid paying $7000 upfront at all costs…

maureen52 said :

We were very happy with our honeycombs from Watson Blinds in Mitchell.

We were also happy with Watson blinds however you get what you pay for when it comes to the accessories – my luxaflex blinds in my old place wre definitely better than the Wason blinds but were double the cost.

We were very happy with our honeycombs from Watson Blinds in Mitchell.

My partner recently used Spotlight and they were terrible. $7000 paid upfront, then had to continually ring them to get them to come and measure. It eventually took them a couple of goes at measuring and four different times for fitting to end up with some average blinds that were poorly fitted and use cheap plastic fittings everywhere. They have since been back (after numerous phone calls) to repair the render they damaged and refit a blind that had started to fall off the wall within one month. Avoid at all costs.

If you want insulation, make sure that the blinds will be fitted WITHIN the window frames.

We recently bought cellular blinds like our neighbours’ in the expectation that their insulating properties would repay the additional expense, without going to even more expensive double glazing. We explained this to the salesman, and build window frames to the specifications he provided.

The blinds were installed 2 cm proud of the frames, and we now have a 2 cm all-round gap that in winter will allow convection currents to circulate cold air into the room from from the cold window pane.

After several months of negotiation, the company has agreed to modify the frames so that they will encase the blinds. We’re hoping that they come good before winter.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

Maya123 said :

mikal said :

I like blindsonline.com.au — roller blinds are trivial to install and the pricing and fabric selection was excellent.

But they have poor insulation.

But still better than having no window coverings.

If you are trying to do this on the cheap, it would be better to visit fetes, second hand shops, etc, or ask people you know if they have old curtains they don’t want. I curtained a whole house for less than $100, buying them from places like I suggested and I was given some by asking people I knew. Many of the curtains were in close to/as new condition and had good separate insulating backings. They were obviously originally expensive. The fittings were extra, but I put those up myself. After the first fitting is in the place the others are done much quicker and it was then easy. Curtains with separate backings have far better insulation value than roller blinds. None of the curtains I used were ugly.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back12:41 pm 12 Feb 15

Maya123 said :

mikal said :

I like blindsonline.com.au — roller blinds are trivial to install and the pricing and fabric selection was excellent.

But they have poor insulation.

But still better than having no window coverings.

MonarchRepublic12:05 pm 12 Feb 15

mikal said :

I like blindsonline.com.au — roller blinds are trivial to install and the pricing and fabric selection was excellent.

Trivial, except in unusual circumstances, like potentially the OPs: “in our loft style apartment. Because the window is five metres high we need someone install the blinds for us.”

mikal said :

I like blindsonline.com.au — roller blinds are trivial to install and the pricing and fabric selection was excellent.

But they have poor insulation.

I like blindsonline.com.au — roller blinds are trivial to install and the pricing and fabric selection was excellent.

I can’t recommend a good blind company but I can tell you who to steer clear from: Kresta.

We had many issues with a set of blinds that were installed in the lounge room a couple of years ago– everything from wrong measurements to incorrect installation that lead to the rails falling down almost on top of the person that was closing them at the time.

None of these issues were rectified until legal action was threatened and even then, fixed with a begrudged attitude.

Avoid at all costs.

Derek from Belconnen Blinds is hard to beat. One-man show keeps costs to a bare minimum, after-sales service is fantastic and he’s a really nice guy! 6278 5544

Maya123 said :

I installed the honeycomb blinds that you mentioned and I am happy with them. I don’t like curtains, as they crowd the window. Blinds can fold up and not be that noticeable and then you can see out. I went with the honeycomb blinds because of their supposed insulation feature. They are meant to be as good (if not better) than thick curtains. However there is a narrow gap between each blind, which would lower their efficiency. Plus between the window blind and the frame. Therefore I don’t know how re efficiency that would really compare with curtains (with pelmets naturally). I have large windows and need a number of them; six in total on my big window in the lounge room. An advantage of blinds is that they don’t need pelmets, as they fit snug against the top frame, giving a less obtrusive look. I have pull cords to work them. I would have preferred motorised ones, but that was an added expense I didn’t want at the time; adding several hundred dollars for each blind.
As you have found out, some shops charge MUCH more for the same product. Without digging through my papers I’m sorry I can’t remember who installed them, but I went with the cheapest quote and was happy with the result.
The foil lined (block-out light) honeycomb blinds have a higher R insulation value than the ones that let light through. White is also the most efficient shade of blind.
Your windows are tall, so it would probably be best to get them motorised.

Other blinds and shutters do not usually insulate as well as the honeycomb blinds. I use them in combination with double glazed windows.

Wow!
That tops my humble contribution.

I installed the honeycomb blinds that you mentioned and I am happy with them. I don’t like curtains, as they crowd the window. Blinds can fold up and not be that noticeable and then you can see out. I went with the honeycomb blinds because of their supposed insulation feature. They are meant to be as good (if not better) than thick curtains. However there is a narrow gap between each blind, which would lower their efficiency. Plus between the window blind and the frame. Therefore I don’t know how re efficiency that would really compare with curtains (with pelmets naturally). I have large windows and need a number of them; six in total on my big window in the lounge room. An advantage of blinds is that they don’t need pelmets, as they fit snug against the top frame, giving a less obtrusive look. I have pull cords to work them. I would have preferred motorised ones, but that was an added expense I didn’t want at the time; adding several hundred dollars for each blind.
As you have found out, some shops charge MUCH more for the same product. Without digging through my papers I’m sorry I can’t remember who installed them, but I went with the cheapest quote and was happy with the result.
The foil lined (block-out light) honeycomb blinds have a higher R insulation value than the ones that let light through. White is also the most efficient shade of blind.
Your windows are tall, so it would probably be best to get them motorised.

Other blinds and shutters do not usually insulate as well as the honeycomb blinds. I use them in combination with double glazed windows.

I recently installed several internal remote controlled roller blinds. The choice of shades/colours is great.
These have re-chargable batteries in the roller tube and would be ideal in a high, out of the way place such as you have suggested.
They can be “hard wired” for 240v operation as well but I have found the battery ones only need re-charging once a year if used regularly.
Apollo Blinds in Fyshwick were by far the best value – I have purchased plantation shutters from them also and the quality, installation and service are excellent.
Forget any perceived insulation benefit though – you need double-glazing for that.
Give Mark at Apollo a call.

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