Windows can drive summer heat inside, and up to 87% of heat gain can be through glass. External shading is more effective at keeping homes cool, and using both external and internal coverings gives the best protection.
People often face big gaps between quotes and worry about choosing the right fabric openness, such as 1% or 5% for glare and privacy. Stuck or slipping roller mechanisms are common headaches, and families want clear child-safe setups that meet Australian rules.
This guide keeps things short and useful. You will see the 10 most popular blind styles in Australia, and how to compare like-for-like so you can choose with confidence.
How to Choose the Right Blind for Your Room
- Choose the light level first. Blockout for sleep, light filter for living
- Match style to space. Roller for modern, Roman for a softer look
- Plan privacy. Tighter weaves for street windows, lighter for rear rooms
- Control heat and glare. UV fabrics or double rollers in sunny spots
- Handle moisture. PVC or aluminium for kitchens and bathrooms
- Keep safety in mind. Prefer cordless or tensioned chains
- Measure carefully. Inside mount looks neat, outside mount blocks gaps
- Pick neutrals. Shades that blend with walls stay timeless
Rapid Rundown Of The Top Blind Styles In Australian Homes
Start with your core needing privacy or heat and glare control, or outdoor comfor,t then match the style. Day and night control often points to double rollers, while outdoor living benefits from track-guided blinds.
- Roller Blinds (All Shutters & Blinds): Simple and tidy with sunscreen or blockout fabrics that balance privacy and light.
- Zipscreen Outdoor Blinds (All Shutters & Blinds): Track-guided shade that helps block sun and insects on patios and decks.
- Double Roller Blinds (DIY Blinds): Two fabrics on one window for daytime screening and nighttime blackout.
- Vertical Blinds (Luxaflex): Tilting vanes that handle big sliders and manage glare with simple control.
- Panel Glide Blinds (Wynstan): Wide sliding panels that suit large doors and open plan spaces.
- Roman Blinds (Blinds Online): Soft fabric folds that add warmth in light filtering or room darkening options.
- Aluminium Venetian Blinds (Apollo Blinds): Slim slats that tilt for precise light control with a clean, modern look.
- Sunscreen Roller Blinds (Half Price Blinds): Daytime view with UV filtering that softens glare without fully darkening the room.
- Outdoor Straight Drop Blinds (Blindmotion): Simple vertical drop shade that helps cut sun and light wind on verandas and decks.
- Zebra Blinds (Blinds On Demand): Dual-layer stripes that switch quickly between view-through and privacy in one blind.
Comparison Table Of The Top Blind Styles In Australian Homes
| Style and Company | Best For | Typical Price Each | Light And Heat Control | Privacy | Maintenance |
| Roller Blinds (All Shutters & Blinds) | Every day glare and heat control in living spaces | 50 to 350 AUD per window | Strong with sunscreen or blockout fabrics | Good to ful,l depending on fabric | Low |
| Zipscreen Outdoor Blinds (All Shutters & Blinds) | Patios and decks needing wind and insect control | Roughly 400 to 1,000 AUD for small to mid openings and up to 2,500 AUD for wide spans, depending on system and options. | Excellent UV and wind shielding | Good daytime privacy with mesh fabrics | Medium |
| Double Roller Blinds (DIY Blinds) | Day and night flexibility in bedrooms and living rooms | Often 200 to 500 AUD per window, based on size and fabrics, with day and night sets starting near 200 AUD in small sizes. | Wide range from sheer to blackout | Good to full at night | Low |
| Vertical Blinds (Luxaflex) | Large sliders and wider windows on a budget | 50 to 130 AUD per window guide. | Adjustable glare control with tilting slats | Good | Low |
| Panel Glide Blinds (Wynstan) | Extra-wide doors and open-plan areas | From about 286 AUD for DIY options, with made-to-measure providers showing entry prices from this level. | Good with blockout or light filtering panels | Good | Low |
| Roman Blinds (Blinds Online) | Cosy bedrooms and living rooms that need softness | 55 to 180 AUD per window guide. | Strong with blockout linings available | Good to full with lining | Medium |
| Aluminium Venetian Blinds (Apollo Blinds) | Precise light control in studies and kitchens | 20 to 60 AUD per window guide. | Fine tilt control reduces glare | Moderate to good | Low |
| Sunscreen Roller Blinds (Half Price Blinds) | Daytime view and glare cut in living/kitchen areas | 120–300 AUD per window | UV and glare filtering; moderate heat reduction | Good daytime; pair with a blockout for night | Low |
| Outdoor Straight Drop Blinds (Blindmotion) | Patios, verandas, decks needing shade | 400–1,200 AUD per opening | Strong sun block; light wind buffer | Outdoor screening; not full indoor privacy | Low–Medium |
| Zebra Blinds (Blinds On Demand) | Bedrooms/studies needing flexible light/privacy | 180–450 AUD per window | Sheer/solid bands for quick dimming; moderate insulation | Adjustable; good night privacy when closed | Low |
1. Roller Blinds (All Shutters & Blinds)
Roller blinds are a clean and modern way to control light and privacy in Australian homes. Fabrics include sunscreen, light filtering, and blockout for different needs. Operation can be chain or motor with compliant child safe controls.
They suit most rooms thanks to the slim profile and easy-care surfaces. Many installers offer custom sizing and in-home quotes for a neat fit.
Roller Blinds Features
- Simple single fabric roll with neat headrail that works in tight reveals.
- Fabric choice that targets glare UV and privacy from sheer to blockout.
- Optional motor operation for hard-to-reach windows and smooth daily use.
- Compatible with double setups when day and night control is needed later.
When to Use Roller Blinds
Use roller blinds in living rooms, bedrooms and home offices where you want a tidy look and easy light control. Pick sunscreen fabric for daytime views and blockout for sleep and media spaces.
Roller Blinds Pricing
Typically, about 70 to 120 AUD per square metre for standard fabrics and 150 to 300 AUD per square metre for motor options.
2. Zipscreen Outdoor Blinds (All Shutters & Blinds)
Zipscreen outdoor blinds create a gap-free finish that helps block sun, wind, rain, and insects for year-round use on patios and balconies. The patented z LOCK side guides keep fabric secure and smooth on wider spans.
Systems are custom-made in Australia with options for manual or motor control and headboxes that suit most facades. Many retailers offer made-to-measure supply and install for a neat fit.
Zipscreen Outdoor Blinds Features
- Patented zip-guided side channels that hold the fabric tight for fewer gaps and less flapping in the wind.
- Protection from sun, wind, rain and insects to extend outdoor living seasons.
- Made-to-measure with large span options up to around seven metres wide on heavy-duty models.
- Choice of mesh or clear PVC and discreet headbox for a tidy finish.
When to Use Zipscreen Outdoor Blinds
Choose Zipscreen for patios, deck,s and balconies where you want shade, wind buffering, insect contro,l and better privacy without a full build. It suits entertaining areas that need comfort in hot sun or breezy conditions.
Zipscreen Outdoor Blinds Pricing
Typical installed price is about 800 to 1,700 AUD per blind, with large motorised spans ranging around 3,000 to 4,000 AUD.
3. Double Roller Blinds (DIY Blinds)
Double roller blinds pair two fabrics on one slim bracket for day and night control in the same window. You can mix a sunscreen or light filtering layer with a blockout layer for simple privacy and glare control.
They are custom-made in Australia with options for chain or motor control. Linked setups work well on wide doors and windows for a neat, consistent look.
Double Roller Blinds Features
- Two fabrics on one bracket for flexible day and night use.
- Choice of sunscreen, light filtering, and blockout fabrics.
- Chain or motor control with child-safe benefits when motorised.
- Linked options for large windows and sliding or bi-fold doors.
When to Use Double Roller Blinds
Use them in bedrooms and living areas where you want daytime views with glare control and full privacy at night. They also suit east and west-facing windows that get harsh sun.
Double Roller Blinds Pricing
DIY Blinds lists double roller blinds starting from 199 AUD for selected sets, with the final price depending on size and fabrics.
4. Vertical Blinds (Luxaflex)
Vertical blinds give flexible light and privacy control for wide windows and sliding doors with slim blades that tilt and stack neatly. Luxaflex uses the Edge Vertical Track system, designed for Australian conditions.
You can rotate vanes to soften glare or draw them aside for a clear opening and smooth access. Wand or chain control options support simple, child-safe operation.
Vertical Blinds Features
- Edge Vertical Track system that improves stability and smooth travel.
- Vane rotation for precise light and privacy adjustment.
- Multiple stack options to left, right, centre, or split for door access.
- Choice of wand control to reduce loose cords in family spaces.
When to Use Vertical Blinds
Use verticals on large sliders and long windows where you need easy tilt control and full clear access. They suit living rooms and bedrooms that face strong sun or need wide span coverage.
Vertical Blinds Pricing
Luxaflex provides custom dealer quotes with prices set by size, fabric, and controls. As a guide in Australia, vertical blinds commonly range about 120 to 400 AUD per window for DIY to installed options.
5. Panel Glide Blinds (Wynstan)
Panel glide blinds use wide fabric panels that slide on a track for smooth coverage of large doors and windows. They give a clean, modern look with blockout, sunscreen, or light filtering options.
They stack neatly to one side for clear access and can double as simple room dividers in open plan spaces. Many ranges are custom-made in Australia.
Panel Glide Blinds Features
- Wide panels glide easily on a low-profile track for large openings.
- Stacks left, right, or split to suit doors and traffic flow.
- Fabric choices include blockout, sunscreen, and translucent for light control.
- Works as a simple room divider for flexible layouts.
- Wand or cord operation with child safer options available.
When to Use Panel Glide Blinds
Choose panel glides for sliding doors, bi-fold doors, and wide windows where verticals or curtains feel bulky. Use them when you want smooth access and a tidy, contemporary finish.
Panel Glide Blinds Pricing
DIY options start from about 286 AUD, and installed guides commonly show about 300 to 600 AUD per window.
6. Roman Blinds (Blinds Online)
Roman blinds add soft fabric folds for a cosy look while keeping light control simple. Australian suppliers offer sheer light filtering and blockout options with custom sizing.
They suit modern and classic rooms and can include linings for better darkening or insulation. Child-safe setup uses cord cleats or tensioners when cords or chains are present.
Roman Blinds Features
- Choice of linings including light filtering, blockout, and thermal for comfort and privacy.
- Made to measure with fabric ranges from neutrals to designer looks.
- Smooth fabric stacks for a neat finish when raised.
- Child safety devices available for cord or chain control to meet AU rules.
When to Use Roman Blinds
Pick roman blinds for bedrooms and living rooms where you want softness plus better light control. Use blockout lining for sleep and media spaces, and light filtering for gentle daylight.
Roman Blinds Pricing
Blinds Online shows collections starting from 47.60 AUD, with many ranges from about 63.00 AUD, depending on fabric and options.
7. Aluminium Venetian Blinds (Apollo Blinds)
Aluminium Venetian blinds give precise light control with slim tilting slats that fit most window sizes. They offer a simple, modern look and handle moisture and heat better than timber.
They are lightweight, easy to clean and suit both homes and offices. The reflective finish can help reduce glare and heat in sunny rooms.
Aluminium Venetian Blinds Features
- Slim aluminium slats that tilt for fine control of light and privacy
- Moisture and heat-resistant build for kitchens and bathrooms
- Cord or wand operation with options for child-safe design
- Lightweight and easy to install or replace
- Reflective coating helps cut glare and improve comfort
When to Use Aluminium Venetian Blinds
Choose aluminium venetians for kitchens, studie,s and bathrooms where you need quick light adjustment and easy cleaning. They work well in modern interiors that need low-cost durable privacy control.
Aluminium Venetian Blinds Pricing
Apollo Blinds lists aluminium venetians from about 20 to 60 AUD per window, depending on size and finish.
8. Sunscreen Roller Blinds (Half Price Blinds)
Sunscreen rollers use an open-weave mesh that softens glare and filters UV while keeping a daytime view outside. The fabric lets natural light in, so rooms stay bright without the harshness on screens and benchtops. Chain or motor control can be specified to suit window height and access.
They’re a neat choice for living areas and kitchens where you want brightness and a low-profile finish that blends with modern trims. Custom sizing ensures a consistent reveal line across multiple windows.
Sunscreen Roller Blinds Features
- Open-weave mesh (commonly 3–10% openness) for balanced visibility and solar filtering.
- Colour-stable yarns that resist fading and maintain view clarity over time.
- Slim headrail/tube profile for tight recesses and corner windows.
- Discrete bottom bar that settles evenly to reduce curl at the hem.
When to Use Sunscreen Roller Blinds
Use on street-facing living rooms, family rooms, and home offices where you want light and outside awareness without glare. Best on north and west elevations paired with exterior eaves or tint for extra heat relief.
Sunscreen Roller Blinds Pricing
Typically 80–140 AUD per m² for manual setups, and 180–320 AUD per m² when motorised. Large widths, premium meshes, and cassette headboxes add to the total.
9. Outdoor Straight Drop Blinds (Blindmotion)
Straight drop blinds are a simple vertical shade that lowers in one plane to cut the sun on verandas and decks. The fabric travels without side tracks, so the look stays light and unobtrusive. Control is typically spring, crank, or motor, chosen to suit span width and access.
They work well on pergolas and verandas where you need shade and a tidy front edge without building a framed enclosure. Installers size them between posts or to face-fit on beams for a clean finish.
Outdoor Straight Drop Blinds Features
- Single-plane drop with no side channels for a slim, open appearance.
- Choice of acrylic canvas or outdoor mesh to tune openness and glare control.
- Secure bottom options: saddles, straps, or hold-down clips to limit sway.
- Optional protective hood/cassette to shelter the roll when retracted.
When to Use Outdoor Straight Drop Blinds
Use on sheltered patios and decks that need seasonal shade and a light wind buffer. Ideal where you can anchor the hem to a floor or post and want minimal visual hardware. For higher wind or full perimeter sealing, choose a track-guided system instead.
Outdoor Straight Drop Blinds Pricing
Typically 160–280 AUD per m² for spring/manual, 240–380 AUD per m² for crank gear, and 480–720 AUD per m² for motorised setups.
10. Zebra Blinds (Blinds On Demand)
Zebra (day–night) blinds use alternating sheer and solid fabric bands that pass over each other to switch from view-through to privacy. The cassette-mounted roll keeps the look compact and modern. Operation can be chain or motor, with smooth alignment for precise light control.
They’re a sharp fit for bedrooms, studies, and living areas where you want quick transitions without adding a second blind. Made-to-size widths give consistent head heights across multiple windows for a tidy line.
Zebra Blinds Features
- Continuous looped fabric with aligned banding for fine-step dimming.
- Enclosed cassette and side guides options to reduce light gaps at the top and edges.
- Stiffer fabric construction to resist creasing and maintain parallel band lines.
- Discrete bottom rail that weights the fabric for even tracking.
When to Use Zebra Blinds
Use where you want frequent shifts between daylight and privacy in the same space, work zones, media corners, and street-facing rooms. Ideal when you prefer a softer fabric look over venetians but still need granular control.
Zebra Blinds Pricing
Typically 130–220 AUD per m² for manual systems and 280–480 AUD per m² for motorised blinds.
What To Expect At Your In-Home Consult
- Friendly arrival and a quick chat about light privacy and style goals
- Room-by-room walkthrough to understand how you use each space
- Laser measurements for accurate sizing and a neat custom fit
- Fabric and finish samples viewed in your own lighting
- Safety and access check so controls are easy to use and child safe
- Clear recommendations that match your budget and timeframe
- Simple explanation of lead times and installation steps
- Written itemised quote so you can compare like-for-like
FAQs
Which blinds are safest around children?
Look for compliant child-safe designs and secure any loose or looped cords out of reach. Australia has a mandatory standard for corded blinds and curtains to reduce strangulation risk.
Do blinds really help with heat and glare?
Yes. Window coverings cut harsh sun and improve comfort, and reflective or blockout fabrics can lower heat gain in sunny rooms. Government and media guides highlight windows as major sources of heat gain and loss.
How much do roller or double roller blinds cost in Australia?
Prices vary by size and fabric. Recent AU guides show budget readymade rollers from tens of dollars per window and custom or dual setups in the low hundreds and up. Get itemised quotes to compare like-for-like.
Are vertical blinds good for large sliding doors?
Yes. They suit wide openings, stack neatly for access, and offer simple tilt control. Some sources note they may feel less modern in some interiors, so match them to your style.
What is the difference between Zipscreen and Ziptrak?
Both are track-guided outdoor systems used for shade and wind buffering. Comparisons show design and hardware differences, so choose based on span, controls, budget, and installer support in your area.
Do outdoor blinds help with wind and insects?
Yes. Track guided options like Zipscreen create a sealed edge that reduces gaps and helps block wind and bugs while filtering UV. Check fabric choice and system rating for your site.
How do I clean roller blinds?
Regular dusting keeps them tidy. For deeper cleans, use a gentle vacuum or wipe with mild detergent, following fabric care advice from Australian cleaning guides. Avoid soaking mechanisms.
How do I measure windows for a fast quote?
Measure the width and drop in millimetres for accuracy and note whether the blind will fit inside or outside the recess. Australian measuring guides explain the tools and steps.
Are aluminium venetians ok for kitchens and bathrooms?
Yes. Aluminium slats handle moisture and heat better than many timber options and clean easily, which suits wet or high-use areas.
Do I need a professional install, or can I DIY?
DIY is possible for many indoor blinds if you can measure and drill accurately. For large spans and outdoor track systems, many homeowners prefer professional supply and installation for fit and warranty support.
