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Kenlow’s broad range of custom-made patio shades and outdoor alfresco blinds come in a wide choice of colours and fabrics to match and enhance your décor and style.
If you are seeking to shade an exposed window from direct sunlight and add an attractive feature to your home, Kenlow offers a choice of window awnings and window blinds that will block up to 90% of the heat and harmful UV rays.
For over 50 years, Kenlow has been the preferred choice for awnings, canopies and Ziptrak blinds for restaurant, café and business owners all over Perth.
Kenlow offers a range of heavy duty, outdoor umbrellas suitable for both commercial and residential use. Browse umbrella shade solutions from both Skyspan and Ultrashade.
Find the right portable awning or annexe for your caravan, motor home or camper trailer, no matter what make or model. Kenlow's awnings & annexes are made from the highest quality, most durable materials. They are easy to clean and easy to take with you. See the range today.
Kenlow has been supplying tool bags and back-packs to the mining and industrial industries for over 50 years. Made from high grade canvas or PVC, our tool bags are built tough to cope with the rigours of Perth summers and the harshest environments.
Posted on 2/16/2026
If you’re looking to shade your patio, window, deck, verandah, balcony, alfresco or courtyard in Perth, you’ve likely come across two main options: outdoor blinds and awnings. Whether you’re weighing up outdoor blinds vs awnings in Perth, or considering cafe blinds, patio blinds or retractable awnings, you’re not alone. Whilst both names are often used interchangeably, there is in fact a difference. Both outdoor blinds and awnings provide protection from WA’s harsh sun and unpredictable weather, however, they work in different ways and suit different situations.
At Kenlow, we’ve been helping Perth homeowners choose the right shade solution since 1969. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between outdoor blinds and awnings so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Outdoor blinds are vertical shading systems that provide protection from the elements by enclosing the sides of a patio, deck, verandah or balcony. They can be made from a range of materials including mesh, acrylic, canvas and PVC and are available in manual or motorised operation. For a full comparison of how each material performs in Perth’s climate, see our outdoor blinds page. Often referred to as patio blinds or cafe blinds, they’re one of the most popular shade solutions for Perth homes.
The most popular style in Perth is the Ziptrak blind. Ziptrak is the original side retention outdoor blind system, featuring a unique, patented track-guided design that locks the fabric in place without ropes, pulleys or zips. The spring-balanced system supports the weight of the blinds, making them lightweight and easy to operate with smooth, precise height adjustments. Ziptrak blinds can also be motorised for ease of use and pairing with smart home devices.
Kenlow’s broad range of outdoor patio and cafe blinds also include Gear Operated Drop Blinds and the traditional Rope & Pulley Outdoor Blinds – often called Verandah Blinds or Cafe Blinds.
Outdoor blinds are ideal when you want to:
For more on why Ziptrak is Perth’s most popular outdoor blind, read our blog on the benefits of Ziptrak blinds for Perth homes.
Awnings are horizontal or angled shade structures that extend outward from a wall or structure to provide shade and cover to an area below. Awnings can be fixed or retractable with manual or motorised operation. They’re commonly used over an alfresco, courtyards, windows or any outdoor space requiring shade and protection from the elements. Kenlow’s awnings can block up to 90% of the heat and harmful UV rays from entering your home.
Kenlow offers a wide range of awnings: Retractable Folding Arm Awnings, which extend and retract using a folding arm mechanism, with manual and motorised operation, and Window Awnings & Blinds, which include Retractable Window Awnings, Pivot Arm Awnings, Fixed Arm Awnings, as well as Fixed Frame Canopies, which are also known as Dutch Hoods. Kenlow also manufactures PatioShayd™ – a retractable roof system that provides much needed shade to a patio, frame or alfresco. We can even install a PatioShayd™ over pools for much needed shade coverage.
Awnings are ideal when you want to:
The right choice depends on your space, your goals and your budget. Here’s a simple guide:
Choose outdoor blinds if you have an existing patio or pergola with a solid roof and you want to enclose the sides for weather protection, privacy or to create an outdoor room you can use year-round. Ziptrak blinds are particularly popular in Perth for their wind resistance and ease of use. Once installed, keeping them in great condition is straightforward – see our guide on how to care for your PVC Ziptrak blinds.”
Choose awnings if you need overhead shade for a deck, courtyard, pool or any outdoor space that doesn’t have a roof structure. Folding arm awnings are a great option for entertaining areas where you want the flexibility to retract the shade when it’s not needed.
Absolutely. Many Perth homes combine outdoor blinds and awnings to cover different areas. For example, you might install Ziptrak blinds around your alfresco area and a folding arm awning over your back deck. Our team can help you work out the best combination for your property.
Kenlow started as a small family business in Perth in 1969 and has grown to become WA’s leading supplier of premium shade products. We manufacture all our outdoor blinds and awnings locally in WA, which means we can offer custom solutions tailored to your home’s exact measurements and style.
When you work with Kenlow, you get:
With over 50% of our customers being repeats or referrals, our reputation speaks for itself.
Not sure whether outdoor blinds or awnings are right for your home? Our team can visit your property, assess your space and recommend the best solution for your needs and budget.
Contact Kenlow today for a free measure and quote, or explore our range of outdoor blinds and awnings online.
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