How many and what length of terrace blinds do you need? We can help you calculate this.

Want build up the side walls of a terrace, gazebo or shed, Horizontal blinds, but not sure how many patio blind brackets you will need? Do you want to know what length of boards/lamellas to use? We give you a hint!

What does a terrace blind consist of?

Movable blinds are made up of movable aluminium planks or slats, the movement of which is provided by a special mechanism for external blinds. The mechanism for blinds consists of a set of OUS brackets (left+right).
Each bracket is equipped with 6 movable slots for boards/laminates. 

How do I count the number of handles for movable patio blinds?

The OUS handles have a height of 58.2 cm. By combining them, you increase the height of the mobile installation. Wondering how many handles you need? Check out building height calculator.

How to measure the length of movable boards/aluminium fins - step by step

To accurately calculate the lengths of the built-in sections, you need to take into account: width of opening, width of mounting beams, width of fixings. See how to do this step by step:

 Step 1.

In order to correctly calculate the length of the boards/panels you need, you must measure the width of the opening you want to build in accurately.

Step 2.

See what maximum lengths we have for the boards/laminations you can build up the side walls with. Reminder: for wooden planks the maximum built-in length is 110 cm. In the case of horizontally mounted lamellas with a maximum length of 200 cm.

Step 3.

Divide the measured width of the opening into the number of sections corresponding to the available louvre dimensions. Attention! Between each section you must insert a beam no narrower than 4 cm.

Step 4.

Subtract 3.5 cm from the measured width of the individual sections. Why do you need to subtract 3.5 centimetres?
You fix the brackets inside the hole you are enclosing. Each OUS handle is 1.5 centimetres thick. That is, they narrow the width to be built in by 1.5 centimetres on each side. Therefore, when measuring the width of the boards/lattices needed you must subtract 3 - 3.5 (for mounting convenience) centimetres from the total width.

Step 5.

By subtracting the width of the beams and brackets from the full width of the opening, you get the actual length of the lamellas/boards you need.

Visit our YouTube profile to see the instructions, how to measure boards and laths correctly for movable terrace blinds.

Outdoor blinds in wood or aluminium

The decision basically comes down to the price/durability ratio. Aluminium blinds are more weather resistant, do not rust, are easy to maintain and less susceptible to mechanical damage. They do not require frequent maintenance. However, they are more expensive than wooden blinds.
Wooden external blinds require regular maintenance, including painting or varnishing, to protect them from moisture and UV rays. They are more susceptible to mechanical damage and weathering.
If you want to learn more about the differences between moving boards and fins, read our blog post: "Wooden or aluminium blinds„.

How do I choose the colour of movable blinds for outdoor development?

When deciding on the colour of the boards/lamellas, pay attention to the colour of the blind brackets you have chosen. Available five colours of OUS handles: black (RAL 9005), anthracite (RAL 7016), white (RAL 9003), dark brown (RAL 8016), bronze (RAL 8024).
You have to choose whether you want a homogeneous colour scheme or a mixed colour scheme.
In the choice of colour, the same rules apply as in fashion, i.e. we match in colour the characteristic elements: tile, windows, window sills, doors, possibly fencing (gate/fence). Following this key, go for: anthracite, grey, aluminium and, in the case of wood-like fins, shades of oak or walnut.
An alternative way colour selection is to refer to the immediate surroundings of the house. The key will be the substrate (colour of the decking boards, type of wood, composite, lawn, gravel). Recommended colours: shades of brown and wood-like materials, raw aluminium, light grey and even white.
Suggestion three: focus on garden furniture. Get inspired by current trends in the Home&Garden department. Here, pastel beiges, white, light grey and wood tones reign supreme.
The most important thing: you must like the colour of the building! If you need a hint, see our realisations. 

Movable external blinds - give you a sense of privacy

Movable external blinds offer many advantages in terms of security and intimacy.

Visibility control

By adjusting the angle of the slats or boards, you can easily control the amount of light and visibility from outside. With just one movement, you can completely block out the interior from unwanted glances from passers-by or neighbours.

Weather protection

Movable blinds protect you from the sun, wind and cold, creating a comfortable environment on your terrace or gazebo. You can spend time outside without worrying about adverse weather conditions.

Security

Movable blinds can act as an additional barrier against break-ins, making it more difficult to gain access to the interior of the house.

Opened.co.uk manufacturer of moving handles for external blinds

We are a Polish company specialising in the production of brackets for movable external blinds made of wood and aluminium, as well as kits for side walls of terraces, balconies and sheds.
We offer a wide range of products, including brackets for movable blinds, angled board kits and different types of wood patio blinds. Visit the shop www.otwierane.pl and configure your order. Buy from a direct manufacturer!