As Australia’s climate gets hotter, it’s becoming increasingly important to find smart ways to passively cool our homes. This removes the need for active solutions, like heaters or fans, which consume electricity, cost money on an ongoing basis, and add to our home’s carbon footprint.
Luxaflex® awnings can help you beat the summer heat, and help you passively cool your home, in several ways:
PROTECTING OUTDOOR AREAS
Outdoor spaces can be great for entertaining—with the right protection from the elements. We offer a wide range of outdoor awnings with which you can cover terraces, patios, verandas or decks—making them more usable year-round, not just in summer.
Highly flexible and customisable, Luxaflex® Folding Arm Awnings are a very popular option, as they can be retracted when not in use. They also have the option of PowerView® Automation so you can operate your awning with the touch of a button – even when you’re not home.
Luxaflex® Fixed Metal Awnings are also a great option for outdoor areas. These are more of a permanent structure – very durable, with optional closed sides and mitred corners are available on some models.
CREATE AN AIRY EXTRA OUTDOOR ROOM
When space is limited, or you want to add extra versatility to an outdoor space, you may want to consider using a Luxaflex® Straight Drop Awning. This smart solution essentially provides you with a shade ‘wall’ which can stop bugs or insects, but still let air and light flow into your space.
The Luxaflex® Evo Awnings range is a popular choice – designed for Australia and for Australian conditions. It also has in-built UV protection and offers an ideal combination of style and strength.
For hot climates or areas which attract considerable sunlight, the Luxaflex® Evo MagnaTrack® Awning with Luxaflex® Spectra Fibreglass Sunscreen fabric can help eliminate up to 95%1 of solar heat, bringing you long-term energy savings.
You can also create effective indoor/outdoor zones with a covering such as Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters.
SHADING YOUR INTERIORS
Awnings don’t just have benefits for the exterior areas of your home. They can also shade windows that attract a lot of direct light in the heat of summer – and can help stop your furniture and interiors from fading.
Luxaflex® Canopy Awnings can be used in a wide range of situations, including over windows, doors or even walkways. As well as shielding the sun, they also offer protection from the rain, and so are often popular for entrance and exits.
You can also consider the Luxaflex® System 2000 Awning –an award-winning system that has been completely designed and manufactured in Australia, and is ideal for older-style homes. This awning can be operated from inside the house by gear, tape or rope, or can be equipped with PowerView® Automation.
To cover particularly sunny windows or doors, you may also want to consider Luxaflex® Metal Louvre Awnings – which are very effective at providing privacy, light control and air flow for balconies and external windows.
Layering your window coverings is a great way to add style and sophistication to your interiors, ensure privacy, and even control the temperature inside your home.
Yet layering is not always an easy process and does require some careful consideration. Here is a quick guide as to some of the things to consider when choosing a layered window covering:
WHAT STYLE ARE YOU HOPING TO ACHIEVE?
Layering isn’t necessarily an ideal solution for all rooms of your home – nor is it suitable for all windows or doors. For instance, using layers in a bathroom or laundry area isn’t usually a practical option. It may also be difficult to achieve with large doors or bi-folds – though it’s certainly possible.
Think about the look and feel you’re hoping to create by layering your window coverings: Heavy and textured? Soft and billowy? Compact and functional?
Also – do you want your window coverings to be consistent from room-to-room, or are you hoping to create unique zones within your home? It may help to speak with a Luxaflex® consultant to determine the most suitable types of window coverings, textures, fabrics, and opacity levels that work for you.
WHAT WILL YOU USE AS YOUR BASE LAYER?
Your base layer is usually the most functional and practical element of your window coverings. There are several potential ‘base’ layers within the Luxaflex® range – all of which can also function on their own as independent window coverings. These include:
Luxaflex® Silhouette® Shadings With a signature S-Vane, these shades combine elegance with a functional design that allows you to harness and beautifully diffuse natural light. Their innovative fabric allows you to see outside, while restricting the view from the street for privacy.
Luxaflex® Duette® Shades The unique honeycomb structure of these shades provides a contemporary striking look while also providing efficient insulation by trapping air.
Luxaflex® Pirouette® Shadings An exclusive Luxaflex® product, these shades feature softly contoured, front-facing fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing. During opening and closing, the vanes move in tandem for a fluid, graceful effect. Three-dimensional fabric vanes provide a striking and uniform interior look whilst softly filtering sunlight and providing privacy.
Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings Take advantage of beautiful light control with Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings. The soft vertical fabric provides daytime privacy whilst allowing a soft view through. Easily adjust the level of privacy and light to suit your requirements by rotating the fabric vanes halfway. To block light, close the shades completely.
For bedrooms or media rooms, Roller Blinds can also be a very effective base layer, and PolySatin® Shutters work well in functional living spaces.
WHAT WILL YOU ADD AS A TOP LAYER?
Once you’ve chosen a base layer, you’ll then need to think about a curtain – or top layer. Again, there a few factors to consider:
How much UV protection are you hoping to achieve?
How much light do you want to block?
Are you looking for a soft and billowy look, or a heavier drape?
You may even want to consider a sheer fabric, which can create a sense of softness and add a little extra privacy, but still allow plenty of light to flow into your interiors.
HOW WILL YOU CONTROL YOUR WINDOW COVERINGS?
You’ll also need to consider how you want to open and close your layered window coverings – manually, or with Luxaflex® PowerView® Automation?
Think carefully about how your chosen fabrics and designs will work together from a functional perspective. How often would you keep one layer open, and not the other? Would you typically open both together?
Window coverings can play a key role in transforming bedrooms into serene and comfortable spaces – as well as adding to the overall aesthetic.
When selecting the window coverings that are right for your bedrooms, here are some things to think about:
HOW MUCH LIGHT DO YOU WANT TO FLOW INTO THE ROOM?
For some bedrooms of your home – such as a child’s bedroom – you may want to create a completely dark space. For others – like a guest bedroom – you may want to retain a little more natural light.
To control the amount of light in each bedroom in your home, you will need to choose a certain opacity level for each of your window coverings.
We offer different types of fabric with varying opacity levels depending on your needs. This includes sheer, semi-sheer, semi-opaque, room darkening and blockout. You can read more about the different opacity options here.
HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR WINDOW COVERINGS TO OPEN?
Gone are the days when all window coverings were a uniform style and shape. Now, you can have your bedroom’s window coverings configured to suit windows – and even doors – of all shapes and sizes.
You can also select where and how your shades open – whether bottom-up, top-down or side-to-side. You can even request for your shades to open in the middle, and stack to both the left and right. This can be very useful for windows which have an unusual shape, or where you may want to block out something outside.
DO YOU NEED MOTORISATION?
When choosing window coverings for your bedrooms, think about how you want to control them day-to-day. There are several options across the Luxaflex range – from manual wand and cord operation, to Luxaflex® PowerView® Automation, which allows you to schedule your window coverings to open and close on their own—at any time of the day— with the touch of a button, a tap on a mobile device or the sound of your voice. You can even set schedules for your window coverings to open and close automatically.
DO YOU WANT TO INCLUDE LAYERS?
Layered window coverings are often a popular option in bedrooms, as they enable you to both block light and add an element of sophistication and softness to the space.
For bedrooms, a layered solution often starts with a Luxaflex® Roller Blind or some Soft Shades – both of which can block light, ensure privacy, and even trap air for thermal control.
You can also then add Luxaflex® Curtains on top, to create a sense of sophistication and elegance.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THERMAL CONTROL?
Ensuring your bedrooms have a pleasant temperature year-round is also important in getting a good night’s sleep. For this reason, you may want to consider an option which helps provide thermal control.
Luxaflex® Duette® Shades are a great option in bedrooms – they have been engineered with a unique honeycomb structure which traps air, creating a layer of insulation between your windows and the interior of your home. This unique design prevents heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, allowing you to reduce reliance on heaters and air-conditioning.
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT CHILD SAFETY?
When selecting window coverings for a child’s bedroom, it’s important to think about safety. Loose cords can be hazardous, especially for young children.
Luxaflex® blinds are designed with safety in mind, with both cordless and motorised systems that eliminate the need for cords or chains that meet Australian safety standards, ensuring ultimate peace of mind for parents.
The talented twins from The Block TV series, Alisa and Lysandra, recently completed the second of their Design Duo series: a spectacular waterfront home in the luxury suburb of Paradise Point, in Queensland. This project was an enormous undertaking for the pair. Set on two adjoining blocks, and architecturally designed, the project took over two years to complete.
The owners wanted to create a one-of-a-kind ‘forever home’, with bespoke ‘urban’ details and high-end finishes and fixtures. Alisa and Lysandra also partnered with the Luxaflex Team to deliver sophisticated window coverings for most of the rooms in this vast new build. Here’s what they chose, and why:
MASTER BEDROOM, WALK-IN ROBE AND ENSUITE
The master suite of this home is a luxurious and spacious escape, filled with natural light. It’s designed for absolute comfort, with rich fabrics and textures, and a sophisticated sage and grey colour palette.
An incredible floor-to-ceiling walk-in robe completes the sense of opulence, as does the ensuite – with double shower and vanity, and freestanding oversized tub.
The pair chose Luxaflex® Luminette® Privacy Sheers in Originale fabric and in Turtledove colour for this main bedroom. A perfect alternative to the traditional curtain, these smart sheers feature a softly curved vertical design – with integrated fabric vanes for a striking interior statement. They are also ideal for larger windows or sliding doors, as they allow for privacy and light control, but still allow a soft and flattering light to enter the space. Luxaflex® PowerView® Motorisation was also added so that the owners can control their sheers with the touch of a button.
“These Luxaflex Luminette Sheers are the absolute perfect choice [in the master], as they create such softness… The whole window just glows.”
Alisa & Lysandra
In both the master ensuite and walk-in robe, the duo chose Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Elan fabric and Black Onyx colour. As well as offering a sophisticated look and providing privacy, these shades have a unique honeycomb structure that traps air within the cells – helping keep the interiors warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
OFFICE, OTHER BEDROOMS AND ENSUITES
There are five bedrooms in this large home, and each was given its own unique look and feel by the Design Duo.
The guest bedroom was created as a neutral and welcoming space, with soft tones and textures, and Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Elan fabric and Black Onyx colour.
“…In the guest bedroom, we’ve opted to use Luxaflex Duette Shades. They are the most insulating blind on the market, and we’ve used PowerView Motorisation in this room as well as I guess you’ve got to give your guests the best you can.”
Alisa & Lysandra
The owners of this home have two daughters, and wanted to create a space that would suit each girl’s age and personality.
In each of these bedrooms, they used the same window coverings: Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings in Luxury fabric and Flax colour. A modern take on a traditional vertical blind, these shades are made from soft fabric that provides daytime privacy, and the ability to rotate the fabric vanes to adjust the flow of light. They’re also made from 100% polyester and offer durable properties such as fade resistance and UV protection.
Each of the girls’ bedrooms also has a window that provides a view to the pool area. To cover these windows, the duo chose a practical Luxaflex® Roller Blind – which can be easily rolled up during the day, or completely shut for privacy.
The pair also created a contemporary and opulent office in the home – with masculine tones and luxurious details like a marble benchtop. A feature wall with bespoke cabinetry adds an edge to the space. Luxaflex® Luminette® Privacy Sheers in Originale fabric and in Turtledove fabric complete the sense of luxury.
In each ensuite, Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters were used to add simplistic elegance. These shutters are an ideal choice for wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries. They are also impervious to moisture and won’t blister, peel, flake, corrode or fade, providing a quality finish and look for years to come.
LIVING, DINING AND KITCHEN
With a seamless flow through to the outdoors, the living, dining, and kitchen area is a sophisticated and open space that’s ideal for entertaining or relaxing.
An inviting L shaped modular sofa in a burnt amber hue offers hours of relaxation, and a custom oval table in matt black adds an element of bespoke style.
The kitchen is the epicentre of this home. Natural light floods through two skylights, highlighting the dark stained timber custom cabinetry, luxe brass accents and white-grey marble that adorns all surfaces. A fully equipped butler’s pantry also adds an element of style and convenience.
Several window coverings were used in this living, dining and kitchen space.
Luxaflex® Pirouette® Shadings in Stria fabric and Silver Shine colour were used in both the living and dining rooms. These smart shades feature softly contoured; front-facing fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing. This means they create a soft and uniform look, while also providing all-important privacy.
Luxaflex® LumiShade® Window Coverings were also used in the living room and kitchen, in Provincial Linen fabric and Ashen colour. These shades are both practical and stylish – adding softness and texture to the space.
HOME THEATRE, WINE CELLAR AND LAUNDRY
The ultimate in luxury, this home also features a sleek movie theatre, with acoustic panels and sound absorption panelled walls. A sizeable screen and plush seating ensure total comfort.
There’s also a huge laundry with drying room, and a spectacular wine cellar, illuminated by LED strip lighting, and a state-of-the-art cool room.
In the home theatre, the duo chose Luxaflex® Duette® Shades in Elan fabric and Black Onyx colour, in Blockout opacity – and paired them with flowing Luxaflex® Curtains in Arlette fabric in Shadow colour, to create the ultimate home-theatre look.
“A home theatre needs to be dark so we’ve used the Luxaflex room darkening Duette shades, and created some drama with Luxaflex Sheers.”
Alisa & Lysandra
Practical and durable Luxaflex® Roller Blinds were used in the laundry, in Waratah fabric and in Gazing colour.
With rising electricity bills and the looming threat of climate change, people are more focused than ever on choosing sustainable, environmentally friendly products for their home.
According to recent research by Nielsen, 75% of millennials are now eco-conscious to the point of changing buying habits to favour environmentally friendly products1.
However, with so many options available—many of which claim to be ‘sustainable and eco-friendly’—it can often be difficult to know where to start, or why you should choose one option over another.
When it comes to selecting window coverings for your home with sustainability in mind, here are four things to consider:
#1 – IS THE PRODUCT ‘GREEN BY DESIGN’?
When we say, ‘green by design’, we mean products which have been designed with the very latest sustainability principles from the outset. That is, sustainability is one of their core design features.
Sustainability is a priority right across the Luxaflex® range of window coverings. Maintaining a commitment to innovation and eco-friendly practices, we offer a diverse range of products that not only enhance the beauty of your home, but also help contribute to a greener future for our plant.
Luxaflex® Duette® Shades exemplify this commitment, with a unique honeycomb-like structure that traps air. This air forms an insulation layer which can reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Duette® Shades are available in a single-cell design as well as the industry-leading Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® Shades, which features a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb structure, for maximum energy efficiency. This window covering has actually been proven to reduce the average home’s heating costs by up to 43%2.
#2 – DOES IT USE ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS?
We take pride in utilising eco-friendly materials across our entire product range. This includes using recycled materials as much as possible.
A great example of this is our new Luxaflex® Equascreen Collection: a range of fabrics for our blinds that is both ocean-friendly, and offers a beautiful, ocean-inspired aesthetic. Wepartnered with fabric engineering company, Bionic®, to produce this Luxaflex® range which is made from 50% ocean-bound plastic. It is now available as an option when choosing your Luxaflex® Roller Blinds and Luxaflex® Panel Glide Blinds.
By giving new life to recycled materials, this reduces the environmental impact of production, while providing stunning window coverings.
#3 – IS IT ENERGY EFFICIENT?
Today, many window coverings are automated, which means they rely on electricity for their day-to-day function. When automation is done poorly, this can add to your electricity bill. However, when done cleverly, it can enable you to save energy overall.
The innovative Luxaflex® PowerView® Automation system allows you to program your blinds or shades to operate automatically, based on the time of day or your desired preferences. By optimising natural light and temperature control, PowerView® Automation minimises the need for artificial lighting, as well as excessive heating or cooling. This not only reduces energy consumption, but also ensures a comfortable and eco-conscious living environment.
#4 – IS IT MADE USING RESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING PRACTICES?
We take a holistic approach to sustainability by incorporating responsible manufacturing practices. We strive to minimise waste, conserve resources, and reduce our carbon footprint. In addition, we are committed to recycling and reusing materials wherever possible.
By embracing efficient manufacturing processes, we ensure that our products are created with minimal impact on the environment. We also maintains strict quality control measures to ensure the longevity and durability of our window coverings, reducing the need for replacements and further contributing to sustainability.
As winter approaches, finding cost-effective, environmentally friendly ways to keep our home warm becomes a priority. With the right window coverings, you can create a naturally warm and inviting atmosphere, while reducing your reliance on heaters or air-conditioners.
By choosing innovative window coverings which utilise the power of natural light and insulation, you can ensure your home is both cosy and energy efficient. Here’s how:
#1 – Harness natural light
By selecting window coverings that optimise the natural flow of light into your interiors, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the winter months, while minimising the need for artificial lighting.
For instance, Luxaflex® Silhouette® Shadings offer adjustable vanes that filter sunlight, reducing glare and harmful UV rays while allowing soft, diffused light to enter your home. These shades harness natural light to create a warm ambiance, while providing privacy and insulation.
2 – Opt for thermal insulation
Effective thermal insulation is crucial for keeping your home warm and comfortable during the colder months.
Luxaflex® Duette® Shades have been specially engineered with a unique honeycomb structure which traps air, creating a layer of insulation between your windows and the interior of your home. This unique design prevents heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, allowing you to reduce reliance on heaters and air-conditioning.
If you want to take your insulation a step further, it’s worth considering Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® Shades which offer a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb structure, for maximum energy efficiency. In independent testing, this window covering has been proven to reduce the average home’s heating costs by up to 43%1 in winter.
Another great option is Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters, which have a unique construction. Whether at your window or doors, they can keep the cold at bay and help to keep your home comfortable throughout the colder months.
#3 – Choose cosy textiles and fabrics
Window coverings crafted from cosy textiles and fabrics not only add warmth to your space, however, they can also enhance its visual appeal.
Luxaflex® Roman Shades, available in a wide range of fabrics, provide a luxurious and elegant touch to your windows while offering insulation against the cold. When closed, Roman Shades form a soft, insulating barrier that helps retain heat and keep chilly drafts at bay.
4 – Motorise your window coverings
Motorised window coverings provide convenience and energy efficiency by allowing you to program your coverings to operate automatically based on your preferences or the time of day.
This automation optimises natural light and insulation effortlessly. Luxaflex® PowerView® Automation is an innovative system that enables you to schedule your window coverings to open during the day, allowing sunlight to naturally warm your space, and close them in the evening to retain the warmth and enhance privacy.
Though they had their origins in ancient Greece around 800 BC, plantation shutters first gained widespread popularity in the southern regions of America. They were primarily used on estates that grew crops such as coffee, tobacco, cotton, or sugar in hot and humid climates. Their open design allowed air to flow freely through interior spaces, keeping them cool.
Traditionally, plantation shutters had large and immovable slats. However, modern versions like Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are made using hinged slats that can be easily tilted to control the flow of air and light into a space.
Importantly Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are also now designed and made in Australia – for uniquely Australian conditions.
Here are seven great reasons to choose them for your home:
1. MADE FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE
Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are designed and manufactured in Australia, specifically for our unique climate. They can be completely closed for privacy or to block light and heat in the middle of the day or can be angled open to allow maximum flow-through of air and light. As Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are very easy to angle, you can easily cut the glare from the harsh Australian sun in rooms where it can be very distracting, like a study or a TV room.
When you buy Australian-made, you’re also supporting local workers, and the value of your purchase stays on-shore.
2. IDEAL FOR WET SPACES
A great benefit of Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters is that they are impervious to moisture, and won’t blister, peel, flake, corrode or fade. This means they are ideal for use in wet rooms like bathrooms, laundries or around kitchen areas.
They are also incredibly easy to clean, requiring only a quick wipe down with a damp cloth.
3. CUSTOMISED TO SUIT YOUR HOME
All Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are made from the highest quality materials and are customised to fit perfectly into a variety of window shapes and sizes.
While there are some limitations and restrictions, these shutters can be made to suit arches (such as a half circle, half moon, quarter circle and gothic), angles (right and isosceles triangles, top and bottom sloped), and even hexagons and octagons.
Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters can also be used as a versatile room divider or stylish solution for large windows or sliding glass doors. They are available in a variety of different designs including Hinged, Hinged Bi-Fold, Bi-Fold on Track and By-Pass on Track.
You can also choose from a wide assortment of sophisticated designs, and the shutters are available in three classic shades of white. They can also be customised with stylish valances, distinctive frames, three unique louvre sizes and tasteful hinge finishes.
4. PRIVACY AND SECURITY
Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are designed to provide maximum privacy and security, making them an ideal option for both apartments and larger homes. They also act as a barrier to external noise, making them ideal for homes located on busy roads.
5. NON-TOXIC
Made from a non-toxic polyresin compound, Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters have been tested and are GREENGUARD® Gold certified to meet strict certification criteria for low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions and are acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities (IEQ-11). This makes them the ideal solution for all households, especially those with young children.
6. DURABLE AND MADE TO LAST
Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters are made from an advanced polyresin compound that makes them durable and easy to clean. Ink, crayon and other staining agents don’t tend to stay on the smooth surface and in most cases, blemishes can be removed by merely wiping them down with a soft damp cloth. Our traditional, non-motorised shutters can also be easily detached from the window by a single person within seconds and can be simply cleaned with warm soapy water.
While ‘curb appeal’ is a term only typically used by real estate agents or property developers, the concept is one that resonates with many home owners. Being proud of your home’s aesthetic – and the way it looks to passers-by – can be a key priority for many people.
Despite this, when choosing window coverings, it’s easy for exterior windows to be forgotten entirely – with awnings often added as an after-thought, or in a second design ‘phase’.
In reality, choosing stylish and modern awnings for your exterior windows can give your home’s aesthetic a significant boost. Here’s why it’s important to prioritise the outside of your home from the outset:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUN PROTECTION
Your choice of window coverings can play a key role in keeping your home more energy efficient year round. This is particularly the case in summer, where direct sunlight flows into the inside of your home – trapped by the windows as radiant heat.
By shielding your windows with an outdoor awning you can reduce your overall cooling energy costs, and make your interiors more comfortable and temperate year round.
The standard Luxaflex® Evo Awning system is easy to use, and owners can have the ability to link up to three side-by-side awnings that can be controlled from one location – through the use of either manual crank operation or motorised options such as Merger® Solar Motors.
Merger Solar Motors combine cutting-edge patented power management electronics with an integrated battery receiver unit. The awning is powered by a solar battery, and as little as 2-3 hours of direct sunlight is required for several days’ operation.
SLEEK, SOPHISTICATED LOOK
Today, there are seemingly endless options to choose from with regards to exterior blinds and awnings.
Our awnings have the ability to fit spaces of all shapes and sizes and are suitable for a wide range of exterior settings, from terraces and patios to large entertaining areas. This includes folding arm, straight drop and pivot arm style systems
DESIGNED FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS
The Luxaflex® Contemporary Series of Awnings is a modern collection of Folding Arm, Straight Drop and Pivot Arm style awning systems. Designed for the Australian home and modern living, they provide function and fashion for the exterior of your home.
The Luxaflex® Timeless Collection of Awnings feature styles that are classically elegant for a more traditional home.
With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think about adding an awning to your home’s exterior.
Outdoor awnings can be a great way to give outdoor spaces like patios, decks or terraces a new lease of life – offering all-important protection from the sun, wind and rain. They can also add an element of sophistication and style.
If you’re contemplating an awning for your home, here are some key things to consider:
DO YOU ALREADY HAVE OUTDOOR WINDOW COVERINGS?
When choosing the style and layout of your awning, it’s important to ensure it complements the look of any external window coverings you already have – as well as the general colour, look and style of your home. Think carefully about how all of your coverings will work together. You may even wish to consider replacing existing coverings to create a new look overall.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE YOUR ENTERTAINING SPACE?
Not all outdoor spaces need covering all of the time. You may, for instance, want an awning that can simply be used during the middle of the day when the sun is at its brightest. If you’re looking for this level of flexibility, our Luxaflex®Folding Arm Awnings are a great option.
These awnings retract – or can be extended – quickly and easily, to instantly transform an outdoor area. Some of our folding awning models even have the option of added heating and lighting, so you can entertain year-round, day or night. If you’re looking for an all-weather solution, you can also opt for integrated rain hoods, or a variable valance which you can adjust to suit the sun’s position. There’s also the option of adding a wind protection system, which can significantly increase your awning’s wind resistance.
HOW DURABLE DOES YOUR AWNING NEED TO BE?
We also offer a range of options depending on the level of durability which you will require. You may, for instance, live in an area that’s frequently subject to strong ocean winds, or which lacks any natural shade.
If you’re looking for toughness and durability, Luxaflex® Metal Louvre Awnings are highly effective in providing privacy, light control and airflow for fairly exposed balconies or outdoor areas.
The Luxaflex’® System 2000 Awning is another option that’s often chosen for its durability. This awning won a prestigious Australian Design Award for its robust materials, ergonomic function, and the fact it is engineered to last in tough Australian conditions.
HOW MANY STOREYS DOES YOUR HOME HAVE?
If your home is set over multiple storeys – and you want to add various awnings – you’ll also need to think about which options are available for the different levels of your home.
Luxaflex® System 2000 Awnings are also a great choice for multi-storey buildings as the range includes different modes of operation, with the same visual look and feel. The System 2000 Pivot Arm Awning can be operated from inside the house by gear, tape or rope, or can be motorised. This makes it ideal for second- or third-storey windows that can’t be reached from the ground level. By contrast, the System 2000 Lock Arm Awning is suitable for ground-floor windows as it allows a basic adjustment by hand or a pull stick.
WOULD A STRAIGHT-DROP AWNING WORK FOR YOUR SPACE?
In recent years, the Luxaflex® Straight Drop Awning has become a very popular inclusion in many new homes. Unlike traditional awnings which ‘float’ horizontally above a space, a straight-drop awning runs vertically – providing a shaded ‘wall’ for your outdoor spaces. This can be a great option for areas where space is at a premium.
The Australian-designed Luxaflex® Evo Awning series is a very popular and striking straight-drop option, and represents the latest in design, styling and functionality. This range includes six models and comes in a selection of beautiful fabrics to shade your home – all featuring famous high quality Luxaflex materials and smooth operating systems.
Within this range, there’s also the option of the Evo MagnaTrack Awning – a particularly sophisticated model which uses the power of rare earth Neodymium Magnets within the side channels to hold the fabric in place. This awning provides a smooth flat finish with unparalleled strength. The Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack Awning with a 3.5m opening span has been independently tested to withstand wind pressures up to 185kph^ by James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station, making it Australia’s strongest, wind tested, straight drop awning.
CAN YOUR AWNING BE MORE OF A PERMANENT FIXTURE?
If you’re looking for an awning that can stay as a permanent fixture – for instance, above a front or back door, we also have some ideal Luxaflex solutions.
Luxaflex® Fixed Metal Awnings are made from aluminium and provide perfect shading for patios, verandahs, external windows and doors. Luxaflex® Canopy Awnings can be used to add some traditional charm. These classic-style awnings also come in a range of styles and colours.
^ Report No. TS1166 of James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station, College of Science and Engineering dated 12 March 2020.
Despite the Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack Awning’s performance in high wind loads, it is recommended that all awnings be retracted during wet or high wind conditions.
If your home needs a facelift after a long, wet winter, window coverings can be a great place to start. While every home is unique, here are a few fresh options you may want to consider:
GIVE LIFE TO OUTDOOR SPACES WITH AN AWNING
As the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, the idea of using outdoor spaces becomes more enticing. However, without sufficient protection from the elements, outdoor spaces can often remain under-utilised.
We offer a wide range of outdoor awnings to cover terraces, patios, verandas or decks. Luxaflex® Folding Arm Awnings are always a very popular option as they offer the ultimate in flexibility and control – and can be retracted when not in use.
If space is at a premium, or you’re looking for something a little different, you may want to consider a Luxaflex® Straight Drop Awning. Unlike traditional awnings which ‘float’ horizontally above a space, a straight-drop awning runs vertically – providing a shaded ‘wall’ for your outdoor spaces.
LET AIR FLOW THROUGH YOUR HOME WITH SHUTTERS
As the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer, the idea of using outdoor spaces becomes more enticing. However, without sufficient protection from the elements, outdoor spaces can often remain under-utilised.
We offer a wide range of outdoor awnings to cover terraces, patios, verandas or decks. Luxaflex® Folding Arm Awnings are always a very popular option as they offer the ultimate in flexibility and control – and can be retracted when not in use.
If space is at a premium, or you’re looking for something a little different, you may want to consider a Luxaflex® Straight Drop Awning. Unlike traditional awnings which ‘float’ horizontally above a space, a straight-drop awning runs vertically – providing a shaded ‘wall’ for your outdoor spaces.
LAYER YOUR LIVING SPACES FOR ADDED STYLE
A quick and easy way to freshen up your home’s interiors is with some smart and stylish layering. By adding a sheer curtain on top of blinds, for instance, you can instantly add a sense of luxury and sophistication.
“Layering window coverings with a soft sheer curtain adds a beautiful softness, movement and texture to the room,” says Neale Whitaker, Luxaflex Brand Ambassador.
Neale recommends starting with Luxaflex® Pirouette® Shadings or Luxaflex® Duette® Shades as the ‘base layer’, and then adding Luxaflex® Curtains to:
Make a decorative statement Add depth, dimension or drama Frame the window to create an illusion of height Add softness and warmth to the space.
FIND SMART, NEW WAYS TO LOWER YOUR COOLING COSTS
As Australian summers get increasingly hotter and more humid, many people are seeking smart, new ways to keep their energy costs under control. Window coverings play a very important role in this.
While all of Luxaflex’s window coverings have been designed with energy efficiency and thermal control in mind, our Luxaflex® Duette® Shades are leading the way. These highly innovative shades have a unique honeycomb ‘cell’ structure that traps air and acts as an insulation barrier for windows
The Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® range features a unique honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb cell construction which creates four fabric layers and three insulating pockets of air. These smart air pockets can reduce a home’s heating costs by up to 43%1.
If you want to know more about how you can use Luxaflex window coverings to keep your home cool this summer, be sure to speak with a Luxaflex consultant.
MAKE THE MOST OF NATURAL LIGHT
There’s nothing like natural light to make your home feel bright, fresh and breezy. Light-filled interiors also have several benefits for our wellbeing. According to the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association, sunlight can boost the brain’s release of serotonin, associated with boosting mood and helping us feel calm and focused, as well as help prevent and treat a range of diseases and conditions. It’s also vital in regulating our circadian rhythm – the body’s internal clock that signals when to be alert and when to rest.
Updating your window coverings can play a central role in making the most of natural light in your home. This could involve:
Replacing fixed blinds or shutters with an easily adjustable option – such as the Luxaflex® Duette® Shades which have a smart ‘top-down-bottom-up’ feature. Updating heavy, ‘block-out’ style shutters or drapes with lighter, more transparent options – such as Luxaflex® Luminette® Privacy Sheers or Luxaflex® Silhouette® Shadings. Adding automated control with ultra-quiet PowerView® Motorisation , which allows you to lift your shades or pull back your curtains with a remote control or even your smartphone at the touch of a button.