Whether you have a large deck or a compact balcony, your outdoor living space is probably an important and frequently used area of your home. Australians tend to treat their outdoor living spaces as an extra room in the home, and creating a comfortable and attractive environment is something that is given a lot of time and consideration.

A popular addition to a deck or balcony is outdoor blinds. They serve many of the same functions as interior blinds and help to create shade, privacy and the right look for the space. Here are three stylish and practical outdoor blind styles that you might like to consider for your outdoor living space.

1. Roller blinds

External roller blinds operate on exactly the same principle as indoor blinds, rolling up or down on a spool that can be manually or mechanically operated. Unlike the indoor version, outdoor roller blinds are made from durable material that's resistant to water and weather damage.

Roller blinds are unobtrusive, streamlined and minimalist, and they're perfect for smaller spaces. The type of material you choose will depend on your needs. Privacy, UV protection and insulation are all concerns that can be managed with the right roller blind selection.

2. Panel glide blinds

Panel glide blinds aren't as commonly known as roller blinds, but they're becoming an increasingly popular option for both indoor and outdoor use. The fixed panel frames are covered in your material of choice and are opened and closed by sliding them along tracks located along the floor and the ceiling of the desired area.

Like roller blinds, panel glide blinds are sleek and take up a minimal amount of your outdoor living space. They may appeal to you if you are looking for a more refined and contemporary design for your deck or balcony.

3. Cellular shades

Cellular shades are an excellent choice if you live in a colder region and want to be able to enjoy your outdoor living space all year round. The material is designed to have small air pockets within the cellular structure which act as an effective insulator against escaping heat and penetrating cold.

Cellular shades can be installed using a variety of different operating systems, including rollers and panel glides. They also come in a great range of colours, pleat sizes and transparency levels, which make them an excellent choice for adding some design flair and uniqueness to your outdoor living space.