Outdoor Living

Patio Blinds

How to Improvise Cheap Patio Blinds

In the springtime, this older woman’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of stepping stones and other outdoor paraphernalia. According to the powers that be, we no longer have mere balconies or decks or patios, we have outdoor “rooms.” The aim is to carry on your indoor decorating style outdoors. It’s an appealing idea but a bit daunting to those of us with no money in the kitty to replace the green plastic table and chairs with wrought iron patio furniture.

Still, all is not lost. With a few dollars and a smidgen of creativity, you can make your balcony/deck/patio an inviting place to entertain or simply while away sunny hours watching the birds and squirrels. If, like me, your favorite place in the sun gets too hot to handle at a certain time of day, this might work for you, as well.

These beach mat blinds are super easy to install and, at a buck a piece, hard to beat for price. Simply use garden variety tacks, (also available at dollar stores) to nail your mat to the wood on the inside of the patio overhang. Make sure that the tacks go through the colored trim, or you might get some shredding and ensure that the end with the tie goes at the top.

When you are finished using your blinds, simply roll them up and fasten them with the attached strings. I found the ties on these mats a tad skimpy so I bought some decorative tassel ties. Shoe laces may do just as well. It’s always a good idea to keep your makeshift blinds rolled up when not in use to protect them from inclement weather, playful pets and creatures that may come prowling at night.