#sun louvre

I’m back with another update on my quest to tame the unforgiving Wellington sun glare (and occasionally ferocious winds) without sacrificing the style of my indoor jungle. 

Since my last blog post, I’ve come across two main contenders: sun louvres and fabric blinds. Picking between the two has been trickier than I expected, especially when you factor in aesthetics, functionality, and good old Kiwi weather.

My best mate—who lives a few suburbs over—recently decided on fabric blinds for their house. They went for that airy, linen look which fits right into their Hamptons-inspired décor. 

One big plus was how easy the blind installation process was; they even got them motorised, so raising or lowering them is a matter of pressing a button (no more tangling cords around a cat or child!). My mate also liked the variety of shade fabric selection out there, meaning they could filter the sun just enough without plunging their living area into total darkness. It’s a good option if you want quick relief from glare, and it’s relatively straightforward compared to more extensive solutions like some architectural shading setups.

So, why am I hesitating? Well, while fabric blinds are excellent for interior comfort, I’ve realised I also need something that can handle the wild outdoors. I’ve got a small courtyard where I love to entertain, and I’m keen on eventually creating an outdoor living space that’s both functional and stylish. Fabric blinds would handle sun control indoors, sure—but might not stand up to the wind as well if I used them in an exterior sun shade capacity. I’ve seen a few outdoor blinds around town, and they can be pretty effective, but I’m a bit iffy on how they’d cope with Welly’s gusts unless they’re really robust.

Cue an innovative sun control solution—sun louvres, which I’ve discovered can be part of a broader sun control system for both indoors and out. They’re a more permanent fixture, often installed on the exterior of your home. I love that they can be angled to let in or keep out sunlight, helping regulate temperature and glare without giving up my lovely garden view. They also look quite modern, which suits my preference for clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic. Plus, they can integrate seamlessly with custom blinds indoors if I decide I need an extra layer of shading.

Now, I’ll admit: sun louvres aren’t the cheapest option on the block, and the process might be more involved than simply hanging up fabric blinds. But after chatting with a specialist at Louvretec NZ (recommended by a friend who’s as obsessed with home styling as I am), I’m starting to think the investment might be worth it. 

They explained how the louvres are designed to withstand wind while still letting the breeze flow through—perfect for ventilation in our sometimes-stuffy work-from-home environment. I also learned that sun louvres can help my home become more energy-efficient. I’ll read more about this, and I’ll share what I find here!

At this point, I’m weighing up the simplicity of fabric blinds versus the versatility of sun louvres. Both have their perks, and I’m still in the decision-making phase. 

I’ve been wanting to start this blog for ages, and now that I’m working from home full-time, I figure it’s the perfect time to document my decorating adventures here in Wellington. 

I’m not really expecting anything from this blog.

These are just the ramblings of a bored individual who wants to share their thoughts out into the world. And if you’ve found my blog, welcome. Not much goes on around here, just a few of the things I’ll find in relation to keeping my home comfortable!

But I’m not just keeping my home comfy for myself… You might say my style obsession goes hand in hand with my love for houseplants—I’m forever chasing that ideal mix of function and flair. 

Lately, though, I’ve hit a bit of a snag: sun glare.

Let me explain. 

My home office has these huge windows that let in natural light—great for my plants and, admittedly, my mood. But around midday, the sun beams straight into the room, reflecting off my computer screen and making it nearly impossible to see what I’m doing. If that weren’t enough, the infamous Welly winds rattle the windows like nobody’s business. On breezy days, I’m practically chasing my documents around the room if I dare to open a window for fresh air.

So, I’m on a mission to find shade solutions that tackle both the glare and the gusts. After considering options like custom blinds or heavy curtains (which block the view of my garden and my lovely monstera plants) and even tinted glass (not quite the aesthetic I’m after), I discovered an innovative, game-changing solution: sun louvres.

These architectural features not only control light and heat but are mounted outside to block harsh rays before they hit the windows. They offer sleek, modern style while providing exceptional weather protection—perfect for handling the fierce sideways Wellington wind.

Digging deeper, I discovered that sun louvres can be adjusted depending on the season. So, in winter, they let in more sunlight to help warm up indoor spaces, but in summer, they block the blaze. It’s a bit like having an exterior sunshade you can fine-tune. I’ve even read that you can angle them to preserve your view or maintain privacy without turning the house into a cave.

For a plant lover like me, that might mean my leafy friends still get a decent amount of natural light—just not the scorching midday sun that has me squinting all day long.

I also found out that these louvres can be installed around outdoor living spaces, which is tempting—imagine how cosy it’d be to have a sheltered nook for a cuppa, even on a blustery Kiwi afternoon. I’ve started talking to different local providers to see who can tailor sun control systems to my specific needs.

One place that came up in my research was Louvretec NZ (my cousin swears by them), and I’m keen to learn more about how their options stack up against other companies.

Of course, sun louvres aren’t the only game in town. I’m still eyeing up other architectural shading ideas and considering if a simple set of exterior sunshades might do the trick. But as I dive deeper into this home styling journey, I realise how crucial it is to balance aesthetics, comfort, and functionality—especially when my workday depends on all three.

So, that’s the first big hurdle on my to-do list. 

Stay tuned as I keep exploring new ways to keep the glare (and wind!) in check while still giving my plants the light they need and my home the vibe I love.