Coastal Comfort Covered with Harlequin Blinds and Security
From breezy blinds to bold security solutions, Harlequin Blinds and Security has you covered. John Caruso explores the essentials for a stylish and secure coastal home.
As we continue to experience soaring temperatures and unpredictable weather, making the right choices for your home’s blinds and security screens is more important than ever. Thirty-degree days are becoming more common so it’s clear our summers are getting hotter and longer, highlighting the need for smart, durable solutions to combat the elements to make your home cooler and more comfortable. Marilyn Black, who, along with her husband Julian, has been running Harlequin Blinds and Security since the 1990s, understands the unique challenges coastal residents face.
“Our summers are getting longer and more intense,” she says, “so there’s a need to think about what kind of blinds and screens will best suit your home.”
For those looking to enjoy the view while blocking out the harsh sun, Marilyn has an excellent option.
“A sunscreen awning lets you see the view, but blocks about 80-95% of the sun,” she said. “You still get airflow without compromising protection and these awnings are especially useful for outdoor spaces like patios and balconies, where maintaining a cool, comfortable environment is key.
Inside the home, Marilyn suggests combining roller blinds with sheer curtains.
“Sheers provide privacy without cutting off the view, while a block-out blind or thicker roller blind can help manage the heat when needed,” she advises. “We’re seeing a trend towards thicker woven fabrics for sheers as they’re still lightweight but provide an extra layer of durability.”
There’s a growing trend towards natural fabrics and earthy tones, but practicality remains a top priority and Marilyn says that durability is the key when selecting fabrics for our coastal environment.
“For me, polyester is a great choice for local homes,” she said. “It’s more durable for our climate, while linen might be popular in cooler climates, in the Sunshine Coast we want the linen look with the strength and durability of a polyester fabric.
“Polyester has a great range of choice in styles and colours and it is less prone to wrinkling and typically a lower cost.
Beyond aesthetics, security is a major consideration for coastal residents and Harlequin Blinds and Security is known for its high-quality stainless steel security doors and windows.
But, as Marilyn points out, regular maintenance is crucial.
“Salt air is corrosive and it gets into everything. If you don’t look after it, the salt will cause damage, just like with a car,” she says. “Even stainless steel, which we use for our security doors, needs to be maintained to prevent corrosion.”
To ensure longevity, it’s important to clean stainless steel chains and wash down screens regularly.
“We use stainless steel chains on our roller blinds because they’re more durable, but they still need to be wiped down,” she says. “If you want less maintenance, plastic chains are a good alternative, but most people love the look of stainless steel.”
Motorisation is also becoming more popular, especially for homes with large windows or outdoor areas.
“Motorised blinds and awnings are great for larger homes or sun-facing windows,” she says. “You can control them with the touch of a button, making it easy to adjust light and airflow without leaving your seat.”
One of the most in-demand products at Harlequin Blinds and Security is Zipscreen which is ideal for patios and balconies.
“Zipscreens slide into tracks and provide excellent sun and wind protection without obstructing the view,” she says. “They’re manual and motorised and very popular with people looking to enjoy outdoor living without being exposed to the elements.”
With over 30 years of experience, Marilyn and Julian Black have built a solid reputation for quality and expertise. Their long-standing presence on the Sunshine Coast gives them a unique understanding of the region’s specific challenges.
“We’ve been in the industry since the ‘90s, so we’ve seen it all,” Marilyn says.
“Whether it’s helping you choose the right fabric to withstand the elements or recommending a security system that keeps your home safe while maintaining aesthetics, we’ve got the experience and local knowledge to ensure you get the best solution.”
Investing in durable, well-designed blinds and security solutions is more important than ever. With Harlequin Blinds and Security, you can trust that you’re in good hands, backed by decades of experience and a commitment to helping you embrace the coastal lifestyle while protecting your home.
