Shade for freedom
Everyone loves the carefree spaciousness of umbrella shading. The inviting span of a large umbrella canopy makes you feel instantly free, relaxed and happy. Outdoor architectural umbrellas are a favourite choice for shaded alfresco eating, or creating a poolside or garden gazebo ambience.

Shade for Life outdoor umbrellas offer an instant and affordable shade solution for your family home, holiday house or business.

• Outdoor architectural umbrellas are a perfect permanent shade solution for when you need outdoor room atmosphere instead of building a pergola structure.
  • Architectural umbrellas are a fully fixed column and canopy solution
  • Made to measure to your needs
  • Available in a choice of canopy shapes such as square, rectangular and hexagonal
  • PVC coated canopy has a 100% UV stabilised, waterproof, fire-resistant, anti-fungal and easy to clean PVDF finish
  • Add heating and PVC café blinds for an instant outdoor room
  • Link umbrellas together for even greater coverage in adaptable configurations
• Retracting Umbrellas are a fixed column but collapsible canopy umbrella solution
  • Ideal for courtyard dining or backyard shading, when you need the freedom to choose an easily affordable outdoor shading option
  • Made to measure to your needs
  • Available in a choice of canopy shapes such as square, rectangular and hexagonal
  • PVC coated canopy has a 100% UV stabilised, waterproof, fire-resistant, anti-fungal and easy to clean PVDF finish

Shade for Life is your hospitality shading experts
Commercial architectural umbrellas are designed for businesses that require a permanent and robust standalone shading solution. Perfect for locations where a retractable pergola or folding arm awnings are not an option. Our expert consultants will custom design a stand-out solution to maximise your available space. Book in for a measure and quote today.

Options include:

• Add heating under the canopy for all-weather comfort
• Create an outdoor room by fitting PVC café blinds to create ‘walls’ on fixed umbrellas
• Mount attractive LED lighting bars on umbrella arms, or simpler LED spotlights to columns to create a perfect outdoor area ambience
• Combat rain and control water run off with internal or perimeter guttering
• Cantilever or side post umbrellas allow for freedom of movement and the flexibility to swivel 360° for all day sun protection

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Shade for power

EVB or exterior venetian blinds are the optimum shade system for expanses of glass walls or windows. Shade for Life offers a strong and striking range of EVBs that promise advanced design, modern living, privacy, sun-control, and will fulfil your desire for individual style.

Attractive form meets flexible function

• Restore shading order to older buildings designed before sustainable thinking was popular
• Integrate into your architectural design for functional advantage and energy-efficiency

Exterior Venetian Blinds give you the power to rule the sun

Power over sunlight – incrementally adjustable and retractable aluminium slats eliminate glare, maximise internal light throughout the day and allow external views

Power over heat – high-performance technology creates your ideal atmosphere. EVB’s control how the sun meets glazed surfaces to keep harsh summer heat out or allow cosy passive warmth in during winter

Power over rising energy-bills – sustainable thinking has created an exterior shade system that is growing in popularity as the most effective shading solution for our Australian climate

Power over privacy – easily create the privacy you desire without compromising on sunlight

Power over easy living – wireless and remote control technology integrates with CBUS and Building Management Systems for easy, intuitive operation

Capitalise on the latest technology

• European technology supports Aussie manufacturing and know-how
• Stove enamelled aluminium slats are scratch, shock and corrosion resistant
• Marine grade stainless steel wire cables
• Designed for enhanced wind stability
• Adaptable to a variety of buildings – choose combinations of Wire Guided, Side-Pins/Channels or Double Pinning
• Environmentally friendly home cooling – saves up to 25% on electricity and air-conditioning costs, plus reduces sun damage to floors, curtains and furnishings

Shade for tranquillity

If you are looking for a shade product that is extra special, then consider an outside skylight blind. A skylight blind is a horizontal shading system that can be mounted above any outdoor structure. Shade for Life skylight blinds will bring a contemporary touch of romance, flair and beauty to your abode.

• Create soothing conservatory living with blinds that self-adjust to changes in light
• Add pleasing shade protection above skylights while allowing cooling air to circulate underneath
• A superb choice for automated shade cover of flat, sloped or A-frame pergolas
• Easily join units together for an elegant seamless look

Skylight blinds are a boutique outdoor shade system custom-made to complement your special areas. Their fully motorised operation maintains constant tension for ease of operation. Appreciate the good life while you shelter in tranquillity.

Invest in quality that shows

• Constant Tension on fabric and front rail allows full or partial cover
• High quality finishes and modern styling
• Designed to be durable, corrosion resistant and low maintenance
• Hi-Tech purpose designed Spectra Cord
• Some models can run corners up to 90 degrees – ideal for A frame roofing
• Optional gutter system keeps away light rains
• Automatic wind-sun sensor adjusts to weather changes
• Integrate frame and gutters
• Motorisation provides full control at the touch of a button

Shade for Everyday

Instantly add traditional value to your home by installing affordable, strong and versatile retractable awnings from Shade for Life. You can express yourself with a range of colours to blend in or complement the colour scheme of your home. Retractable Awnings are popular due to their range of economical price points and practical shading protection. Smart for when you want to stop the sun hitting your windows, save money on cooling and add everyday street appeal.

Choose from Dropdown Pivot Arm, Auto and Straight Drop Awnings …

Dropdown Pivot Arm Awnings

Dropdown Pivot Arm Awnings provide charming and traditional sun and heat protection for upper and lower floor windows and doorways.

Instantly add traditional value to your home by installing affordable, strong and versatile Dropdown Pivot Arm Awnings from Shade for Life. Choose to extend your awning partially or fully, depending on how the sun moves around your building, and leave windows open as desired for air circulation. Select a sheer fabric to retain your view, or an opaque fabric to provide complete privacy and protection. Also suitable for high-wind locations.

S2000 Pivot Arm
System 2000 is the latest innovation in flexible awnings. The S2000 Pivot Arm is suitable for upper floor and doorways and combines perfectly with System 2000 Auto Awnings for ground floor application, so you can achieve a seamless, contemporary look that adds value to your home.

Choose Dropdown Pivot Arm Awnings when you need:

• Affordable and elegant shading for upper floor windows or doorways – motorisation is available
• An attractive awning that is safe and easy to use – great for seniors, singles and young families
• European precision-engineering built to last in Australian conditions
• Environmentally friendly home cooling – saves up to 25% on electricity and air-conditioning costs, plus reduces sun damage to floors, curtains and furnishings

Shade for Life 10 Point Checklist – Dropdown Pivot Arm Awning

1. Professional design advice and flexible custom made options – Yes
2. Reliable installation and service – Yes
3. Made to reduce UVA and UVB rays, heat, glare and sun damage – Yes
4. Fabric Colours – choose from a range of opaque or sheer fabrics
5. Dimensions – Inclination from flat to 155°. Projection 0.8 to 1.5 Width 2-5m. Coverage up to 15m².
6. Wind rated – Yes to 50km/h
7. Manual or motorised operation – Yes
8. High-grade powder coated aluminium in a range of colours – Yes
9. Fabric fully protected inside cassette housing when retracted – Yes
10. Manufacturers’ Warranty – Yes

Auto Awnings

Auto Awnings are made to work hard and withstand Australian heat all summer long and are a natural choice for homeowners on a budget. The iconic and easy to use design is adjustable to manage changing sun angles throughout the year.

• The minimal close-fitting projection of an auto awning is handy for ground floor windows where space is limited
• Easy to use self-locking arms can be adjusted by hand or by pull stick
• The awning retracts into its headbox when not in use, protecting it from wear and tear

S2000 Auto Awning

System 2000 Awnings allow for consistent and attractive visual appeal for two-storey homes. Use S2000 Lock Arms for ground level windows and the S2000 Pivot Arms for upper levels that require scope for extra ventilation.

Choose Auto Awnings when you need:

• Easily affordable, traditional shading for ground floor windows or doorways where space is limited
• An attractive awning that is safe and easy to use – great for seniors, singles and young families
• European precision-engineering built to last in Australian conditions
• A wide choice of fabric and powder-coated colours and fabric types, including canvas and acrylic
• Environmentally friendly home cooling – saves up to 25% on electricity and air-conditioning costs, plus reduces sun damage to floors, curtains and furnishings

Straight Drop Awning

Straight Drop Awnings are your economic first-choice when space is tight but you still need to look after your family by controlling privacy and sun protection on your verandah or balcony.

Straight Drop options include:

• Automatic spring loaded awnings that use straps to hold the blind in place
• Easy to use rope and pulley systems
• System 2000 straight drop that offers a motorisation option or a rope spool system, and can be customised to span larger windows or doorways

Choose Auto Awnings when you need:

• Economy shading for covered decks, verandahs and balconies where space is limited
• European precision-engineering built to last in Australian conditions
• Environmentally friendly home cooling – saves up to 25% on electricity and air-conditioning costs, plus reduces sun damage to floors, curtains and furnishings

Shade for Life 10 Point Checklist – Auto and Straight Drop Awnings 

1. Professional design advice and flexible custom made options – Yes
2. Reliable installation and service – Yes
3. Made to reduce UVA and UVB rays, heat, glare and sun damage – Yes
4. Fabric Colours – choose from a range of opaque or sheer fabrics
5. Dimensions – customised sizes up to 5.4m x 2.7m
6. Wind rated – Yes up to 50km
7. Manual or motorised operation – Motorised for System 2000 only
8. High-grade powder coated aluminium – Yes
9. Fabric fully protected inside cassette housing when retracted – Yes for Auto Awnings
10. Manufacturers’ Warranty – Yes

Shade for Your Lifestyle

A Shade for Life folding arm awning is superb for when you want to enjoy the warmth of a sunny day but not UV and glare. Light rain and night air will be kept at bay, as you relax in spacious, timeless style. Our professional advice and quality installation will transform your patio, deck, balcony, verandah, or pool area from drab to delightful! Claim your perfect lifestyle today.

Choose from Open Roll, Full Cassette, Semi Cassette Awning, Oversquare or Variable Pitch Control folding arm awnings…

Shade for All Seasons

At last, you can put an outdoor roof over your head with Shade for Life top-end retractable systems at Melbourne’s most attractive prices. Retractable Pergola Systems (also called retractable roof systems) are the latest must-have trend for creating a distinctive outdoor room.

• You can’t control the weather, but you can control your lifestyle – get a climate advantage and put the power in your hands with jam-free remote control operation.
• Precision engineering and architectural quality at an attractive price – sophisticated European know-how and Aussie smarts combine to offer you innovative technology for your price point.
• Add value to your home – a smart investment in your home that will be enjoyed for years, and return tenfold over time. Add lighting, timber cladding, vertical blinds and heating as desired.
• A Shade for Life retractable pergola system is just like a roof, but better! – As Australia’s market leaders, Shade for Life is ahead in attention to detail, service, price and quality.
• Need plans, permits, lighting or design advice? – Ask us how, we have over 10 years of experience and a reputation that you can rely on.

Explore our quality range of retractable systems today….