Blinds

Combine style and functionality in your home with the right window furnishings

Like most inventions throughout time, blinds were devised to serve a functional purpose—to regulate light ingress and to provide privacy—with the first such product likely to be an animal skin draped across the opening of a dwelling.

There are various options available when it comes to window coverings, and blinds are no exception with a diverse range of styles, materials and operable solutions available. If you’re not sure where to start, or how to choose the best blinds to transform your room, make sure you understand the basics. Here are our top tips to find the perfect blinds for your home or building.

Measuring up - inside or outside the window frame

In most cases, blinds can either be fitted inside the frame or outside it. Generally, if you’re pairing blinds with curtains, it’s best to fit blinds inside the window frame so they are flush with the outside of the frame and allow curtains to be pulled over the top without catching on the blinds. This style of fixing is also often the best choice for smaller rooms where wall space is limited. For larger rooms, blinds that sit outside the window frame can be the best choice. This style of fitting allows for more light to be blocked. 

Once you’ve decided on where the blinds will be fixed, the next thing to consider is which side the pulley will be placed. This is important if any other element in the room may hinder easy access to operate the blinds - if manually operable blinds are chosen.

Roller blinds

Roller blinds are some of the most cost-effective and well-used blinds in New Zealand. They are operated by a simple cord and can easily be made to fit custom spaces. Roller blinds are generally used in more informal settings or offices.

Roman blinds

Roman blinds are a more formal option in comparison to simple roller blinds. Most Roman blinds are crafted with fabric and are operated with a pulley, which when opened moves the blinds into horizontal pleats. Roman blinds are available in ready-made options but are also commonly made to measure. 

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds offer a different aesthetic again. Venetian blinds are slatted and generally made from timber, plastic or metal. Commonly used for high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, Venetian blinds are also useful for areas where filtering of light is important as the slats can be angled to let in or block out light as desired. 

Vertical blinds

Commonly used for areas of extensive glazing such as floor-to-ceiling windows, vertical blinds offer a unique aesthetic often linked with summer spaces and casual beachside living. Vertical blinds generally slide to the side and stack when opened. 

Honeycomb blinds

Also known as cellular blinds, honeycomb blinds are a versatile option for window coverings. Made up of cellular or honeycomb-shaped sections that create a textural element when closed, honeycomb blinds are generally operated with a simple cord system and can be custom-made or ready-made to suit standard window sizes.

Blackout and thermal blinds.

Blackout blinds are made of a material that blocks out light and is generally specified when complete darkness is required. Often chosen for bedrooms and for rooms in houses where surrounding light pollution is an issue, blackout blinds allow for the creation of dark, private spaces. Similarly, thermal blinds offer another insulating element to the home or building, helping to retain warmth and maintain an ambient temperature indoors. Combined with other heating and ventilation systems, thermal blinds can have a significant impact on the overall thermal performance of a home or building. 

Automated blinds

Automated blinds offer a new world of possibilities in terms of both function and control. Depending on the level of automation required or specified, motorised blinds can be programmed to open and close at certain times of the day, or can be programmed to automatically open or shut when a room reaches a certain temperature. In many cases, blinds can be operated remotely from a smartphone or app, allowing for a sense of privacy to be created before returning to a home or to create the illusion that someone is home. Automated blinds can be specified in various formats - perhaps its patio blinds, custom blinds or external shutters - smart home automation can be linked to all types of blinds and shutters. 

How to decide on the best blinds to suit the décor

If a decision to go with blinds has been made, the next step is to select the style of blind – and there is a wide range to choose from, including:

• Roman

• Venetian

• Wooden

• Motorised

• Honeycomb

Another consideration is how best to complement the functional use of the space they will be installed in – for example, in a conservatory, fully retractable roller blinds may be preferred while waterproof vertical blinds may work well in bathrooms. Patio blinds offer shade and privacy to an outdoor space, but durability and ease of cleaning will be considerations here.