A Buyer’s Guide To Window Coverings In New Zealand

With each window covering comes a new set of pros and cons. Some allow for maximum light protection but offer little air flow. Others are pros at air flow and yet do little to protect us from the weather outdoors. Depending on your needs and the atmosphere you are hoping to achieve in a room, the window covering you choose may differ. Today we will explore your options so that you can choose the best one for you.

Curtains

PROS: Many sustainable curtain options; can provide a luxurious or ultra-modern feel; can offer nearly maximum light protection

CONS:  Upkeep can be costly and troublesome; suffer more wear and tear than other types of window coverings

Curtains are the classic type of window covering. Whether it is heavy drapes you choose, a light, breezy curtain or a pairing of the two, they can offer a fair amount of light and air control in the home. What makes them even more attractive today are the number of floral and folk inspired prints and sustainable options which are available on the market.

Roller Blinds

PROS: Affordable; choice of transparencies; come in a myriad of colours

CONS: May not be suitable for the atmosphere of all rooms

The most popular and also the most affordable type of blind are roller blinds in NZ. Though the classic roller blinds were used just to block out any source of outdoor lighting, the roller blinds of today come in a variety of transparencies. This means that you can choose how much you want to be blocked and when. The blinds also come in a variety of colours and textures, making it easy for homeowners or interior designers to incorporate these basic or foundational blinds into any home.

Vertical Blinds:

PROS: Diverse; attractive; can control airflow

CONS: Prone to breakage; can be unattractive to some

The traditional vertical blind is not very appealing. Back in the day, this type of blind was made of aluminium and was usually seen in boring office spaces (which is likely why many cringe when they hear the words “vertical blinds”). They are also typically controlled by a wand or single cord which, while efficient, can be easily broken.

With that said, vertical blinds are the second most popular blind because of the array of selection which we are treated to today. They now come in a variety of materials, colours, textures, and can be rolled up in a number of different ways to suit your home.

Sliding Panel Blinds

PROS: Diverse applications; bring a unique visual appeal to the home

CONS: Prone to damage; can be difficult to clean; the stack of the treatment can become very large and take up a lot of space

One of the newest types of blinds to become popular recently are sliding panel blinds. Sliding panel blinds are incredibly diverse. This type of blind can be used as a “screen” for doors and windows though it has also commonly been used as a room divider or even as a closet door. Available in a variety of different colours, fabrics and transparencies, this type of blind can be a great option for almost any home (though homes with children or pets may have a hard time maintaining them).