If your winter power bills leave you wincing, you’re not alone in Aotearoa. With cold winters and homes that often rely on older glazing, staying warm can be a challenge. What you might not realise is just how much your windows are costing you in lost energy.
In New Zealand, up to 50% of a home’s heat can be lost through glazing, even when windows make up only about 40% of the wall area1. Even standard double-glazed windows lose heat at seven times the rate of a well-insulated wall. That’s a lot of warmth slipping away each night, and a big reason why heaters are running overtime in winter.
The good news? You don’t have to renovate or replace your windows to make a difference. The right energy saving window furnishings can add an insulating layer that helps keep the warmth in, the cold out, and your home feeling cosy.
Why Window Furnishings Matter in New Zealand Homes
Windows are beautiful; they bring in natural light, frame your views, and connect us to the outdoors. But they’re also the weakest link in a home’s thermal envelope.
By upgrading your blinds and curtains, you can:
- Reduce heat loss in winter and keep your home warmer.
- Block unwanted heat in summer, especially in sun-exposed rooms.
- Cut energy bills by making your heating and cooling more efficient.
- Create a more comfortable, healthier home. This is important in a country where cold, damp homes are linked to health issues.
Total Blackout Honeycomb Blinds – The Ultimate in Insulation
Imagine a blind that not only darkens your room but also creates a snug barrier against heat and cold. That’s exactly what Total Blackout Honeycomb Blinds do.
Their clever design includes:
- Aluminium-lined honeycomb cells that trap air, locking in warmth during winter and blocking heat in summer.
- Full frame and side channels that eliminate gaps around the edges, meaning no more light leaks or draughts.
- Noise reduction benefits, perfect if you live near a busy street.
These blinds are a game-changer for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms where total darkness and comfort matter most.
Total Blackout Roller Blinds – Sleek and Practical
Prefer a clean, minimalist look? Total Blackout Roller Blinds are the stylish cousin to honeycombs. With side channels to block light and create a thermal barrier, they’re ideal for:
- Home theatres and bedrooms.
- Shift workers who need true blackout for better sleep.
- Anyone wanting a full frame blind to block light gaps and draughts with a modern finish.
While they don’t have the thermal superpowers of Total Blackout Honeycombs, they combine simplicity with innovation, proving that function and style can go hand in hand.
Classic Honeycomb Blinds – A Proven Energy Saver
Honeycomb blinds have long been a favourite in Australia for one reason: they work. The pleated cellular design traps air, slowing heat transfer, and blackout honeycombs boost efficiency even more.
For those wanting maximum thermal comfort, Double Thermal Honeycombs feature two layers of insulating pockets. Think of them as giving your windows a thermal upgrade, at a fraction of the cost of replacing glass in an expensive renovation.
Blackout Curtains – Like a Blanket for Your Windows
Few things feel cosier on a cold winter night than drawing the curtains. But with blackout curtains, you’re doing more than adding ambience: you’re wrapping your windows in insulation.
- Floor-to-ceiling s-fold curtains create a sealed thermal pocket.
- In summer, they reflect heat and protect your furniture from fading.
- In winter, they trap warmth, making your heater’s job easier.
Whether you choose soft neutrals or bold designer fabrics, blackout curtains bring beauty and function together.
Blackout Roman Blinds – Elegant and Effective
For timeless style with a hidden energy-saving bonus, opt for Roman blinds with either a blackout lining or thermal interlining. Both linings work as a thermal barrier, while the soft folds add sophistication. They’re ideal for bedrooms or living spaces where design is as important as comfort.
No Drill & Motorised Options – Effortless Energy Saving
The best type of blinds don’t just depend on the style of product you choose, it’s also about how easy they are to use. That’s where No Drill and Motorised options shine.
No Drill Blinds – Easy, Damage-Free Installation
For renters or anyone who wants a quick, fuss-free upgrade, No Drill blinds are a game-changer. Options like Twist2Fit Roller Blinds and Click2Fit Honeycombs and Romans fit snugly inside your window frame without tools or screws. We also offer a new innovation with Stick2Fit Honeycomb blinds that offer a handy solution for tricky windows and even doors.
- Perfect for rentals or apartments where drilling isn’t an option, or for anyone who simply prefers not to use a drill.
- Creates a neat, secure fit that can be installed in minutes.
- Gives you energy-saving benefits instantly no tradesperson required.
With No Drill options in Honeycombs, Roller Blinds, and even Roman Blinds, these make energy efficiency more accessible than ever.
Motorised Blinds & Curtains – Smart Comfort at Your Fingertips
Motorisation makes energy saving effortless, ensuring your blinds and curtains are always in the right position without you having to think about it.
- With the tap of an app or a voice command, you can close Tuiss SmartView blinds in the heat of the day or open them on a sunny winter morning.
- Motorised Honeycombs, Rollers, and Romans give you the same energy-saving benefits with the added convenience of automation.
- Motorised Curtains bring a touch of luxury, gliding closed at night to lock in warmth or opening in the morning to let natural light do the work, with a simply click of a remote control,
Motorisation with Tuiss SmartView blinds allows you to set scenes and timers, ideal for like closing everything before you leave for work to maximise efficiency without lifting a finger.
Tuiss Hot Tip: Layering is Key
The best energy efficiency often comes from layering window furnishings. Just like layering clothing keeps you warm, combining blinds and curtains gives you flexibility and maximum insulation, as well as style.
For example:
- Total Blackout Honeycomb Blind + Curtain = thermal control + soft style.
The Bottom Line
With heating and cooling costs climbing2, investing in energy saving blinds and curtains is a smart move for any kiwi home. Whether you choose honeycombs, rollers, or curtains, each option adds comfort, efficiency, and style.
The best part? You’ll feel the difference not only in your home’s temperature but also in your power bills.
