How can curtains and blinds help you keep your home cool in NZ summer?

In this guide, we discuss:

• The things you can do to reduce the heat in your home
• Curtain and blinds options to help keep your home cool

What are the things you can do to reduce the heat in your home?

Close curtains and blinds during peak sun hours

Around 30% of unwanted heat enters through windows, so keeping curtains and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day can make a real difference, especially on north- and west-facing windows.

Some roller blinds are designed to let you see out while still blocking harsh UV rays, so you don’t have to sacrifice your view for comfort. Adding a thermal lining makes them even more effective at reflecting heat and insulating against sunlight.

If you’re on a budget, Russells consultants often suggest thermal-lining only the rooms that receive the most direct sun, like living areas or bedrooms that heat up in the afternoon.

Open windows

This is the obvious thing to do, of course. But you can be strategic about which windows you open for the best effect. Open them on opposite sides of the house for a good through-draught. Most windows also have a security system, so you can leave them ajar during the day when you’re not at home.

Improve airflow and ventilation

Good ventilation helps move warm air out and cool air in. To improve airflow, you can open windows on the opposite side, like said before, in the early morning or evening when outside air is cooler. A cheaper option to air conditioning is ceiling or portable fans. For older New Zealand homes, passive ventilation systems can extract hot air from roof spaces and make a noticeable difference in overall comfort.

What are your curtains and blinds options to help keep your home cool?

Thermal or blockout curtains

Best for: All-year comfort and reliable heat control.

The benefit: Thermal-backed or blockout curtains create a strong barrier between your home and the glass, reducing heat transfer in summer and retaining warmth in winter. When hung close to the window frame and extended past the sides and below the sill, they form a proper seal that blocks warm air effectively.

Expert tip: A smart investment for Kiwi homes, these curtains are ideal for New Zealand’s unpredictable weather.

Blockout roller blinds

Best for: Easy heat control with minimal visual bulk.

The benefit: Specialised blockout fabrics stop sunlight before it enters the room, keeping spaces noticeably cooler on hot days. They also reduce glare and protect furnishings from UV damage when correctly fitted.

Expert tip: For maximum flexibility, pair blockout roller blinds with sheer or thermal curtains. This layered approach delivers excellent light control, insulation, and an inviting look.

Honeycomb blinds

Best for: Maximum heat reduction and energy efficiency.

The benefit: The unique "honeycomb" cells trap air to create a natural thermal barrier, stopping the sun from heating your glass and radiating into the room.

Expert tip: These are the "gold standard" for sun-drenched Auckland conservatories or large north-facing windows.

Sunscreen blinds

Best for: Living areas where you want to keep the view but lose the glare.

The benefit: They act like sunglasses for your home, filtering out up to 95% of UV rays. This protects your furniture and flooring from fading while keeping the room significantly cooler.

Expert tip: Our consultants recommend dual roller blinds, pairing sunscreen and blockout fabrics for a "day/night" solution that handles both midday sun and evening privacy.

Smart timing and motorisation

Best for: Hands-free heat management and modern living.

The benefit: Motorised blinds can be programmed to close automatically during peak sun hours (typically 11 am–4 pm), stopping heat before it builds up inside your home.

Expert tip: Smart sensors can adjust blinds in response to UV levels or temperature changes, perfect for handling New Zealand’s famously changeable skies.

Conclusion

From opening your windows tactically to choosing the right window furnishings, there are several ways to cool your home during warm NZ summer days. To find the right curtains and blinds for your space, book a free summer-proof consultation with your local Russells expert.