Curtains and blinds are one of the most impactful upgrades in any NZ home — and with NZ's heating costs and Healthy Homes Standards for rentals, thermal performance matters. Here's what curtain and blind installation costs in NZ in 2026.
Curtain & Blind Installation Cost NZ 2026
| Item | Typical NZ cost |
|---|---|
| Roller blind supply + install (per window) | $150–$400 |
| Roman blind supply + install (per window) | $300–$900 |
| Venetian blind supply + install (per window) | $150–$500 |
| Vertical blind supply + install (per window) | $200–$600 |
| Curtains — standard (supply + install, per window) | $300–$900 |
| Curtains — full-length with thermal lining (per window) | $500–$1,800 |
| Curtain track or rod supply + install (per window) | $80–$250 |
| Full-house curtains (3-bed, standard) | $3,000–$9,000 |
| Full-house curtains (3-bed, premium) | $8,000–$20,000+ |
| Motorised blind (per window, supply + install) | $500–$1,500 |
| Installation-only (per window, customer-supplied) | $60–$150 |
All prices GST inclusive. Auckland 10–15% above. Prices vary significantly by fabric choice, blind type, window size, and whether custom-made or off-the-shelf.
Curtains vs Blinds — NZ Considerations
Thermal Performance
NZ homes lose significant heat through windows — particularly older single-glazed properties. The Healthy Homes Standards (for rental properties) specify minimum insulation requirements, but window treatment is not currently mandated for rentals. However, thermally-lined curtains are one of the highest-ROI upgrades in a draughty NZ home.
How much difference does thermal lining make? A full-length thermally-lined curtain on a single-glazed window can reduce heat loss through that window by 50–65%. In an Auckland or Wellington winter, good thermal curtains can cut heating bills meaningfully.
Curtains for NZ Rental Properties
If you're a landlord: consider the Healthy Homes Standards requirement for curtains in habitable rooms. Requirements are: - Bedrooms: full-length curtains or blinds that go to the floor or sill as appropriate, with track to the width of the window - Living room: as above - Curtains must have a thermal lining OR meet a minimum thermal resistance
Consult a window treatments supplier familiar with Healthy Homes compliance for rental property specifications.
Blind Types — What's Right for Your NZ Home
Roller Blinds
Most popular and affordable. Clean lines, easy operation, many fabric options. Blockout options for bedrooms. Not as thermally effective as lined curtains — but practical for kitchens, bathrooms, and where minimal look is preferred.
Best for: Modern homes, kitchens, bathrooms, offices.
Roman Blinds
Soft fabric folds when raised. More decorative than roller blinds. Can be thermal-lined. Harder to clean — avoid in kitchens and bathrooms.
Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, formal spaces.
Venetian Blinds
Aluminium or timber slats. Good light control. Timber venetians add warmth; aluminium are practical and affordable. Not thermal.
Best for: Offices, bathrooms, modern interiors.
Vertical Blinds
Large windows and ranchsliders. Cost-effective for large spans. Durable and easy to clean. Practical rather than decorative.
Best for: Ranchsliders, large windows in rentals and commercial.
Lined Curtains (Thermal or Blockout)
Maximum warmth and light block. Best thermal performance of any window treatment. Most expensive option but highest impact in older NZ homes.
Best for: Bedrooms (blockout), lounge (thermal), cold climates, Healthy Homes compliance.
Off-the-Shelf vs Custom Made
Off-the-Shelf
Ikea, Spotlight, and big-box retailers sell ready-made curtains from $40–$200 per pair. For standard-sized windows, these work well. Self-installation saves the fitting cost ($60–$150/window).
Pros: Low cost, immediate availability. Cons: Limited fabric choice, may not fit non-standard windows, no professional advice on thermal performance.
Custom Made
Made-to-measure for your windows — supplied by specialist curtain makers or retailers like Curtain Studio, Blinds Direct, or local curtain specialists. Wider fabric choice, exact fit, thermal/blockout lining options, professional installation included.
Pros: Perfect fit, fabric choice, thermal options, professional installation. Cons: 3–8 week lead time, higher cost.
Finding a Good Curtain and Blind Installer in NZ
Many curtain and blind suppliers offer a full measure, supply, and install service — this is the most convenient approach. DIY is practical for simple roller blinds; custom or full-length curtains benefit from professional installation.
What to look for: - Written quote with fabric code, thermal lining specification, and product warranty - Healthy Homes compliance knowledge (for rental properties) - Experienced measure-up — errors in measuring are common and expensive
Questions to ask: 1. What thermal lining options are available for my fabric choice? 2. Is this Healthy Homes Standards compliant for a rental property? 3. What is the lead time for custom-made curtains? 4. What is included in the installation — tracks, rods, hardware? 5. What warranty applies to the fabric and hardware?
Find window treatment installers: Curtain and Blind Installers NZ | Post Your Job Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do curtains cost for a full house in NZ? A standard 3-bedroom house with curtains at every window: $3,000–$9,000 for mid-range curtains with thermal lining, supply and install. Premium fabric or large windows can push costs to $10,000–$20,000+. Blinds are generally cheaper: a full house with roller blinds typically costs $2,000–$6,000.
Do NZ rental properties need curtains? Yes — the Healthy Homes Standards require curtains or blinds in habitable rooms (bedrooms, living areas). They must cover the full window, include tracking, and meet minimum thermal standards. Non-compliance can result in tenancy tribunal orders. Budget $300–$900 per window for compliant thermal curtains.
Are thermal curtains worth it in a NZ home? Yes, particularly in older NZ homes with single glazing. Full-length thermal curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by 50–65%. In a typical NZ 3-bedroom home with single glazing, good thermal curtains can save $300–$600 per year in heating costs — making them financially worthwhile within a few years.
How long does curtain installation take? A standard room (2–3 windows): 1–2 hours. Full house: 4–8 hours. Custom-made curtains typically have a 3–6 week manufacturing lead time from measure-up to installation. Ready-made curtains can be installed within days.
Related: Insulation Installation Cost NZ | Handyman Cost NZ | Window Installation Cost NZ