When selecting your made-to-measure roller blinds, it’s important to consider more than just the type of blind. Here are the key design options and features to keep in mind to ensure you get the perfect look and functionality for your space.
roller blind – roll direction
Our roller blinds may be ordered as either front roll or back roll as shown in images. Each option affects both the appearance and light control of your blinds. To help decide which option you prefer please consider the following:
front roll
- appearance: the front roll hides the fabric roll, creating a cleaner look from the front.
- operation: take extra care when pulling the blind up or down to avoid the chain rubbing against the fabric, which can lead to fraying.
- best for: a more polished, contemporary look where appearance is a priority.
back roll
- light control: sits closer to the window, blocking more light and offering better insulation.
- space consideration: ideal for inside fits where space is tight.
- best for: rooms requiring enhanced light control or privacy.
controls options
control side
All blinds have controls on the left or right to operate the blind, lift and lower, so you need to decide which side is the most convenient for the controls to go on. Take into consideration things such as the position of furniture in the room, window or slider openings (so the chains don’t flap in the wind) and which side you tend to access a window from.
control length
If a window is relatively high then you may want to consider making the chain longer so that it is at a convenient height to operate the blind. Standing next to the window work out what would be the most convenient length of the control for you to operate the blind from.
The control length is measured from the top of window down, so if it is an inside fit place your measuring tape on the inside of the frame at the top and measure down finding a measurement that will make the blind easy to operate.
safety features
If children or pets are present, opt for child-safe controls such as a chain tensioner or cordless options such as motorised.
motorised blinds
Motorised roller blinds are the most convenient and easiest to operate option that you can choose. Operation is via a remote, with a quiet and carefully concealed motor doing the job of either opening or closing your blinds. Opening and closing can even be automated and our motorised blinds require no electrical wiring.
large windows with sliding doors
If you have a large window with a sliding door you will need to carefully consider how to fit the blinds and the type of blinds you are going to install in this window to ensure the ideal operation and function of the blinds and the sliding door.
The key considerations for fitting and measuring the window where an inside fit is preferred are as follows:
- Is there sufficient room on the inside of the window frame so that the sliding frame of the sliding door does not interfere with the blinds?
- Will the door handle interfere with the operation of the blinds?
- Should the window be split into two or three blinds so that the blind covering the sliding door can be operated independently of the other blind(s)?
- The blinds will reduce the headroom in the sliding door to some degree. When the blind is raised (or stacked to the side in the case of vertical blinds) will this create any problems for people walking in and out of the sliding door.
Read our helpful guide to choosing blinds for sliding and bifold doors here.
material choices
Selecting the right fabric and material for your roller blinds is crucial. We offer a wide range of fabrics to suit every need.
fabric types
- sunscreen: ideal for reducing glare while maintaining outside visibility. Perfect for living rooms and offices.
- blockout: provides complete privacy and maximum light control, making it suitable for bedrooms and media rooms.
- thermal: combines day and night time privacy with the added benefit of additional thermal retention of heat in the room.
- light-filtering: allows soft light to enter while maintaining privacy—great for kitchens and dining areas.
fabric texture & finish
- Choose from smooth or textured finishes to match your interior décor. Consider thermal coatings for improved energy efficiency.
colour options
- Available in a wide range of colours to complement or contrast your existing room palette. Neutral shades are ideal for a minimalist look, while bold colours can make a statement.
100% kiwi owned & operated
Based in Auckland, we are a locally owned retail manufacturer selling blinds & curtains direct to both residential & commercial customers across NZ.
finance available + best price guarantee
Interest-free finance through Purple Visa Card and Q Mastercard. Found a better price? We'll beat it. Get custom-made blinds or curtains at the lowest price.
easy installation
Our blinds & curtains are easy to install and come with instructions. If you need further information regarding measuring & fitting, see our ‘how to’ section or contact us for assistance.
free sample service
Get the fabric colour and texture that you want for your blinds or curtains by taking advantage of our free fabric sample service.
New Zealand wide shipping
No matter where you are in the country, we'll ship our NZ-made blinds & curtains straight to you from our Auckland manufacturing facility.
Who are we?
Proudly Kiwi owned, we manufacture blinds at our Auckland facility, and retail both curtains & blinds to domestic & commercial markets across NZ.
- mon-fri: 8am – 5pm
- sat: 9am – 1pm
- sun & public holidays: closed
get in touch
- 0508 blinds (254 637)
- 09 274 9313
- sales@mrblinds.co.nz
- 7B Carmont Place, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1060
