2051 days ago

How to Do: Curtains AND Blinds

Robert Anderson from

Ever thought about combining blinds and curtains to make your windows even more stunning and energy smart? If done correctly, combining blinds with curtains can bring magic to your windows providing flexibility for styling and design aesthetics. Combining roller shades or other types of blinds with curtains allows more blocking of light and privacy control while also improving heat loss through your windows.
If you want your windows to perform at their best, we’ve put together a few tips on what you should consider.

1. Begin with the blinds
Consider whether you want Rollershades, Venetian Blinds, Roman Blinds, Timber Shutters, or another type of blind. Shades that move up and down at the window are especially convenient, especially if you’re looking for blinds that move out of the way easily. Curtains and draperies are much more flexible to work with, so getting the blinds right is an important first step.

2. Don’t feel limited by your window size
A simple way to make your windows feel larger is to fit your blinds for your window and then extend the size of your curtains beyond your window frame. We can fit your curtains to the ceiling and have them extend past the frame and down to the floor. This creates the illusion of a larger window, especially when the curtains are closed, but also helps you to maximise on heat retention at the window.

3. Mix not match
Contrasting colors can look great. For example, a dark-coloured Rollershade can look excellent with a lighter colour drape. If you have curtains with prints, a blind in a solid shade that matches one of the colors on the curtains can look dramatic or elegant.

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More messages from your neighbours
12 hours ago

Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?

What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?

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If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
  • 31.2% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
    31.2% Complete
  • 68.8% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
    68.8% Complete
186 votes
5 days ago

Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.

We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️

We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?

Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.

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Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
  • 46.4% I avoid spending money on coffee
    46.4% Complete
  • 44.1% I still indulge at my local cafe
    44.1% Complete
  • 9.5% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
    9.5% Complete
263 votes
8 days ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

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