
Wooden Venetian Blinds NZ: Prices, Retailers & Guide
Anyone who’s tried to buy venetian blinds in New Zealand knows the options quickly pile up. Solid timber, faux wood, made-to-measure vs off-the-shelf, local vs imported—each choice has trade-offs best understood by comparing prices, lead times, and retailer policies across the NZ market.
Average price per m²: NZ$50–150 · Typical lead time (custom): 5–10 working days · Major NZ retailers: The Blind Store, Discount Blinds, Spotlight, Mitre 10 · Slat size options: 25mm, 35mm, 50mm · Material types: Solid timber, faux wood, PVC
Quick snapshot
- Custom wooden venetians take 5–10 working days (Bargain Blinds & Curtains)
- Faux wood blinds are cheaper and more moisture-resistant than solid timber (NZ Blinds)
- Discount Blinds offers a 5-year guarantee (Discount Blinds)
- Exact price ranges shift with promotions and stock
- Long-term durability of cheap imported blinds vs NZ-made is unverified
- More retailers are adding online measure-and-install guides (Online Blinds)
- Expect wider use of Marupa (plantation timber) in NZ-made lines (Online Blinds)
Six key specs, one takeaway: NZ-made blinds offer faster turnaround and local warranty support, while imported options undercut on price but stretch delivery by weeks.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum width | 300mm |
| Maximum width | 2400mm |
| Common slat sizes | 25mm, 35mm, 50mm |
| Lead time (custom) | 5–10 working days |
| Warranty | 1–5 years depending on retailer |
| NZ-made options | The Blind Store, Urban Blinds, Discount Blinds |
What are the prices and costs of wooden venetian blinds in NZ?
Three retailers, three price signals: NZ$50–150 per square metre is the custom range, while ready-made blinds dip below NZ$80. The difference often comes down to material and slat size.
Average price ranges by retailer
- Bargain Blinds & Curtains (NZ manufacturer direct) claims affordability through its DIY measure-and-install model. Regular-sized orders get free metro shipping (Bargain Blinds & Curtains).
- NZ Blinds lists a 1000x1000mm wooden Venetian from $122, with all prices including GST and free delivery nationwide (NZ Blinds).
- Discount Blinds offers free shipping on orders over $499 and ships made-to-measure wooden venetians (Discount Blinds).
- Mr Blinds says it will beat a better price for the same product, and its custom blinds use sustainable basswood (Mr Blinds).
Factors affecting cost
- Slat width: wider slats (50mm) typically cost more than 25mm
- Material: solid timber (basswood, pine, Marupa) costs more than faux wood PVC
- Custom vs ready-made: custom adds 20–50% but ensures a fit for non-standard windows
NZ buyers face a clear split: local manufacturers (Discount Blinds, Bargain Blinds) deliver in a week for roughly NZ$100–150 per square metre, while imported stock can sit on a container for 45 days. The price gap narrows when you factor in the cost of a rushed custom order that actually fits.
Price comparison: custom vs ready-made
- Custom (made-to-measure): NZ$50–150/m², 5–10 day lead time
- Ready-made (standard sizes): NZ$30–80, immediate stock
What this means: if your window is a standard 1000x1000mm, a ready-made from Spotlight may cost half the price of a custom order. But for odd sizes, custom quickly becomes the only option.
Where can I find cheap wooden venetian blinds in New Zealand?
Budget hunters have three channels: specialist online stores, clearance sections of big-box retailers, and direct-from-manufacturer outlets. Speed and warranty differ.
Online retailers with budget options
- Discount Blinds NZ positions itself as a cheap made-to-measure specialist — its wooden venetians are made in Auckland (Discount Blinds).
- NZ Blinds sells wooden Venetians from $122 (1000x1000mm) and faux wood from $133, with free delivery (NZ Blinds).
- Bargain Blinds & Curtains markets its blinds as affordable because you measure and install yourself (Bargain Blinds & Curtains).
Clearance and sale sections
Spotlight NZ often runs promotions on its KOO timber venetians, but specific prices fluctuate — check their weekly catalogue for current deals. Mitre 10 also stocks select wooden blinds, usually at higher retail markups.
Trade-off between price and quality
Cheaper imports (often faux wood or thin basswood) may not survive a humid New Zealand summer as well as NZ-made solid timber. No long-term consumer tests exist yet, but the warranty gap hints at the difference: Discount Blinds offers 5 years; spot-buy imports often carry only 1 year.
A cheap blind that warps after one season costs more in replacement than a NZ-made blind that lasts a decade. For budget buyers, faux wood PVC is a safer middle ground — it resists moisture and costs less than solid timber.
The takeaway: prioritize quality over upfront savings to avoid repeat costs.
Does Spotlight New Zealand sell wooden venetian blinds?
Yes — Spotlight NZ carries a range of timber venetian blinds under their own brand (KOO). They are ready-made in standard sizes and available both in-store and online. Customer reviews note reasonable quality for the price tag, but limited colour options and no custom sizing.
Product range at Spotlight
- KOO 50mm Timber Venetian Blinds – natural and neutral shades
- Standard sizes up to 1800mm wide
- Prices typically NZ$60–120 per blind (depending on size)
In-store vs online availability
Spotlight’s website lists stock availability per store. Online orders can be delivered or picked up. Returns are accepted within 30 days if unopened.
Price and quality assessment
Spotlight blinds are a solid entry-level option for rental properties or temporary use. They lack the heft and finish of custom NZ-made blinds from specialists like The Blind Store or Urban Blinds.
Does Mitre 10 sell wooden venetian blinds?
Mitre 10 stocks wooden venetian blinds, but the selection is narrower than at dedicated blind retailers. They carry a few brands at higher price points due to retail markup.
Mitre 10’s blind department
- Mitre 10 offers made-to-order blinds through their in-store “Blind Centre” in some locations
- Prices appear 15–30% above specialist online stores for comparable products
- Limited to a handful of slat sizes and finishes
Comparison with specialist blind stores
For custom sizes and a wider timber choice, specialist stores (The Blind Store, Discount Blinds, NZ Blinds) provide better value. Mitre 10 works best if you need a quick standard-sized blind and want to avoid shipping wait times.
A buyer in Auckland can walk into Mitre 10 and walk out with a blind that afternoon — but they’ll pay a premium. For the same money, an online specialist often delivers better timber and a longer warranty.
The implication: specialist stores provide better value for most buyers.
What types of wooden venetian blinds are available in NZ?
Three material families dominate the NZ market: solid timber, faux wood (PVC), and aluminium. Each has different moisture tolerance, weight, and price profile.
Solid timber vs faux wood vs PVC
- Solid timber (basswood, pine, Marupa) gives natural grain and warmth. Marupa is described by Online Blinds as “extremely durable and lightweight plantation timber” (Online Blinds).
- Faux wood (PVC) costs less and resists moisture better — ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. NZ Blinds lists faux wood Venetians from $133 (NZ Blinds).
- Aluminium is the budget champion, but lacks the look of wood.
Slat sizes and finishes
- 25mm – suitable for small windows or a contemporary look
- 35mm – the most common size, balances light control and view
- 50mm – wide slats for a classic feel, better light diffusion
- Finishes: natural, white, cream, dark walnut, and painted options
NZ-made vs imported options
Several retailers manufacture in New Zealand: Discount Blinds says its Venetian blinds are made in Auckland (Discount Blinds); Bargain Blinds & Curtains sells direct from the manufacturer (Bargain Blinds & Curtains); Mr Blinds uses sustainable basswood and custom-makes in NZ (Mr Blinds). Imported blinds (often from China) can be cheaper but come with lead times of 45–50 working days per NZ Blinds (NZ Blinds).
The implication: NZ-made blinds cost a little more upfront but arrive in days, not months, and carry better warranty support. For a permanent installation, local manufacturing wins on service and speed.
Retailer comparison at a glance
Four NZ retailers, one key differentiator: whether you prioritise price, speed, or warranty will steer your choice.
| Retailer | Price (1000x1000mm) | Lead time | NZ-made | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bargain Blinds & Curtains | ~$80–120 (DIY measure) | 5 working days | Yes | Not specified online |
| NZ Blinds | From $122 (wood) / $133 (faux) | 7–8 working days (NZ-made) | Selected lines | 1 year on motors |
| Discount Blinds | From ~$100 (custom) | 5–10 working days | Yes (Auckland) | 5 years |
| Mr Blinds | Competitive (price-beat guarantee) | 5–10 working days | Yes (basswood) | Not specified online |
The pattern: NZ-made options offer faster delivery and better warranties, while imported blinds are cheaper but slower.
Technical specifications
Six specs that matter most when ordering: width, slat size, material, lead time, warranty, and whether it’s NZ-made.
| Attribute | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum width | 300mm | Most retailers accept this size |
| Maximum width | 2400mm | Per NZ Blinds |
| Slat sizes | 25mm, 35mm, 50mm | 25mm for small windows; 50mm for larger |
| Material | Solid timber, faux wood, aluminium | Marupa is the most common plantation timber |
| Lead time (NZ-made) | 5–10 working days | Varies by retailer |
| Lead time (imported) | 45–50 working days | Per NZ Blinds |
| Warranty | 1–5 years | Discount Blinds offers 5 years |
| Free shipping threshold | $0–$499 | Discount Blinds: free over $499 |
What this means: these specs define the feasible range for most NZ homes.
Wooden venetian blinds: upsides and downsides
Upsides
- Natural timber look and warmth
- Custom-made to fit any window
- NZ-made options support local manufacturing
- Good light control with adjustable slats
Downsides
- Susceptible to moisture and heat (may warp in bathrooms)
- Higher cost than faux wood or aluminium
- Longer lead time if ordering NZ-made (still 5–10 days)
- Heavier than aluminium, requiring stronger brackets
The trade-off: natural aesthetics vs moisture resistance is the key decision.
What we know – and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Wooden venetian blinds are widely available from NZ retailers (Bargain Blinds & Curtains, NZ Blinds, Discount Blinds)
- Custom blinds take 5–10 working days for NZ-made (Discount Blinds)
- Faux wood blinds are cheaper and more moisture-resistant than solid timber (NZ Blinds)
What’s unclear
- Exact price ranges for all retailers (prices fluctuate)
- Long-term durability of cheap imported blinds vs NZ-made (no longitudinal tests)
- Exact warranty terms vary by retailer and product line
The catch: without long-term tests, buyers must rely on warranty as a proxy for durability.
What retailers say
“Our competitively priced Timber Venetian Blinds are all made-to-order in 5 days right here in NZ.”
— The Blind Store website
“Our custom Venetian blinds are made in NZ. Choose Wooden, PVC, or aluminium. Cheap, high quality & made-to-measure.”
— Discount Blinds website (Discount Blinds)
“Marupa timber venetian blinds offer natural warmth and classic style – custom order online.”
— Urban Blinds product page
These statements reflect each retailer’s positioning.
Editor’s take
For the average New Zealand homeowner, the choice between solid timber and faux wood is a straight trade-off: authenticity vs practicality. NZ-made timber blinds from retailers like The Blind Store or Discount Blinds give you a quality product that arrives in a week and is backed by a local warranty. If you are furnishing a rental or a high-moisture room, faux wood PVC blinds from NZ Blinds or Spotlight do the job at half the price. For the NZ buyer who wants value without waiting weeks, the smart move is a made-to-measure NZ-made faux wood blind — it resists humidity, ships in days, and costs less than solid timber.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my window for wooden venetian blinds?
Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window recess, and use the smallest width. For height, measure left, center, and right, and use the longest height. Deduct 5–10mm for a perfect fit inside the frame. Most retailer websites have detailed guides.
What is the best slat size for a living room?
50mm slats are popular for living rooms because they let in more light when open and provide a classic, elegant look. For small windows, 25mm or 35mm slats suit better.
Can wooden venetian blinds be installed outdoors?
Standard wooden venetian blinds are not recommended for outdoor use. Moisture and UV will warp and fade the timber. For outdoor areas, consider aluminium or specially sealed PVC blinds.
How do I clean wooden venetian blinds without damaging the wood?
Use a soft microfiber cloth or a duster attachment on a vacuum. Avoid water or harsh cleaners — wipe with a barely damp cloth if needed, then dry immediately. Never soak the slats.
What is the warranty period on wooden venetian blinds from The Blind Store?
The Blind Store offers a warranty on manufacturing defects, typically 1–2 years. Discount Blinds offers a 5-year guarantee on all products (Discount Blinds). Always check the specific product page.
Are wooden venetian blinds suitable for high-humidity areas like bathrooms?
Solid timber blinds can warp in bathrooms. Faux wood (PVC) venetian blinds are a better choice — they resist moisture and cost less.
How much weight can wooden venetian blinds hold?
Weight depends on the slat material and size. Standard wooden venetian blinds are designed for light control, not heavy loads. For unusually large windows, check the maximum width of 2400mm as noted by retailers like NZ Blinds.