If your home has north-facing windows, chances are you’ve already had to wrestle with a few mixed blessings. On one hand, you get lovely, natural light for most of the day. Rooms feel warmer in winter, and the need for overhead lighting drops. But come summer, that same bright, sun-filled space can easily become too hot, too bright, and oddly uncomfortable.
North-facing windows in New Zealand soak up sunlight from morning to evening. This is great if you’re chasing energy efficiency, but not so great if you’re also chasing a decent afternoon nap or trying to watch TV without squinting. Managing heat and glare becomes essential, especially in living areas, bedrooms, or anywhere the sun overstays its welcome. Let’s break down what works best, and why a good blind isn’t just a nice-to-have.
What Makes North-Facing Windows Unique in NZ?
Unlike their north-facing counterparts, north-facing windows in NZ get sunlight for most of the day. The intensity varies depending on the season, but the direction guarantees year-round exposure. In winter, this is a bonus. North light warms up your home and lowers your heating costs. But in summer, it’s another story.
Without proper window coverings, you’re looking at:
- Increased indoor temperatures during the hottest months
- Glare issues that make it hard to relax or focus
- Furniture, flooring, and artwork fading from UV exposure
The goal is to filter and control light, not block it entirely. That’s where the right type of blind, fitted properly, can turn a warm but overwhelming space into one that’s easy to live in.
Our Top Picks for North Facing Windows
Thermal Blockout Blinds: Best for Full Sun Control and Privacy
North-facing windows bring in a lot of light throughout the day, which is great in cooler months but can become uncomfortable in summer. Thermal blockout blinds are ideal for spaces where that sunlight turns into heat or glare, especially in bedrooms or media rooms where controlling brightness really matters.
These blinds are designed with a thermal lining that helps insulate the window. That means they not only block light effectively, but also reduce heat entering the room. This can help regulate indoor temperatures without overusing fans or air conditioning. They also offer complete privacy when closed and come in a wide range of colours and finishes, so they work well with different interior styles.
For people who want less light without losing quality or comfort, thermal blockout blinds are a reliable, low-maintenance option.
Sunscreen Blinds: Reduce Glare and UV, Keep the Light
If you want to keep your rooms bright without the harsh effects of full sun, sunscreen blinds are a practical choice. These blinds are made from a specially woven mesh fabric that filters sunlight, helping to reduce glare and UV exposure while still letting natural light through.
Unlike blockout options, sunscreen blinds allow you to maintain your view to the outside during the day, which makes them particularly useful in living areas and offices. They also help protect furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading, which can be an issue with constant sun exposure from north-facing windows.
It’s important to note that sunscreen blinds offer limited privacy at night when interior lights are on, so they’re best used during the day or in combination with curtains or blockout blinds.
Light Filtering Blinds: Softer Light, Consistent Privacy
Light filtering blinds strike a balance between letting in natural light and maintaining privacy. Unlike sunscreen fabrics, these don’t offer as much of a view through the material, but they do gently diffuse light, softening it across the room and creating an even, glare-free atmosphere.
They’re a strong option for areas where you want daylight without the sharpness of direct sun, such as dining rooms, lounges, or bathrooms. Light filtering blinds also offer privacy both during the day and at night, making them more versatile for everyday use. While they don’t block as much heat as thermal blinds, they still reduce brightness and contribute to a more comfortable space.
They’re ideal for people who want to keep a light, open feel without compromising on privacy or aesthetics.
Sheer Blinds: Where Sunlight Is the Main Feature
If you’re the type who loves the light streaming in through your windows from sunrise to sunset, sheer blinds are a way to enjoy it fully, without going completely uncovered. North-facing rooms in New Zealand get the most consistent daylight all year round, and sheer blinds are perfect for homeowners who want to make the most of that natural warmth and brightness. They let sunlight pour in while slightly diffusing it, softening the glare just enough to make the room comfortable, but never dark or heavy.
These are best for spaces where light is an asset, not something you’re trying to escape. Think calm sitting rooms, relaxed dining areas, or any part of the home where the goal is openness, not insulation. Sheer blinds won’t block heat or offer full UV protection, so they’re not ideal for sun-intensive rooms where temperature control is a concern. But if your space handles the sun well and you prefer to keep things bright and breezy, they’re a clean, understated way to filter the light without hiding it.
Make the Most of All That Light
North-facing windows are one of the best features you can have in a New Zealand home, if you know how to work with them. Whether you want to enjoy the sun without the heat, filter it just enough to soften the space, or keep your furniture from fading while still letting the light in, the right blinds make a noticeable difference.
If you’re not sure what would suit your north-facing room best, we can help. Get in touch for custom advice, proper sizing, and blinds made right here in NZ.