The Kiwi Renovation Shortcut: 7 Window Mistakes That Make a Reno Feel Unfinished

You’ve nailed the flooring, picked the perfect paint, and treated yourself to that stone benchtop. But now you’re standing in that new room wondering why it doesn’t feel finished.

It’s one of the most common problems in Kiwi renovations: we forget about the windows. When you skip or rush that step, your beautifully upgraded space can end up feeling cold, echoey, and visually unfinished.

The fix? By avoiding these seven window mistakes, your renovation will finally feel complete, warm, and cohesive. Let’s dive in…

Mistake  1. Leaving Curtains and Blinds Until the End

Curtains and blinds often get left until last, when energy and budget are stretched thin. But waiting can lead to rushed choices, awkward installs, or a space that still feels unfinished.

Planning early makes everything easier. You can match fabrics to your flooring and walls, place tracks or blinds before switches go in, and make sure drops and stack-backs actually work. Even a rough plan helps. Not sure where to start? Book a free consultation with Curtain Studio and get the right advice from the beginning.

Mistake  2. Measuring Curtains at the Wrong Stage of Your Renovation

One of the easiest ways to end up with wrong fitting curtains or blinds is to measure too early. Measuring before plastering or flooring can throw things off just enough to cause gaps, dragging hems, or light leaks you didn’t plan for.

If you’re buying readymades, measure once walls are prepped and after flooring is installed. Use Curtain Studio’s how-to guide for the right drop and width. For custom curtains, we recommend a professional consultation to account for wall unevenness, track height, and stack-back space, especially in older or character homes.

Mistake  3. Hanging Curtains Too Low or Too Short

Curtains that hover awkwardly above the floor or start too close to the window frame can throw off the balance of the room. And usually, it’s just because someone reused an old track or took a guess at where it should go.

Hanging your curtains higher and extending them wider than the window frame helps the whole room feel taller, lighter, and more put-together. It also means more natural light when the curtains are open. Always choose a drop that reaches the floor; it looks intentional and helps keep the warmth in, especially during cooler months.

Not sure where to start? Curtain Studio’s how-to guides are a great place to get your bearings, or just book a free consultation and let someone take care of it for you.

Mistake  4. Choosing the Wrong Curtain or Blind Type for the Room

The right curtain or blind depends on what the room actually needs. Think warmth, privacy, light control, and how much moisture it’s dealing with. Every room’s different, sheer curtains in a kid’s bedroom won’t block 6am sun, and natural wood venetians in a bathroom can warp and are susceptible to mould.

Here’s your quick cheat sheet:

Mistake  5. Ignoring NZ Climate Needs, Like Insulation and Moisture

It’s one thing to pick curtains that look good, but what about when winter hits, or the bathroom steams up like a sauna? In New Zealand homes,where cold snaps, high humidity, and a mix of modern and older insulation are common—window furnishings must deliver on both style and functionality.

For living areas and bedrooms, thermal-lined or blockout curtains help keep things warm, private, and energy-efficient. In moisture-prone spaces, go for something practical like PVC blinds or fauxwood venetians. Going custom? Curtain Studio’s Imperial lining is designed to resist mould and condensation — a smart move, especially in older homes.

Mistake  6. Skimping on Curtain Tracks, Rails, and Hardware

You’ve picked the perfect fabric, but it’s hanging off an old track, or worse, one that sticks, sags, or doesn’t sit straight. It’s an easy corner to cut, especially late in a renovation, but low-quality hardware can ruin the finish of even the best curtains.

Good tracks do more than hold things up; they shape how your curtains sit, move, and insulate. A clean ceiling mount or discreet double-track system instantly lifts the room and makes layering sheers with blockouts simple.

Here’s what to look for:

• Double tracks if you want a light filter by day and light blocking at night

• Ceiling mounts for a sleek, modern look and better heat retention

• Smooth-glide systems like Curtain Studio’s click-track are great for large windows or daily use

• Wall-to-wall track placement to maximise light and stack-back space

Mistake  7. Picking Style Before Function When Choosing Curtains or Blinds

It’s easy to get swept up in the fun stuff, a sheer that catches the light just right, or that velvet you saw in a magazine and haven’t stopped thinking about since. But if the curtain doesn’t actually do what the room needs it to, that perfect fabric can turn into a bit of a regret.

So flip the thinking: start with what the space has to deal with. Bright mornings? Nosy neighbours? A window that steams up the second you run a bath? Once you’ve figured out what’s going on, then you can choose something that looks amazing and works for real life.

So If You Want a Renovation That Feels Truly Finished…

It’s the final layer that makes all the difference. The right curtains or blinds don’t just dress your windows; they soften the echoes, bring in warmth, and give your renovation that polished, lived-in feel. It’s the shortcut to comfort, cohesion, and quiet satisfaction every time you walk into the room.

So if you’re ready to complete your space with window furnishings that work as beautifully as they look, explore Curtain Studio’s range of ready-to-go curtains and custom solutions, or book a free consultation to get expert advice tailored to your home.

FAQs

1. How do I measure curtains properly during a renovation?
For readymade curtains, measure after wall prep and flooring and use Curtain Studio’s online guide. For custom curtains,  book a professional measure and quote to get the perfect fit, especially in older or non-standard spaces.

2. Should curtains touch the floor?
Yes, we recommend curtains should either just kiss the floor or slightly puddle, depending on your style. This creates a more polished, tailored look and helps anchor the space visually.

3. What’s better for insulation - curtains or blinds?
Curtains (especially thermal or blockout-lined) generally insulate better than blinds, especially in older homes.

4. When should I install curtains or blinds during a renovation?
Install window furnishings last, but plan and measure early so tracks and styles are integrated seamlessly.