Yes. If your quote is looking good and you feel you’re in the right ballpark budget-wise, we can organise loan samples so you can view fabrics in your own home and lighting. This is the best way to confirm colour and light control before you proceed
We ask that you kindly return the samples once you’re done — or forward them to the next client within a reasonable time. I’ll supply the best address when you’re finished
Do honeycomb blind colours look different online?
They can. Screens vary, and colour calibration differs between devices, so online colours should be treated as a guide. That said, many customers choose their colour online and we’ve never had complaints — it’s just worth being aware that colours may look slightly different in person
If colour accuracy really matters (feature walls, exact whites/greys, tricky lighting), loan samples are the safest way to choose, and we can send these out when required. We do ask that you start by getting a quote first
Where can I see honeycomb blinds on display?
You can view our honeycomb blinds (also known as thermacell blinds in our showroom spaces) at four showrooms around New Zealand. Please note: these are shared spaces — not every product on display is from us, and not every product we sell is displayed
Showroom locations and details:
Penrose, Auckland – by appointment only
Santa Fe Showroom: Unit 4, 761 Great South Rd, Penrose, Auckland
Call or email Jono Hillary on 021 850 010 to book a time (let him know Ryan at Blinds Online sent you). Appointments are usually available Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm. Weekends not available
Tauranga – no appointment needed (Monday–Thursday)
Santa Fe Showroom: Suite E, 120 Hamilton Street, Tauranga CBD
Open Monday–Thursday, 9 am–4:30 pm. Always manned on these days so you can view and ask questions. Mention Ryan at Blinds Online sent you
Wellington – The Design Library, 282 Thorndon Quay
Open Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm. Manned, but not by our team — you can see the blinds, but staff won’t be able to answer technical questions. Please direct questions to me
Christchurch – Designmade, 400 Barbadoes Street
Open Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm. Manned, but not by our team — you can view the blinds, but detailed questions are best directed my way
These showrooms also feature our SmartBlock™ complete blackout system and SmartDrape™ innovative fabric vanes, so you can compare honeycomb insulation with other advanced window covering solutions in the same visit
If you’re not near a showroom (Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, or Christchurch regions), we can send loan samples for you to consider in-home
What’s the difference between light-filtering and blockout honeycomb blinds?
Light-filtering honeycomb blinds soften daylight and reduce glare while maintaining daytime privacy. Blockout (blackout) honeycomb blinds provide the strongest light control and are usually the best choice for bedrooms and media rooms
Colours are designed to coordinate across both the light-filtering and blockout ranges, so you can keep a consistent look through the home even if you mix fabric types room to room
Thermally, blockout fabrics insulate better than light-filtering fabrics, and double cell options can step up insulation further again. However even light-filtering honeycomb blinds are far superior to any other window covering type
If a quote feels too expensive — are there simpler options?
Yes. If you like the honeycomb blind style but the quote feels prohibitive, there are often more basic ways to approach them (depending on where your quote started of course). For example:
If you’re already looking at the simplest honeycomb setup (for example corded, single cell without any bells and whistles) and it’s still outside budget, you may need to consider other blind types — honeycomb blinds are typically more expensive than most other window coverings. The trade-off is they tend to earn their keep in comfort and thermal efficiency, which can translate into lower heating demand over time
If you get stuck, tell us what matters most (warmth, privacy, glare reduction, room darkening) and we can suggest the simplest spec that still delivers