The maximum size for a SmartBlock™ blackout blind depends on the control type you choose:
Chain-driven SmartBlock™: up to 3000mm wide × 3657mm drop
Motorised SmartBlock™: up to 3000mm wide × 3657mm drop
Cordless SmartBlock™: up to 2440mm wide × 3048mm drop – plus, with cordless blinds the height can’t be more than four times the width (1:4 width-to-height ratio)
Fabric choice can also affect the maximum width available. Most SmartBlock™ fabrics can be used to make these maximum widths, however the following exceptions apply:
Bermuda — Cocoa: max width 2400mm
(rest of Bermuda range is 3000mm)
Bridget range: max width 2800mm
Fiji — Chocolate/Cream: max width 2300mm
(rest of Fiji range is 3000mm)
Maui range: max width 2800mm
You can also check the maximum width for each fabric via the tooltip in the SmartBlock™ fabric selector page
If your opening is wider than a single SmartBlock™ blind can cover — or you would prefer to split the overall opening into multiple blinds — ask us about coupled SmartBlock™ blinds
Can SmartBlock™ be used on sliding doors or ranch sliders?
Yes — SmartBlock™ can be custom-sized for sliding doors and ranch sliders using the chain-driven or motorised options. The side channel system creates a seamless blackout barrier across large openings. A single SmartBlock™ blind can go up to 3000mm wide, and wider spans of up to 3663mm can also be achieved using two coupled SmartBlock™ blinds — see the coupled SmartBlock™ FAQ for details.
For sliding door installations, you’ll need a solid timber jamb or other sturdy surface along the bottom to secure the low-profile bottom channel — it is designed to step over easily without being a trip hazard. You should not leave the ranch slider open with the blind fully closed, as wind pressure can cause the fabric to billow and pull against the channels, which may damage the SmartBlock™ system
It’s also important to check your available jamb depth to ensure the cassette and side channels fit correctly — see the How do I know if my window jamb is deep enough for SmartBlock™ blackout blinds? FAQ for details
Can SmartBlock™ blackout blinds be coupled (butted) together for wider openings?
Yes — SmartBlock™ blackout blinds can be made as coupled / butting blinds for wider openings or where you want to split a window into smaller sections
Coupled SmartBlock™ blinds use one common cassette box and can span up to 3663mm wide in total
They can be configured as:
2 coupled blinds: 1 light-sealing T-post between the blinds
3 coupled blinds: 2 light-sealing T-posts
4 coupled blinds: 3 light-sealing T-posts
The T-post sits between the blinds to preserve the light-sealing approach SmartBlock™ is designed for
Coupled SmartBlock™ blinds are available in chain control or motorised options. They are not available as cordless
If you considering this option — wanting to divide wider windows into multiple SmartBlock™ blinds — it is best to email a photo with your quote request so we can advise on compatibility and best approach
Can SmartBlock™ blackout blinds be made as dual roller blinds?
No — SmartBlock™ is not available as a dual roller blind system.
SmartBlock™ is designed as a complete blackout system using a cassette, side channels, and bottom seal around a single blind. That sealed setup is what allows it to deliver its full blackout performance, so it is not designed to house both a sunscreen blind and a blockout blind in the same opening as a dual roller configuration
If you want both a blockout blind and a sunscreen blind in the same opening, SmartBlock™ is not designed for that. Our more standard custom-made blackout blinds and made-to-measure sunscreen blinds are the better option for dual blind setups
SmartBlock™ is designed for customers who want complete blackout from a single sealed blind system. If having both daytime sunscreen and night-time blockout in the same opening matters more, then a dual blind setup is the better fit
What is the minimum width for a SmartBlock™ blackout blind?
The minimum width depends on the control system you choose:
Chain-driven SmartBlock™: At least 305mm wide (and minimum drop 305mm)
Motorised SmartBlock™: At least 614mm wide (minimum drop 305mm)
Cordless SmartBlock™: 457mm wide (minimum drop 305mm) – plus, with regard to cordless blinds the height can’t be more than four times the width (1:4 width-to-height ratio)
These limits ensure your blind operates smoothly and maintains the sealed blackout performance SmartBlock™ is designed and known for
If you’re unsure whether your window is suitable, check the maximum size FAQ and contact us for tailored advice by sending in a quote request with your measurements – we can confirm the best SmartBlock™ setup for you
Can SmartBlock™ blinds be installed on any window shape or size?
SmartBlock™ complete blackout blinds are custom-made to fit a wide range of window sizes — including extra-wide or tall frames — but they must be installed on standard rectangular or square windows
Because the SmartBlock™ system relies on precision-fitted cassette boxes and side channels to eliminate light gaps, it is not suitable for arched, circular, or other specialty-shaped windows. For the best light-blocking performance, a clean, square or rectangular opening is essential
Is SmartBlock™ suitable for DIY installation, and how easy is it to install?
Yes — SmartBlock™ blackout blinds are custom-made to be DIY-friendly. You’ll receive a complete kit tailored to your exact window dimensions, with clear step-by-step measuring and installation instructions
Installation is straightforward for anyone comfortable with a tape measure, drill, and level. Plus, remote support is available if you need help along the way
For inside fit systems, the cassette, side channels, and bottom channel are pre-drilled with mounting holes, and fixing screws are included. For outside fit installs, the side channels are fixed using brackets. All screws and brackets required for both install types are provided
Prefer not to DIY? We also offer a professional SERVICE install option in many major centres across New Zealand
Can SmartBlock™ blackout blinds be motorised?
Yes — SmartBlock™ blinds are available with motorised operation, making them ideal for media rooms, high windows, or anyone wanting a clean, chain-free look
Manual chain control is also available for a more cost-effective option, or the chain-less option where you raise and lower the blind by hand using the sleek, discrete handle secured to the blind's bottom rail. If you decide not to motorise
For motorised SmartBlock™ blinds, the minimum width is 610mm (minimum drop 305mm). This ensures smooth performance while keeping the system’s sealed blackout side tracks working correctly
Many customers choose motorisation for convenience, creating their own electric blackout blinds with side tracks – a premium option for achieving effortless, gap-free darkness
What’s the difference between chain-free, motorised, and chain-driven SmartBlock™ blackout blinds?
SmartBlock™ blackout blinds are available in three control options — chain-driven, chain-free (spring-loaded), and motorised. Each option has distinct advantages, depending on your window placement, budget, and preferences. Here's how they compare:
The most popular and cost-effective choice
Ideal for DIY installation and retrofitting
Includes a child safety clip, but maybe not the best option for young children's bedrooms
A practical choice for standard-sized, easily accessible windows
Features a clean, chain-free appearance with no visible control chains
Safer for homes with young children or pets
Operated by using the handle secured to the bottom rail to raise or lower the blind
Best suited to windows within easy reach
A minimalist option that suits modern interiors, bedrooms, and nurseries
Offers the highest level of convenience with remote-controlled operation
Perfect for large or hard-to-reach windows or rooms where daily manual adjustment isn’t practical
Powered by a motor with rechargeable battery — no electrical wiring required
Professional installation recommended, but confident DIYers can definitely manage as well
We’re here to help. Whether you're after a sleek chain-free look, a smart motorised setup, or a simple chain option, we can guide you to the right choice based on your window size, usage, and room type
What should I consider when choosing the chain-free (non-motorised) option for SmartBlock™ blackout blinds?
SmartBlock™ blinds are available in a chain-free option — a clean, modern choice for those wanting a blackout blind with no dangling control chains. Before selecting this option, the main thing to consider is how easily the blind will be reached and operated day to day
Chain-free SmartBlock™ blinds are best suited to windows where the person using the blind can comfortably reach both the top and bottom of the window near the centre of the opening. The blind is operated by gently pulling the handle on the bottom rail to raise or lower it, so reach and ease of use matter more here than with chain-driven or motorised blinds
If the window is tall, set high on the wall, or likely to be awkward to reach, a control pole, chain control, or motorisation may be the better option
The blind can still be stopped at different heights, but unlike a chain-driven or motorised blind, fine positioning can take a little more practice. The upside is a very clean finish with no hanging chains or cords, making it a tidy and child-safe manual option for bedrooms, nurseries, and other living spaces
What are SmartBlock™ blinds made from?
SmartBlock™ blackout blinds are crafted from durable, high-performance fabrics and materials engineered for light control, thermal insulation, and longevity. All fabrics are exclusive to NORMAN, the manufacturer, and the side channels and head box are made from precision aluminium for strength and that sleek, modern look
What size is the cassette box at the top of a SmartBlock™ blackout blind?
SmartBlock™ uses a curved cassette box, available in two sizes depending on your blind’s width and drop:
89 mm cassette: used when the blind is under 2438 mm wide and under 2438 mm drop — or under 1829 mm drop if over 2438 mm wide
114 mm cassette: used when the blind exceeds those size thresholds
If one of your blinds requires the larger 114 mm cassette and you'd prefer all the blinds in the same room to match visually, we can nominate all blinds to use the larger version — just let us know at the time of order
This discreet, curved cassette box is part of what gives SmartBlock™ its clean, modern look — ideal for complete blackout blinds in bedrooms, media rooms, nurseries, or home offices. It’s engineered for performance but designed to look seamless in any space