Winter in Wānaka usually arrives with little warning, and suddenly the focus shifts to keeping the house warm. While most people check their floor and ceiling insulation, windows are often the biggest culprit for heat loss. In fact, uninsulated glass can be responsible for up to 30% of your home’s heat escaping. In our climate, where the temperature regularly dips below zero, thermal insulated curtains are more of a necessity than a luxury.
Why are custom curtains better than ready-made?
The architecture in Wānaka, with its large spans of glass and floor-to-ceiling windows, doesn't typically play well with standard curtain sizes. Ready-made options often leave gaps at the sides or sit an inch too high off the floor. This leads to ‘thermal siphoning,’ where warm air hits the cold glass, cools down, and drops straight into the room as a chilly draught.
Custom curtains are designed to seal those gaps. For curtains to actually insulate, they need to create a still air pocket between the fabric and the window. We measure your curtains to ensure they touch the floor or ‘puddle’ slightly, which physically stops that cold air from leaking into the room. It’s a precision fit that makes a noticeable difference to your power bill.
What are the curtain trends for 2026?
Style-wise, 2026 is all about ‘warm minimalism.’ We’re moving away from the cold, stark greys of, and leaning into textures and tones that feel grounded and comfortable.
If you’re looking to update your space this season, consider:
Earthy Palettes: Think moss greens, ochre, and warm oatmeals. These shades feel right at home against our mountain backdrops.
Tactile Fabrics: Heavy-weight linens are still a favourite, offering a beautiful drape while working hard to keep the heat in.
Clean Lines: For modern Wānaka builds, we’re seeing a lot of minimalist black hardware and recessed tracks. They keep the look tidy and allow the curtains to sit right against the ceiling, which helps trap rising heat.
Which curtain linings are best for winter insulation?
The performance of your curtains depends on what’s happening behind the scenes. To get the best thermal results, we recommend three-pass blackout linings. These have layers of acrylic foam that act as a solid barrier against the cold and give you total control over light.
If you want to take it a step further, adding an interlining is the way to go. This is an extra layer of soft wadding tucked between the main fabric and the lining. It gives the curtains a much heavier, luxurious feel and acts as a massive thermal boost. According to Consumer NZ, a well-fitted, lined curtain can be just as effective as double-glazing when it comes to keeping a room warm.
How do I get custom curtains in Wānaka?
At The Workroom, we handle the technical side of things so you don’t have to. You can find us at our studio at 50 Brownston Street, where we manage the whole process.
In-home Consultation: We come to you to see the space in person, looking at how the sun hits the room and what will work best for your lifestyle.
Sourcing: You’ll have access to an edited range of quality curtains in Wānaka, from the best New Zealand and international fabric houses.
Accuracy: We take care of the professional measurements, ensuring the stack width and floor clearance are spot on.
Installation: We manage the install to make sure everything is secure and hangs perfectly from day one.
Investing in custom curtains is one of the best moves you can make for your home’s comfort. With the high UV levels and extreme winters we get here in the South, choosing the right materials matters.
Pop into the studio for a chat or get in touch to book a free measure and quote for your curtains.
