With the rise in energy prices in the UK, keeping your house warm without turning the heating on is becoming as important as ever before. Whether you have a cool bedroom, a loft, an attic, or a large room facing north, you can make your space warmer by eliminating any drafts. Luckily, many types of curtains, blinds, and curtain hardware are designed to keep the heat inside. Here are the six best window coverings to keep cold out.
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6 Best Window Coverings to Keep Cold Out:
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1. Thermal lining for curtains or blinds
First and foremost, start with thermal (blackouts also do the job) lining. Whether you prefer curtains or blinds, each type has thermal fabric. This additional lining is a barrier that stops drafts from a window keeping heat; this is precisely what we are after. And don’t worry about appearance - the lining is attached from the back and is completely hidden by the front fabric.
What type of blind is best for insulation? Roller or Roman blinds can have a thermal option (Romans are best). We do not recommend Vertical or Venetian Blinds as gaps between the slats allow cold air through faster than a thick fabric.
What curtain length is best for insulation? Full-length curtains are the best as short curtains which are just past the windowsill gather the cold air and drop down into the room. However, if you have a radiator right under the window, choose curtains that sit 10-15cm below the windowsill. Thus, you will not block the heat coming from the radiator.
2. French curtain pole
The French have always had a reputation for fashion, but this pole has much more to offer than just a beautiful look. More importantly, this elegant French-style curtain rod was created to keep the cold out by stopping drafts from and – can be important for bedrooms - light leakage. Due to its curved returns, the curtain hanging from this pole always sits tight against the wall blocking the cold air. French poles are great for installing over a window or a door to keep the wind out.
NOT suitable for: bay windows of any shape.
3. Inside fit blinds
4. Layered curtains and blinds
Matching curtains and blinds can create an exciting look for better privacy and help keep the room warm. Start with Roman blinds to have a primary fabric colour, then add the complimenting curtains. For extra insulation, pair thermal curtains with thermal blinds. This look is an excellent design option for bay windows of any shape.
Tip: When selecting a colour palette for curtains and blinds, always choose colours that match the surroundings, such as your furnishings or walls. This will make your home’s design more cohesive.
Related: The Art of Layering: Mixing and Matching Window Treatments
5. Dormer curtain poles for a door covering
Initially, a dormer rod was created to cover an awkward dormer window. But over time, it has been proven to be efficient in any recessed windows with limited space. Many people in the UK use it on their front doors to eliminate drafts from the most vulnerable place in a house – the hallway.
Tip: make sure that the total weight of your curtain does not exceed the specified weight shown in the product description.
Related: Window Treatments Glossary. Words You are Probably Using Wrong
6. Double curtains
Double curtains allow the layering of two sets of curtains. For example, you can pair a voile or thin linen and thermal curtains. This arrangement is ideal for keeping the heat inside your home and for privacy. The easiest way to achieve this is to install either double poles or tracks. Many double curtain tracks are bendable, making them ideal for bay windows.
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What is the best dressing for a bay window?
Layered curtains in a bay window always look gorgeous adding depth, privacy, and elegance. An additional layer creates a barrier from any draughts, which is one more great benefit. For layering curtains in a bay window, consider bendable double curtain tracks. They are easily cut and bent at home and can follow the shape of any bay.
Image by TANYA (@home.style.interior)
Conclusion
When eliminating drafts, the aim is to keep curtains as close to the wall and window as possible. These ideas can help you do that and keep the heat in. But remember - there are many other important ways to make your house warmer for winter. Do not forget to check the panes for cracks and cover any leaks with window sealant. You can also consider purchasing or making a draught excluder.
Related: What are the parts of the curtain pole set?
To learn more about how curtains and curtain hardware help you to make rooms warmer, please call us at 01243 586660, and we will be happy to answer your questions.
Let us know in the comments below how you keep your house warm! You might also be interested in our post Get your windows winter ready. And please share this post with friends on social media!
