‘Tis the season of puffy jackets, knit scarves, and mittens! It’s officially that time of year where you need to zip up your jacket before heading outside. When we’re indoors, however, the last thing we want is to wear a constricting and bulky jacket. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. Yet we fully understand the pinch on your wallet when turning up the heat. Weather curtains may be the answer. These small changes to your choice of curtains or shades will keep your home warm all winter long.

Be Mindful Of The Fabric

Not all fabrics are created equally when it comes to winter weather. Lightweight fabrics, such as lace, linen, and sheer cotton, can easily allow drafts in. Heavier, tightly woven fabrics, such as velvet, tapestry, or suede, act as a sturdier barrier against cold air that threatens to seep in. Darker colored fabrics are also far better than light-colored fabrics at absorbing heat from sunlight and warming up your home. You can consider swapping out your thinner summer curtains for something more heavy duty in the winter months.

However, regardless of the curtain color, it is recommended that you keep the weather curtains open on sunny days. This allows the sunlight to naturally warm up your living space, saving you money on both your electricity and heating bill.

DIY Some Layered Curtains

Layer two curtains together to imitate the look and function of draperies, which are typically lined. Layered curtains act as a barrier between your living space and cold air from your windows. When choosing two curtains to layer together, be careful not to pair clashing patterns together. It’s always a safe bet to use one patterned curtain and one solid color curtain for a tasteful, chic look. In the spirit of color coordination, we recommend choosing a solid color curtain that picks up one of the shades in the patterned one. For added warmth, opt for one curtain that already has a lining.

Use Insulated Weather Curtains

Insulated weather curtains target your windows to keep your home warm. They usually consist of four distinct layers, with a core layer of high-density foam. This is the primary element that works to keep cold air out and heated air in. The other layers of insulated curtains include a vapor barrier coating, a decorative outer covering, and a reflective film that reflects heat back into the room.

Use Insulated Cellular Shades

Insulated cellular shades looks more like horizontal, accordion-like blinds with a honeycomb cross-section. Across the industry, these shades are known as having the highest R-value of all window treatments. The R-value is the measure of a material’s insulating power. The higher the R-value, the more you’ll save on your heating bill in the winter.

The charm of insulated cellular shades is in the simplicity of their appearance, which makes them a good match for any home’s interior decor. Tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which is the equivalent of approximately 20% in heating energy savings.

Some cellular shades can even be automated, allowing you to adjust the timing of their opening and closing. Depending on the season, an optimal schedule will reduce either heating or cooling while maximizing the amount of natural light in your home.

Be Wary of Your Radiators

While curtains and shades certainly help to block draft, keep the position of your radiators in mind. If your radiators are underneath your windows, full-length curtains and draperies will prevent heat from entering the room. This is precisely what you don’t want. If this is the case in your home, be sure to get curtains that stop before hitting your heat source.

Enjoying a warm and cozy holiday season in the comfort of your own home is a fairly large priority for many. Securing your windows with the proper curtains or shades are a cost-effective way to prevent drafts from entering your home. Protect your family, children, guests, and pets this winter. To find the best choice for your family, reach out to a professional upholstery or window service company, like Howard’s Upholstery, to weigh your best options.