As the winter months approach, keeping your home warm and energy-efficient becomes a top priority. While we often think of thicker blankets or sealing windows, blinds can play a crucial role in insulating your home and keeping the chills out. The right choice of blinds can help retain warmth, reduce energy bills, and create a cozy atmosphere.
Here are some of the best blinds to keep the cold out and maintain a warm interior this winter.
1. Honeycomb (Cellular) Blinds
These blinds feature a unique honeycomb structure that traps air in their cells, creating an insulating layer. The larger the cells, the better the insulation, making them excellent for keeping warmth in and cold out.
2. Thermal Roller Blinds
Thermal roller blinds come with a special backing that enhances insulation. They provide a sleek, snug fit, reducing gaps where cold air could seep through, ideal for modern homes looking for a minimalist yet practical solution.
3. Roman Blinds
Thick fabric Roman blinds offer a solid barrier when closed, providing warmth and style. Opting for thermal-lined or insulated Roman blinds improves their effectiveness at trapping heat inside.
4. Blackout Blinds with Thermal Lining
Blackout blinds with thermal lining not only block light but also provide added insulation. The heavy-duty fabric helps reduce heat loss, perfect for keeping bedrooms and living areas warm.
5. Wooden or Faux Wood Blinds
Real wood blinds naturally insulate by blocking cold air, while faux wood options are more resistant to moisture, making them great for kitchens or bathrooms. Both offer a stylish, classic appearance with decent insulating properties.
6. Insulated Roman Shades
These are Roman blinds with extra insulation built in, providing better thermal efficiency than standard fabric blinds. They’re ideal for those wanting both warmth and elegance.
Getting a custom made window covering
Getting a custom-made window covering is one of the best ways to ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient during the winter months. When it comes to insulation, fit is crucial. A perfect fit prevents drafts, reduces heat loss, and maximises the insulating potential of your window treatments.
Here’s how custom-made blinds provide the perfect fix for winter insulation:
1. Precise Measurements for Snug Fit
Custom window coverings are made to fit your windows exactly, eliminating gaps at the edges where cold air could enter. Standard, off-the-shelf blinds may leave small openings, reducing their effectiveness in keeping heat in. Custom-fit blinds ensure the material sits flush against the window frame, providing an airtight barrier.
2. Better Insulation Options
Custom window treatments can be crafted from a variety of insulating materials. For winter insulation, you can opt for specialized fabrics, such as:
- Thermal-lined materials: These add an extra layer of insulation.
- Honeycomb (cellular) structures: Custom-made honeycomb blinds can be tailored with larger cells for enhanced energy efficiency.
- Multiple layers: You can request double or triple-lined Roman shades or insulated roller blinds for better heat retention.
3. Tailored Design for Maximum Energy Efficiency
Custom blinds can be designed with your specific insulation needs in mind. For example, in especially cold regions, you might choose:
- Double-cell or triple-cell honeycomb blinds for maximum thermal efficiency.
- Heavy fabric Roman blinds with thermal backing for extra warmth.
- Insulated blackout blinds to block both drafts and sunlight, helping to keep the room warm.
4. Perfectly Fitted Hardware
Custom window coverings come with hardware that fits your window exactly. This ensures no gaps around the installation points and reduces the chance of heat loss. Properly mounted blinds or shades create a continuous barrier against the cold.
5. Combination of Style and Function
Custom window coverings allow you to choose both the style and functionality. Whether you want Roman blinds, honeycomb shades, or thermal roller blinds, custom-made options can be tailored to your home’s aesthetic while still focusing on insulation. You don’t have to compromise on looks to achieve energy efficiency.
6. Layering Options
Custom window coverings also give you the flexibility to layer blinds with curtains for even greater insulation. By combining custom-fit thermal blinds with heavy, lined curtains, you can create a double barrier against the cold.
7. Long-Term Energy Savings
Though custom-made blinds may require a higher initial investment, the long-term benefits are substantial. The improved insulation helps reduce heating costs during the winter, paying for themselves over time.
Additional tips to stay warm in winter
Keeping your home warm during winter doesn’t have to be expensive. With some creativity and effort, you can improve insulation and reduce drafts without breaking the bank. Here are cheap, DIY insulation projects and simple tips to help you stay warm.
- Weatherstripping: Seal gaps around doors and windows with adhesive strips to stop drafts.
- Draft Stoppers: Use fabric tubes filled with rice or sand to block cold air under doors.
- Thermal Curtains: Add thermal linings or use thick curtains to block window drafts.
- Plastic Window Film: Install clear plastic film over windows to reduce heat loss.
- Bubble Wrap Windows: Apply bubble wrap to windows for an inexpensive insulation layer.
- Rugs & Carpets: Place thick rugs on cold floors to add insulation.
- Caulking Gaps: Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk to prevent heat escape.
- Outlet Insulation: Use foam gaskets behind outlet covers to block drafts on exterior walls.
- Reflective Foil: Place foil behind radiators to reflect heat into the room.
- Insulate Pipes: Wrap foam insulation around exposed pipes to prevent heat loss.
- Chimney Plug: Block your chimney when not in use to keep warm air inside.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans: Run fans clockwise to push warm air downward.
Summary
To keep your home warm in winter, choosing the right blinds is essential for insulation. Honeycomb (Cellular) blinds are the best for trapping air in their cells, creating an effective barrier against cold air. Thermal roller blinds have special thermal backing for added insulation, while Roman blinds made from thick fabrics provide a solid layer to block drafts. Blackout blinds with thermal lining are excellent for reducing both heat loss and light. Wooden or faux wood blinds offer natural insulation, and insulated Roman shades provide multiple layers for extra warmth. These blinds help retain heat, reduce energy costs, and keep your home cosy.