Curtains are not just for privacy. In winter, they can keep your rooms warm, reduce energy bills, and reduce condensation inside of windows. But only if you have thermal curtains.
Continue reading to find out everything you need about choosing thermal curtains for your home.
What are Thermal Curtains?
Thermal curtains are made from thick insulation material sandwiched between two or three layers of fabric. One layer faces your home and is decorative, while the other faces your window and acts as a barrier. Most often, the thick, insulating material at the center is made from high-density foam to minimize thermal exchange.
To reduce heat loss through sliding glass doors and windows, homeowners hang thermal curtains in winter. They are also great for cooling air-conditioned rooms in summer due to their insulation properties.
How to choose the right thermal curtains for your home
There are many thermal curtains available for homeowners today. They come in every color and pattern. There is a thermal curtain that will match any decor.
Keep these things in mind when choosing thermal curtains
It is important to choose the right size curtain.
The insulation benefits of thermal curtains that are too small won’t be as effective. Make sure you measure the windows and doors carefully.
Close the curtains to the window.
For maximum energy savings, choose a curtain rod that will keep your curtain close to the window. Curtains that are closer to the window provide better insulation than curtains that are far away.
Curtains made of one layer are not enough.
Manufacturers now offer single-layer thermal curtains made from one layer of insulating materials. We have found that curtains with multiple layers are more efficient in terms of energy consumption.
Thermal curtains can be an investment.
Thermal curtains are usually more expensive than standard curtains. Thermal-lined curtains can help reduce your household’s energy bills. Investments in energy-efficient curtains pay off for many years.
Thermal curtains can also be used for sliding doors.
Do you have a drafty patio door that lets in cold winter air? A thermal insulating curtain of the right size will make a big difference in comfort and energy efficiency.
Additional efficiency is achieved by floor-to-ceiling panels or pelmets.
The thermal curtains that reach the ceiling will insulate more effectively than curtains that are cut to the height at the window. A pelmet is a piece of cloth or wood that is fitted to the top of your curtain. This will increase the curtain’s efficiency.
Pick the curtain that is right for you.
The back of some thermal-lined curtains is blackout, which reduces the glare from sun, streetlights and other external light. Some designs can be thick enough to reduce noise pollution and silence your apartment. Take into account all options before you choose the thermal curtains that best suits your style and your needs.
DIY Thermal Curtains
Do you prefer to make your curtains yourself? DIY thermal curtains are as effective as professionally made ones if they are done with care.
You will need the following items to make your own thermal curtains:
- This fabric is decorative fabric with a tight weave. It’s what you will see in the interior of your house.
- Water-wicking fabric that can be used as a vapor barrier on the side facing windows
- To insulate the curtain, thick batting with insulation properties.
- Grommets
- To create a pelmet, you will need additional fabric and batting.