Curtains to Winter

We are saying ‘curtains to winter’ at Hung, Drawn and Quilted this year with valuable energy-saving advice.

Most of us have felt the impact of the cost of living crisis over the last few years, and the changes in various economic factors have significantly motivated families to change their lifestyles to help save money.

Consequently, the ramifications of fluctuating energy prices mean expensive transportation costs and an increase in utility expenses that trickles down to the overall cost of living.

One money-saving method which is often overlooked in most homes is helping to insulate your home with adequate curtains – https://www.aquariusinteriors.co.uk/why-you-should-have-curtains-in-your-home-for-winter/ .

By saying hello to the right type of curtain, you can say ‘curtains to winter’.

There are several factors to consider and here are some Hung, Drawn and Quilted tips for saying ‘curtains to winter’.

This season, keep your home warm when the temperatures dip low.  

Curtains to Winter

1. Thick Fabrics – it immediately sounds obvious but thick fabrics really do help trap heat inside the room.
2. Lined Curtains – If you already have curtains that are quite thin, consider having them lined. Thermal linings act as an additional barrier against the cold. As well as thick fabrics, curtains with thermal linings significantly improve the insulation and help keep the drafts out.
3. Long Curtains – curtains that reach the floor, drop closer to the window or cut just beneath the windowsill help to prevent the heat from escaping at the bottom.
4. Multi-layered Curtains – multiple layers add extra insulation and also control the light into the room, keeping bedrooms darker in summer and rooms more private when the lights are on more in winter.
5. Fill the Gaps – ensure that the curtains cover the entire window and don’t fall short of the frame.
6. Curtain Pelmets – the decorative boards placed above the window prevent the warm air from escaping at the top which is very important when you consider that the hot air rises towards the pelmet before filling the room.
7. Colour Choice – believe it or not, dark-coloured curtains can help retain the heat. Even in the winter months, a room that receives low, direct sunlight can benefit from dark-coloured curtains because they absorb the sunlight better than lighter colours which reflect the sunlight.

When looking to invest in better curtains, it’s important to address the other sources of heat loss and drafts that are contributing to the temperature of the room.

Good insulation and addressing gaps around windows and doors work in conjunction with adequate curtains to contribute to a warmer, energy-efficient home.

It’s imperative to choose materials that keep the cold out and provide effective insulation.

Let’s take a look at what fabrics are best for keeping you and your home warm this winter and help you say, ‘curtains to winter’.

Here is a list of commonly used thick fabrics that are renowned for their warmth-retaining properties.

1. Wool – a breathable natural fibre and an excellent insulator, wool is used for durable and dense fabrics which is an ideal choice for thick curtains and perfect for rooms with a rustic appearance.
2. Velvet – often associated with luxury, velvet is also an excellent insulator. Like wool, Velvet is dense but heavier so the curtains hang nicely whilst trapping heat and adding a touch of elegance.  
3. Thermal – we have touched upon this but some curtains are designed specifically to have insulating properties. Thermal fabrics have multiple layers or linings to enhance the ability to trap air and reduce heat loss.
4. Fleece – Fleece is a word that is synonymous with warmth. Fleece-lined fabrics are light, breathable and good insulators. A synthetic fabric that imitates the warmth of wool, fleece lining provides an extra layer of insulation. If you can’t find the right curtains with a built-in fleece liner, consider adding a separate lining to your chosen fabric.
5. Chenille – another plush fabric in our range, the appearance of chenille is warm and the velvety texture makes the room feel welcoming and cosy on cold, winter nights.
6. Cotton – often overlooked, a thick, tightly woven cotton canvas provides the necessary insulation to be an effective choice.
7. Brocade – a fabric we seem to hear less of these days is Brocade. This heavy fabric often features aesthetically pleasing designs with raised patterns to add texture, contributing to both insulation and its visual appeal.
8. Tapestry – another fabric associated with elaborate designs and patterns is tapestry. Thick and lined for added insulation, tapestry designs allow the room to benefit from a style that suits the décor.
9. Quilted Fabrics – providing enhanced insulation, the additional layers create pockets of air that make them ideal heat retainers.
10. Heavy Jacquard – Like brocade, Jacquard is heavy and woven with complex patterns. Try the heavier versions for elegance and toastie insulation.
11. Flannel – flannel sounds less attractive than some of our other recommended fabrics but it is warm, soft and cosy, especially in bedrooms and smaller living spaces.

Open for help and advice

Hung, Drawn and Quilted are here to help with handmade curtains, blinds and pelmets, and we can provide further advice about what fabrics and designs are perfect for your home.

We will help you consider the overall aesthetics of the room and provide expert advice on fabrics, styles and designs. Contact us here for more information – https://hungdrawnandquilted.co.uk/contact/ .