Using curtains to insulate your home

There are a number of ways your windows can aid insulating your home and curtains are one of them. In fact, the right curtains can be equally as effective as double-glazed windows; but there are many homes that aren’t using theirs to the best of their ability. We’ve created a free guide that goes over everything you need to know about choosing the right ones, and you can get your copy at the end of this post. But before you do, ask yourself these questions to check whether your curtains are working as well as they can.

Are my curtains full-length?

Having curtains that don’t just touch the floor, but bunch slightly to create a seal is one of the most effective things you can do to keep warm air inside your home. By creating a seal, they can trap the cold air that sinks between your window and curtain and keep it from cooling your home.

Are there curtains in every room?

The right blinds can also be applicable here too, but when you have a warm home and one or two windows that aren’t offering any insulation you end up creating a ‘reverse chimney’; where warm air is sucked out of your home as it rises. After leaving your curtains open during the day, this can cause the temperature to drop significantly at night. It’s a simple fix and it could make the difference between flicking the heat pump on again in spring.

Could I install a pelmet?

Another way to keep cold air from your home is a pelmet that encloses the top of your curtains. By essentially boxing in the rails and brackets, they can help minimise the reverse chimney effect by interrupting the cycle of warm and cold air between curtains and windows.

Could I layer my curtains with more than one fabric?

The answer to this question is yes! We should dress our windows just like we dress ourselves in winter by adding layers. At Russells we have a number of thermal options perfectly suited for cold temperatures. Our Style Consultants are well stocked with a great range of linings to ensure you get just the right lining to meet your needs.

Another popular option currently trending is to install two separate fabrics on double-track rails. Doing so allows you to hang sheer fabrics that retain privacy and let warmth into your home during the day. At night, simply draw them shut with a thicker fabric over the top to keep the heat inside.

If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, that’s great! But if you answered no to more than one or two, we’d definitely recommend looking at ways to increase the functionality of your curtains. Our friendly team of consultants are more than happy to help, so feel free to get in touch. But, as promised, here’s a link to your free copy of our guide. Enjoy!