Curtains and Blinds - Which is better for thermal insulation?
We currently have no curtains or blinds. Our windows are single glazed. Do we need to buy curtains (instead of blinds) for better thermal insulation? Or, are blinds (which are cheaper) good too. Any recommended products? Kresta have recommended to us their cellular blind range (softview) light filter.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Hi there, If you are going for curtains, remember, not all thermals are created equal. Last year I bought some shop soiled/imperfect sun filter fabric, (it was on sale) and used it to reline all the curtains in my house, including the thermals. What a difference! If I had pelmets it would be even better. In the winter, because the curtains are thicker and denser the heat takes longer to escape and in the summer, because of the sun filter aspect, I can close the curtains when I get home and the lounge, which was like a sauna, is instantly cooler because the sun does not penetrate the curtains. Anything you do to better insulate your home is a good thing. There are always sales on both blinds and curtains and you could always spread the cost by doing one room every month or so. Or go for a second hand option on good quality curtains and tracks.
February 13th, 2010 at 7:56 am
We have just had the new cellular blinds installed and they reckon that these are the way to go. we also have wooden blinds throughout the whole house and they keep our rooms nice and snug, blinds are a cheaper option, and we find these work very well, but will see in winter how this new cellular works in a very cold room
April 3rd, 2010 at 11:21 am
I have no problem with insulation-have double glazed windows and no need to worry about heating. My problem is sun on my furniture. Will see through sun-filter curtains block the sun damage to my furniture ( fabric couches / wooden cabinets and coffee table) or not? I am reluctant to put up any curtains- the floors are tiled and they retain the lovely sun.It seems to protect the furniture I must sacrifice the sun heating the tiles. In summer it does not come in but spring and autumn present a problem.Any suggestions?