With winter right around the corner, you might already be looking for ways to keep the cold out while avoiding a hefty energy bill. One of the most vulnerable areas in the thermal envelope of your home is the windows. In fact, it’s estimated that around 10 to 15% of your home’s heat is lost through its windows, with this figure only rising if your home is fitted with single-glazed or thermally inefficient windows.
One way you can keep heat loss to a minimum is by choosing window coverings that are designed with energy efficiency in mind; that’s why the team here at Sunshade Blinds has compiled this list of the best blinds to keep your home warm in winter.
Can blinds make a room warmer?
Yes, if you’re looking for ways to keep your home warm without switching on your central heating, then the right blinds can make a real difference. However, you don’t just have to take our word for it; the British Blinds and Shutter Association (BBSA) has found that good-quality blinds and shutters can cut heat loss by as much as 33%!
This added warmth comes from the extra layer of insulation that blinds provide, creating a barrier between the cold air at your window and the warm air inside your home. There’s also the matter of draughts to consider; when you opt for custom made-to-measure blinds, like those provided here at Sunshade Blinds, the precise fit leaves minimal gaps where cold air can sneak in, resulting in a more comfortable, energy-efficient space.
Best blinds to keep your home warm
- Honeycomb blinds: Arguably the best blinds for energy efficiency, honeycomb blinds – also known as cellular or Duette blinds – are made up of a continuous layer of fabric that is folded over to create a series of interconnected pockets. These cells trap warm air inside and create an insulating barrier between the window and the rest of the room to protect against heat loss. When viewed from the side, these air pockets appear honeycomb-shaped, hence the name.
- Roman blinds: Not only do Roman blinds help to keep a room warm, but thanks to their soft, thick fabric, they look warm too. Folding neatly into pleats when raised and lying flat against the glass when lowered, they create a snug barrier that helps to block draughts. If you’re looking for blinds that balance energy efficiency and style, then they’re the perfect solution.
- Blackout blinds: While we all know blackout blinds can help you to get the best night’s sleep, that’s not their only benefit; they’re also incredibly insulating. Blackout blinds use denser, thicker fabrics to block out the light, and these materials are also naturally effective at retaining heat too. Plus, because these blinds have been designed to fit tightly against the windows, even the most minuscule gaps are removed, meaning there’s less risk of a draught.
- Pleated blinds: As you’d guess from the name, pleated blinds are made up from fabric that has been repeatedly folded to form pleats. This creates small pockets of warm air between each pleat, slowing heat loss. Pleated blinds have numerous benefits: they’re stylish, lightweight and provide excellent insulation without taking up too much space.
- Venetian blinds: Venetian blinds are made up of multiple slats that can easily be tilted to adjust the level of light and privacy. When closed, these slats form one solid, insulating barrier that prevents draughts, especially when the blinds are made from wood or faux-wood.
- Wooden shutters: While not technically a type of blind, wooden shutters deserve a place on this list due to their great energy efficiency. As wood is a naturally insulating material due to its dense structure, it slows down heat transfer to help your home retain warmth. Wooden shutters also boast a classic look that will never go out of fashion, making them a stylish choice as well as a practical one.
If you’re in need of some energy-efficient blinds to get your home ready for winter, contact the team here at Sunshade Blinds. We’ve been supplying and installing insulating blinds at homes and businesses across Jersey for more than 35 years, so you can trust us to deliver five-star service every time.
