It’s hard to argue with the benefits of full length lined and interlined curtains for complete cosiness and warmth but there are many window situations where blinds are just more practical.
Chances are that you live in a modern house which has central heating with radiators in every room and possibly underfloor heating to keep you warm and toasty on cold days. However, you might also have large expanses of glass, particularly if you have bi-fold doors and these are notorious for making a room feel cold. Add to this, the need to keep energy bills down and you arrive at a place where you need an energy efficient but aesthetically pleasing solution to window dressing.
Read my guide below on the features of curtains v blinds and decide for yourself, which you prefer.
Thermal Lined Curtains and Roman Blinds
This special lining helps to regulate the temperature in your home by reducing heat loss through the windows in winter and minimising heat gain in summer. Curtains or Roman blinds are made up in the usual way and this lining is added in place of standard lining.
Benefits:
Improved insulation: keeps rooms warmer in winter by trapping heat indoors.
Reduces energy bills by maintaining a stable indoor temperature.
Light Control: can be blackout, making it ideal for bedrooms and living spaces where light control is important.
Protects Fabrics: shields curtain fabrics from UV rays, preventing fading and extending their lifespan.
Interlined Curtains and Roman Blinds
The ultimate in effective insulation, these are curtains made with an additional layer of fabric sandwiched between the main fabric and the lining.
Benefits:
Enhanced insulation: interlining provides superior insulation for temperature control, keeping rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Energy efficiency: reduces heat loss, helping lower energy bills.
Improved light control: they block out more light than unlined options, making them ideal for bedrooms or media rooms.
Noise reduction soundproofing: the additional layers help dampen outside noise, making your home quieter and more peaceful.
Luxurious appearance for a fuller look: the interlining adds volume, giving curtains a fuller and more elegant drape, we nearly always interline delicate fabrics like silk which benefit from the added structure and protection.
Motorised curtains and blinds
Prices have come down in the last few years making these much more affordable
Benefits:
Energy Efficiency: automated scheduling means you can program your curtains or blinds to close at sunset to trap heat and reduce energy loss through windows.
Easy operation: adjust them with the push of a button or via smart devices, especially helpful for hard-to-reach windows.
Hands-free warmth: no need to get up on cold mornings to adjust—control them from your bed or couch!
Smart Home Integration : voice and App control allows you to pair them with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home for ultimate convenience.
Honeycomb blinds
Originally designed for conservatories, they are now mainstream in bedrooms especially thanks to their ability to be almost fully blackout.
Benefits:
Superior energy efficiency: unique honeycomb structure traps air in its cells, creating an insulating barrier that keeps rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Noise reduction: the cellular design helps absorb sound, making them ideal for busy neighbourhoods or homes near roads.
UV protection: blocks harmful UV rays, protecting furniture and flooring from fading and sun damage.
If you would like advice on how to make your home more energy efficient with curtains or blinds, get in touch on 07952 697850 or for more ideas and inspiration, take a look at our gallery
