Live Warm and Snug with Thick Winter Curtains
When frigid winter winds howl outside, it can make our homes feel cold and drafty no matter how high we crank the thermostat. No one wants to deal with drafts or pay massive heating bills trying to keep warm. That's why utilizing thick curtains is such an ingenious solution for getting cozy and sealing in precious heat during the winter months.
Unlike regular lightweight curtains that do little to insulate, specialized heavy curtains add an extra barrier between the warmth indoors and cold outside. Made from thick, insulating fabrics like velvet, wool, or special thermal materials, winter curtains create an envelope that retains heat while blocking chilling exterior air.
Benefits of Heavy Curtains for Winter
Thick insulating curtains offer many benefits beyond just keeping your rooms toasty when temperatures plummet.
Retain Heat and Increase Comfort
Thick curtains prevent precious indoor heat from escaping out cracks and gaps around windows. The heavy dense fabrics add insulation that absorbs ambient heat from radiators, fireplaces or sunlight before it can seep outdoors. This keeps interiors warmer so you stay cozy rather than shivering.
| - Prevent heat loss through windows | - Absorb and trap heat inside home |
| - Make indoor spaces feel warmer | - Create a cozier environment |
Reduce Cold Drafts
Even tiny cracks allow icy blasts of exterior air to penetrate indoors causing uncomfortable drafts. Thick curtains form a barrier that insulates and seals these gaps, preventing infiltration of cold air.
With windows properly insulated by heavy curtain panels, you won't feel annoying breezes or have to crank the thermostat higher attempting to stay warm. Eliminating nasty drafts creates a more comfortable environment so you actually enjoy spending time in your home.
- Insulate windows and prevent air leaks
- Create a barrier between indoors and outdoors
- Less draftiness leads to more comfortable environment
Lower Energy Bills
Since thick curtains add insulation that reduces costly heat loss in winter, they can help lower expensive energy bills from your heating system working overtime. The Department of Energy estimates almost 30% of warmth escapes out poorly insulated windows in a typical home.
Sealing these leaks with heavy curtain panels ensures more coziness without cranking your thermostat to the max. Lower heat loss translates directly into energy savings so you keep more money in your wallet.
| - Less heat loss so less energy needed | - Improved insulation can reduce costs |
| - Thick curtains are an easy solution | - Keep more money in your wallet |
Different Types of Heavy Winter Curtains
With so many varieties available, which heavy drapes are best for keeping away the winter chill? Here are some top options for bundled up warmth and comfort.
Velvet Curtains
Who doesn't love the plush luxurious feel of velvet? Available in a rainbow of colors and fun prints, velvet curtains look fabulous while insulating your windows.
The thick woven pile of velvet fabric is excellent at trapping heat before it escapes outside. Lush velvet curtain panels also prevent cold drafts by sealing gaps around window frames.
- Made of plush velvet fabric
- Available in various colors and patterns
- Very effective at trapping heat
- Prevent cold air drafts around windows
Wool Curtains
Long before central heating and weatherproofing, our ancestors relied on wool to provide warmth and protect from winter's bite. It's no surprise wool makes fantastic insulating curtain material blocking cold and locking in heat.
Along with their exceptional insulation properties, wool curtains have other advantages. Wool is hypoallergenic and a renewable, eco-friendly material. Available in solids or patterns to match any decor, wool curtain panels keep rooms comfortably warm while looking fabulous.
| - Made from natural wool material | - Provide exceptional insulation |
| - Keep rooms warm and comfortable | - Wool is eco-friendly and hypoallergenic |
Thermal Curtains
Specifically designed as insulation for windows and patio doors, thermal curtains do an amazing job preventing heat loss in winter. They utilize a layer of heat-trapping lining material sandwiched between insulating fabric exterior layers.
The linings could be fleece, thick quilted fabrics or proprietary materials that create an effective barrier against cold exterior temperatures. Thermal curtains look like ordinary drapes but the inner construction is optimized to seal in warmth.
- Designed specifically to insulate windows
- Special thermal lining materials
- Expertly trap heat and block air leaks
- Wide range of styles and colors
Blackout Curtains
If you want to cocoon yourself in complete darkness and warmth, blackout curtains are the perfect solution. These curtains block 100% of outside light for undisturbed sleep while providing insulation.
Blackout curtains feature multiple fabric layers including thick insulating linings to prevent heat escaping your windows. By blocking drafts and retaining ambient warmth, they help keep winter heating costs lower.
| - Thick opaque fabric blocks all light | - Offer insulation against cold and noise |
| - Provide privacy along with warmth | - Help create dark rooms for better sleep |
Measuring and Installing Thick Curtains
Getting the perfect custom fit is crucial when installing insulating curtains for maximum efficiency and visual appeal. Follow these top tips.
Accurately Measure Windows
Whip out your cloth measuring tape and note the precise width and height for each window scheduled to receive heavy curtain panels. Make sure to measure all the way from the outer edges of the window frame opening.
For floor length curtains, measure the drop distance from the rod mounting point down to where you want the curtains to end. Record each measurement to ensure custom panels or proper allowance for hems when sewing DIY curtains.
- Width, height and drop for perfect fit
- Allow extra length for pleats and folds
Purchase Curtains with Enough Fabric
Consult manufacturer size charts and instructions to purchase standard panels a bit wider and longer than the windows being covered. This provides a little extra for optimal coverage, drape and folds.
If making DIY thick curtains, buy ample yardages of fabric and lining allowing bonus material for generous side hems and bottom hems, overlap, and heading depth.
| - Check manufacturer measurements | - Buy panels wider and longer than windows |
Install Curtain Rods Securely
Since thick insulating curtains will have some substantial weight, ensure window treatment hardware provides sturdy support. Mount brackets solidly into wall studs, not just drywall anchors which could rip out.
Select long rods in the appropriate diameter for hanging insulating curtain panels. Check rods extend wider than the window itself and are perfectly level in order to hang beautifully.
- Mount brackets into wall studs for weight
- Ensure rods are level, centered, and long enough
Hang and Adjust Curtain Panels
Slide insulating curtain panels onto rods using rings or clip hooks allowing easy draw and stack back. Evenly arrange panels overlapping in the center while eliminating gaps between and at edges.
Gently tug panels downward removing any slack, before neatly arranging hemmed bottoms to lightly grace the floor creating a polished put-together look.
| - Evenly space and center on rod | - Eliminate gaps with panels pulled tight |
| - Adjust length for clean look covering floor | - Overlap panels in middle |
Along with stylish good looks, thick specialty curtains provide the added benefit of insulation helping seal out winter's bite. Retaining precious indoor heat while blocking drafts, heavy curtains allow you to live snug as a bug no matter how cold it gets.
Choosing the perfect heavy drapes for your decor that properly fit each window ensures these insulating hero curtains can work their magic keeping your rooms warmer. Install thick velvet, wool, thermal or blackout panels as an elegant solution for lower bills and cozy comfort all winter long.