Best Fabrics for Window Treatments to Reduce Heating Costs

There’s no denying it, the cold weather has arrived. And with it comes the inevitable increase in the cost of utility bills as we crank up the heat in our homes and try to stay cozy and comfortable. In the beginning of fall we discussed some of the best window treatments to insulate your home against the cold. Now, lets look at some of the best fabrics to use for those warming and insulating draperies.

It might sound obvious, but it should definitely be noted that the heavier the fabric, the more likely it is to be insulating for your windows. For the winter months, you will want to stay away from those thinner fabrics like linen or lace and any kind of sheer material. These fabrics allow for air flow through the material and will certainly not help to keep the cold air out in the wintertime.

For insulating draperies and curtains, you will want to choose something much sturdier. Velvet is a nice heavy choice that also adds a classy look to the room. Tweed is another great, heavy-duty fabric that will protect your home from that cold air that might sneak through drafty windows. Tapestry fabrics are also popular, thicker fabrics for your window treatments that can be interestingly patterned and add some of your signature style to your home or office. Other, less popular window treatment fabrics, like suede and denim, are also heavily insulating but maybe not for everyone in terms of decorating. Canvas and cotton-blend fabrics fall somewhere in the middle, offering a bit of protection and insulation but still susceptible to some air flow from the window.

Getting that full insulating effect from your draperies isn’t just about the fabric you choose; it can also be about layering several fabrics to trap the cold air inside the layers and not let it penetrate your living space. If you usually keep a sheer curtain up during the summer months, adding a heavier drapery over top can seal in that cold air around the window. If you really want to go all out, get a heavy drapery with a liner over that thinner under-curtain and have three layers of protection against the drafts.

Don’t forget that the hanging of the draperies is just as important to keeping cold air out as the fabric that you choose. You want to have the drapery hung as tight to the wall as possible to eliminate airflow from gaps. Many designers also recommend adding a cornice at the top of the drapery to stop air escaping between the top of the curtain and the ceiling.

Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of draperies to help with insulating your home and reducing heating costs. You can reduce the amount of heat lost through drafty windows by as much as 25% with the right window treatments. If you need to upgrade this winter, give Carmen’s Custom Window Treatments a call. They are experts in the industry in Northeast Ohio and will be happy to give you an in-home consultation with one of their professional designers to find out how to meet your needs. A small change can go a long way in making your home more comfortable (and your bills more affordable) this year.