A thermal curtain is an effective way to keep heat out of a room while allowing light in. This type of window treatment is made of fabric placed between the glass panes of a window. These curtains are usually hung inside the window frame.
Thermal curtains come in various styles and designs. Some are designed for privacy, while others are meant to block sunlight. There are also curtains that combine both functions.
The most common types of thermal curtains include roller shades, Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, and vertical blinds. Each style offers its advantages and disadvantages.
When to Use Thermal Drapes
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Thermal drapes are great insulators because they keep warm air inside while letting cool air out. They’re ideal for homes where there are a lot of cold drafts coming into the house.
In colder climates, it’s best to use insulated curtains rather than conventional window treatments like blinds. These curtains block light and reduce glare but don’t offer much warmth.
Thermal Drape Types and Styles
A thermal curtain is a great way to keep your house warm during the winter. There are several types of thermal curtains that you can buy online.
These include both ready-made and custom-designed options. Some are made entirely of heavy-duty materials, while others use lighter fabrics. You’ll find everything from thick, indoor-facing cotton, wool or polyesters to thin, outdoor-oriented ones. All of them come in different sizes and shapes.
Ready-made thermal curtains are easy to install. Simply hang them over windows where there’s little insulation. If you want to cover multiple windows, it’s best to purchase a set of curtains matching each.
Customized curtains are usually made of heavier materials, such as denim or canvas. However, they require some measuring and cutting, so they aren’t always cheaper than buying pre-cut sets.
How to Install Thermal Drapes
Before you buy curtains or window treatments, take measurements of your windows and make sure to include enough fabric to extend out on both sides and below. This will help ensure proper insulation performance.
Measure twice—once from the outside and once from the inside. If you’re hanging the curtains yourself, use hooks, loop fastener strips, or magnetic tape to keep the drapes attached to the wall.
How to Choose the Best Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are great for blocking heat and cold and reducing energy costs, but what do you look for when shopping around? Here are some things to remember when choosing the best thermal curtain for your needs.
Energy efficiency is key. The thicker the material, the better. Cotton and wool are good choices because they insulate well. Polyester and other synthetic fibers don’t offer much insulation value.
Size – You want to make sure that the thermal curtain fits properly. If it doesn’t fit correctly, it won’t work as well as it could.
Noise Reduction – Some curtains come with soundproofing material built into them. Others don’t. Make sure you know whether the curtains block out sounds or not.
Aesthetics – Many people like to choose curtains that match the rest of the room decor. But that isn’t always possible. Sometimes you might even prefer a different style.
Type
Roman and balloon shades are among the most popular thermal curtains because they allow natural light to enter while providing privacy. However, many options are available for consumers looking to improve their home décor.
Thermals come in different styles, such as classic curtains, Roman, and balloon shades. They come in different colors and materials, including cotton, polyester, vinyl, and silk.
Size
You can find thermal curtains in a range of sizes, too. From standard 36-inch panels to larger 48-inch and 72-inch options, thermal curtains can fit almost every window in your home.
Of course, the bigger your window, the thicker your curtains need to be. If you are unsure what size will work best for your space, contact a local retailer to inquire about sizing information.
Fabric
Insulated curtains come in many fabrics, including cotton and polyester, the most common materials. Cotton is great because it resists moisture, which can build in the air trapped between a curtain and the windowpanes, while the polyester keeps out dust and dirt.
Microfiber is another popular choice, as it resists water and oil better than cotton and polyester. Velvet is also a good option, as it helps keep heat inside during cold weather.
Aesthetic
Insulated curtains come in an array of stylish colors and patterns. In addition to being functional, these curtains have beautiful grommets and cuts that you can use to achieve a classic, modern, or traditional look.
Noise Reduction
Thermal curtains are designed to keep you cool without making too much noise. They use specially engineered fabrics that trap air inside the room, creating a barrier against outside sounds. These materials also help block out light, keeping rooms dark. And since thermal curtains don’t allow heat to escape, they’re great for cooling down hot summer days.
Insulation
There are many different materials used in thermal curtains. These include cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, acrylic, and vinyl. Each of these materials provides specific benefits. Cotton offers warmth and comfort.
Wool helps regulate temperature and keeps you dry. Polyester is durable and strong. Nylon is lightweight and flexible. Acrylic is water resistant and easy to clean. Vinyl is durable and resists fading.
To measure how well a thermal curtain blocks heat, we first need to learn about the amount of insulation within the product. Insulation is measured using a unit called the R-value.
R-3 to R-5 is the R-value of thermal drapes when they’re closed. A fiberglass batt insulation of 1 inch has the same insulation value.
Dry cleaning vs. washing in a machine
Most manufacturers recommend washing your curtains in cold water and gentle cycle on low heat. If you use a dry cleaner, make sure it uses no fabric softener.
Fabric softeners cause wrinkles in the material. You can also hang your curtains outside during summer to let them air out. This helps prevent mildew from forming.
Check the washing instructions on curtains, as this will vary depending on the manufacturer.
FAQ
Are Thermal Curtains Worthy?
You can keep your room cool in the summer by using thermal curtains. They trap heat behind the layers of fabric. However, thermal curtains won’t reduce your overall air conditioning load so they won’t reduce your overall energy waste.
How Much Difference Do Thermal Curtains Make?
Thermal curtains block chilly drafts and reduce heat loss from your windows by up to 25 percent.
Do Thermal Curtains Keep Cold Out?
By trapping cold air between themselves and the window, insulation curtains prevent cold air from entering a room.
How do thermal curtains work
Thermal curtains are made with triple or double-layered fabric and thick batting. To prevent moisture from entering the home, the material is either polyester or microfiber, while the batting acts as a barrier.
Difference Between a Thermal Curtain and a Blackout Curtain
The main purpose of blackout curtains is to reduce the amount of light coming in through windows. In contrast, thermal curtains reduce heat loss from the windows of a room.
