Heavy Drapes For Bedroom
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Even the highest-rated windows present an opportunity for air to infiltrate your home, causing your HVAC system to work harder to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Thermal curtains are an extra layer of insulation you can use to make your home more energy efficient.
The best thermal curtains consist of multiple layers of fabric with thick padding that prevents air from circulating from your window into your home. In addition to this insulating effect, these window treatments have the added advantage of dampening sound and blocking light.
With so many brands and styles to choose from, selecting a set of thermal curtains that will add efficiency to your home's heating and air conditioning system while meshing with its aesthetics can be a challenge. This guide will review what features you should consider in a set of thermal curtains and includes a list of some of the best products available.
- BEST OVERALL: Best Home Fashion Thermal Blackout Curtain
- RUNNER-UP: NICETOWN 3 Pass Noise Reducing Thermal Curtains
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Window Curtain
- BEST LUXURY: August Grove Loar Solid Blackout Thermal Curtain
- BEST PATTERNED: HLC.me Paris Paisley Thermal Insulated Curtain Panels
- BEST TEXTURED: Guccione Textured Max Blackout Thermal Curtain
- BEST COLOR SELECTION: BGment Blackout Curtains for Bedroom
- BEST NOISE REDUCTION: Utopia Bedding Grommet Blackout Curtains
- BEST FOR COLD WEATHER: H. VERSAILTEX Blackout Curtains
- BEST FOR OUTDOORS: NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Outdoor/Indoor Curtain
Photo: freepik.com
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Thermal Curtains
Although the fabric used to create thermal curtains is crucial to how well it insulates the windows in your home, you also need to consider other factors, including size, noise reduction, and aesthetics.
Type
Thermal curtains are available as standard classic curtains as well as Roman shades, hobbled shades, balloon shades, and side-draw shades, to name a few. Thermal curtains consist of insulating padding sandwiched between material suspended by a curtain rod that prevents air from passing into the room from the window.
Side-drawn shades work best for large windows, French doors, and sliding glass doors. Roman shades and hobbled shades open and close through this classic stacking style. Balloon shades function similarly but gather the curtains as they rise. Unlike conventional blinds, Roman and balloon shades feature thick padded material that works well for insulating.
Size
Thermal curtains come in various sizes ranging in widths from 36 inches up to 52 inches and lengths from 54 inches to 108 inches. For the curtains to properly insulate, they should be large enough to cover the entire window casing.
Beyond that, the size you want depends on the look you're trying to achieve. For a traditional look, mount the curtain rod so that the curtain hangs from 6 inches above the top of the window frame to about 3 inches below the bottom of the frame. The curtains should also extend beyond either side of the window by 3 inches. For modern style, mount the rod as close to the ceiling as possible and allow the curtains to extend to about 1 inch above the floor or allow them to rest on the floor to create a puddled effect.
If you're using blinds or shades, they must fit tightly inside the window casing to prevent air from leaking around the edges of the blinds.
Fabric
Like standard curtains, insulated curtains come in a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, silk, microfiber, and even velvet. Polyester and microfiber are the most effective fabrics for thermal curtains as they resist moisture, which can build up in the air trapped between the curtain and the windowpane.
Aesthetic
While insulated curtains may make you think of tacky window treatments found in cheap hotel rooms, they come in a wide variety of stylish colors and patterns. These curtains go beyond being functional, featuring attractive grommets and cuts that allow you to achieve traditional, modern, and classic looks.
Noise Reduction
The thick layers of material in an insulating curtain not only prevent heat loss in your home, but they also absorb sound waves. This work both ways, muting the sound of your neighbor's barking dog or screaming children, while also muffling your loud music. Thermal curtains can reduce the noise in your home by as much as 10 decibels.
Insulation
Thermal curtains use multiple layers of material to insulate. The middle layer, which is the insulating layer, consists of heat-resistant material such as foam, felt, thick cotton batting, or flannel. A thermal curtain should have at least two layers, although three is better. For maximum insulation in the summertime, they should also use blackout technology that eliminates up to 90 percent of light.
Whether you're talking about the insulation in your home's walls or thermal curtains, insulation is measured using what's known as R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation qualities of the material. R-value generally ranges from 0, which is open-air, to attic insulation, which has an R-value of as high as 60. Windows also have an R-value. Single-pane windows have an R-value of 1, while Energy Star-rated windows typically have an R-value of 3. When properly installed, an insulated curtain can increase a window's R-value to as high as 6.
Washing Machine vs. Dry Clean Only
Some curtains are machine washable, making them easy to maintain. Many thermal curtains are even safe to dry in the dryer. Others require the trip and expense of a dry cleaner. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning to avoid damaging your curtains.
The Advantages of Owning Thermal Curtains
There are a variety of benefits to owning thermal curtains. With their multiple layers of fabric, these curtains provide an extra layer of insulation for your windows, saving you money on your utility bills.
The same triple-layer design that keeps cold air out and warm air in, or vice versa in the summertime, also does an excellent job of dampening outdoor noise, creating a more peaceful environment inside your home.
Thermal curtains also do a great job of filtering out light. Darker color curtains will actually block all sunlight, allowing you to sleep in on those sunny weekend Sunday mornings. This dense material also provides maximum privacy for bedrooms.
- Thermal curtains insulate your windows, allowing you to save energy.
- They do an excellent job of blocking sunlight.
- They dampen outside noise.
- Thermal curtains provide maximum privacy.
Our Top Picks
With so many different types of thermal curtains on the market, it can be difficult to make a decision. This list breaks down some of the best options in a variety of categories.
Photo: amazon.com
With its high insulating and light blocking qualities, this thermal curtain from Best Home Fashion will add that extra layer of insulation to your windows while contributing to the room's aesthetics. It features triple-weave polyester construction that includes a layer of black yarn, keeping out up to 99 percent of light—the darker colors are most effective—and 100 percent of UV rays, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Each panel features attractive bronze grommets that are 1.6 inches in diameter. These panels come in two different sizes: 80 inches by 96 inches and 100 inches by 96 inches. With 21 different solid colors ranging from crimson red to sky blue, there are plenty of options for matching your home's decor. These curtains are machine washable, making them easy to maintain.
Photo: amazon.com
This set of thermal curtains from NICETOWN features insulating microfiber layers to simultaneously provide insulation while blocking out light. Each panel features a black yarn layer sandwiched in between two microfiber layers, providing insulation against winter cold and summer heat while at the same time blocking up to 99 percent of sunlight as well as being noise-reducing.
These curtains feature 1.6-inch grommets, making them suitable for most standard curtain rods. A selection of 20 different solid colors makes them ideal for a variety of different styles. And, with sizes ranging from 29 inches by 45 inches to 42 inches by 84 inches, they'll fit with both modern and classic looks. With their machine washable fabric, they're easy to clean.
Photo: amazon.com
Window treatments don't have to be expensive, as these thermal curtains from Deconovo prove. These energy-saving insulated curtains feature three layers of fabric for maximum blackout and insulation quality, allowing you to cut those energy bills without having to invest a lot of money upfront.
These curtains include standard 1.6-inch grommets and are available in three different size options. With 27 different colors to choose from, you have plenty of options for matching your home decor. Cleaning the Deconovo curtains is easy: just throw them in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle.
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Add a bit of country elegance to your living room or bedroom with this set of thermal curtains from Loar. They feature a triple layer of fabric for providing insulation while blocking out noise and 100 percent of light. A decorative outer sheer tulle curtain with floral and heart accents adds a romantic feel to this energy-efficient set. These curtains come in 11 pastel hues ranging from off-white to coral.
The three length options—63 inches, 84 inches, and 96 inches—allows you to achieve the right look for your room. All panels are 52 inches wide. Each panel attaches to the rod via eight stainless steel grommets. Two panels are included with this set, which is machine washable.
Photo: amazon.com
With its diverse and rich collection of patterns, HLC.me curtains will add flair and interest to a home as they come in a wide variety of styles. This collection features paisley, lattice, chevron, floral, and a whole host of other prints. And, if that's not enough, each pattern comes in a variety of colors. HLC.me's curtains uses triple-weave polyester fabric to insulate the window, allowing you to save up to 30 percent on energy costs.
These curtains also filter out light and dampen sound. HLC.me curtains are machine washable and dryer friendly. Available sizes range from 37 inches to 52 inches wide and from 54 inches to 84 inches long, allowing you to achieve looks ranging from tailored to elegant. Each set comes with two panels.
Photo: wayfair.com
These thermal curtains add a sophisticated look to your living space while lowering your energy bill. They feature a unique striped pattern in earth tones, including gray, fig, navy, and dune. The fabric is designed to reduce noise and energy loss by up to 40 percent. This set also functions as blackout curtains, filtering out 100 percent of light.
This set is also tough—it will hold up in both the washer and the dryer, making them easy to maintain. These curtains are designed to hang to the floor with length options of 84 inches and 96 inches. Panels are 50 inches wide. These curtains, which are sold as individual panels, hang from a standard 1.5-inch curtain rod via grommets.
Photo: amazon.com
With 24 different colors to choose from, these thermal curtains from BGment have style options to suit most rooms. They feature a layered design of microfiber and blackout fabric to insulate in both the summer and winter while remaining soft and luxurious to the touch. They also muffle outside noises while blocking between 85 percent and 99 percent of light, allowing you to sleep late on the weekends.
Each panel includes six or eight 1.6-inch silver grommets (depending on the width), making them compatible with most standard rods. These curtains are easy to maintain, too. Simply throw them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with cold water and tumble dry on low. BGment thermal curtains come in a variety of sizes ranging from 38 inches to 52 inches wide and between 45 inches and 95 inches long. Each set includes two curtain panels and two tiebacks.
Photo: amazon.com
Barking dogs, road construction, and loud morning birds all seek to rob you of precious sleep. With their ability to block out 60 percent of sound, these polyester-blend thermal curtains from Utopia will restore peace in your home, or at least help to reduce outdoor noise to a tolerable level. They also block out 99 percent of light, so you don't have to worry about early morning sun rays that may be disturbing you.
This set of curtains comes in eight colors, including white, navy, gray, and olive green. Width options include 42 inches and 52 inches, with lengths of either 63 inches or 84 inches. Each panel features eight 1.6-inch grommets for easy hanging. These curtains are machine washable, making them easy to maintain as well.
Photo: amazon.com
With a high-density layer of silk fabric at their core and microfiber polyester on the outside, VERSAILTEX's thermal insulated curtains do an excellent job of keeping out the cold on frigid winter days. These curtains are triple woven, keeping cold air at bay during the winter while holding warm air in, helping to keep your home toasty and your energy bill down. Attractive grommets and a sleek modern design add form to function.
These curtains come in 20 solid colors. In addition to their insulation properties, these curtains also effectively block out up to 95 percent of sunlight and help to reduce outside noise. They're machine washable and dryer safe. With length options ranging from 45 inches to 108 inches, they'll suit a variety of styles. All panels are 52 inches wide.
Photo: amazon.com
A summertime alfresco dinner can be unbearable if the evening sun is beating down on you. These multi-layered backyard curtains from NICETOWN will provide cooling shade while also giving you privacy from the neighbors. They feature a layer of high-density black yarn sandwiched between two layers of polyester, protecting you from the sun's damaging rays while also blocking the wind.
Outdoor curtains wouldn't be much good if they couldn't endure the elements. These curtains are waterproof and include rust-proof grommets. And when they get dirty, you can throw them in the washing machine to freshen them up. With six different color options and a wide variety of sizes, these curtains will suit various patio sizes and styles.
FAQs About Your New Thermal Curtains
If you're wondering about what makes thermal curtains work or how to hang them so they are effective, read below for answers to these questions, and more.
Q. Are thermal curtains the same as blackout curtains?
Although thermal curtains will actually function as blackout curtains due to the multiple layers of fabric they use to insulate the window, there are differences between these two curtain types. Whereas both feature multiple layers of fabric, thermal curtains feature a thick backing for insulation and may include a synthetic lining that resists moisture.
Q. How do thermal curtains work?
Thermal curtains use a triple or double layer of fabric with a layer of thick batting. The material is made of either polyester or microfiber to resist moisture, while the batting serves as a barrier that prevents air from entering the home.
Q. Do thermal curtains keep cold out?
While thermal curtains may not entirely keep cold out, they do raise the insulation level of windows, trapping cold air between the window and the curtain, preventing it from entering the room.
Q. How do you hang thermal curtains?
To hang thermal curtains so they are effective, it's important to use the right size. Make sure the curtains extend beyond the window casing on all sides to provide enough coverage to block the air that passes through the window from entering the room. It's crucial to make sure the curtains hang close enough to the wall so that there is no gap between the curtains that would allow air to pass between the two. This may require you to mount the curtain rod closer to the wall.
Q. Can you wash thermal curtains?
Most thermal curtains are machine washable, using cold water and a gentle cycle. Some can even handle a trip through the dryer. Just make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions regarding care before attempting to machine wash your curtains.
Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-thermal-curtains/
