When energy bills are rising, it makes sense to look at how well your home is holding on to heat. Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss, particularly in older UK homes. The good news is that the right curtains and blinds can make a noticeable difference without the need for new windows or major work.

Here’s how made-to-measure curtains and blinds can help keep your home warmer and your heating costs under control.

Why Windows Lose So Much Heat

Glass is a poor insulator, and even small gaps around window frames allow warm air to escape while cold air finds its way in. This can happen even with modern double glazing, especially overnight when windows are left uncovered.

Well-fitted window treatments help by creating an extra layer between the room and the cold glass. This additional barrier slows heat loss and helps trap warmth where you want it, inside your home.

Curtains: One of the Most Effective Options

Curtains are one of the best tools for improving insulation at windows. Thicker fabrics naturally slow down heat loss and help reduce draughts, particularly when the curtains are properly sized.

For the best results, curtains should fully cover the window area and extend beyond the frame at the sides. A full-length drop also makes a difference, as it helps prevent warm air from escaping at the bottom. Adding lining or interlining improves insulation even further and helps the fabric hang better.

Curtain length is worth thinking about if you have a radiator beneath the window. Curtains that fall directly over a radiator can trap warm air behind the fabric, which means the heat struggles to circulate around the room. Choosing a length that allows warmth to flow freely helps the space feel more comfortable overall.

This is where made-to-measure curtains are especially effective. Because they are tailored to your windows, there are fewer gaps at the sides and bottom, which is where heat often escapes with standard ready-made options.

Blinds: Small Adjustments with Real Benefits

Although blinds appear lighter than curtains, they still play a useful role in keeping heat in. When fitted close to the glass, blinds create a pocket of trapped air that helps reduce heat loss.

Roman blinds perform particularly well when lined, as they add softness and insulation. Roller blinds with thermal backing offer a neat and practical solution, while Venetian blinds give you flexibility during the day and coverage once closed in the evening.

Using Curtains and Blinds Together

One of the most effective approaches is combining blinds and curtains. Blinds are ideal for managing daylight and privacy during the day, while curtains come into their own in the evening by adding warmth and insulation.

This layered setup works especially well in bedrooms and living rooms with large windows, where heat loss can be more noticeable. It also gives you greater control over comfort at different times of day.

Timing Makes a Difference

How you use your curtains and blinds matters just as much as what you choose. Opening them during the day allows sunlight to naturally warm the room. Closing them as soon as it gets dark helps keep that warmth inside.

If your radiators sit below windows, make sure curtains are drawn in a way that still allows heat to circulate. This balance helps your heating system work more efficiently.

Fabric Choice and Performance

Fabric weight plays a big role in insulation. Heavier materials, such as velvet and thick woven fabrics, retain heat more effectively. Adding interlining boosts performance even further. Lighter fabrics can still work well, but proper lining is important to improve their insulating qualities.

Choosing good-quality materials also means your curtains and blinds last longer and continue to keep your bills down year after year.

Take Energy-Saving To The Next Level

Thermal interlining is worth considering if you want to boost insulation without changing the look of your curtains. It sits between the main fabric and the lining, adding an extra layer that helps keep warmth in and cold air out.

Interlined curtains feel slightly thicker and hang more smoothly, which helps them sit closer to the window and reduce heat loss. This can make rooms feel more comfortable, especially in homes with larger windows or older glazing.

When used with made-to-measure curtains, thermal interlining works particularly well, as the precise fit helps the fabric cover the window properly and do its job effectively.

Keeping heat in does not require drastic changes. Thoughtful choices in curtains and blinds can make your home feel warmer and reduce the strain on your heating. If you want window treatments that fit properly and help your home retain heat, buy your made-to-measure curtains and blinds with thermal interlining from The Sewing House.