Yes, curtains generally keep heat in better than traditional slatted blinds. However, high-quality cellular (honeycomb) blinds are designed specifically to trap air and can insulate just as effectively as heavy curtains.
Fabric blinds are the most effective at keeping the cold out. Venetian blinds with slats, for example, are better for the summer because they allow heat to escape between the slats. Honeycomb blinds are a form of fabric roller blind that works well as both an insulator and a sun blocker.
Martha Stewart famously doesn't use traditional curtains in her homes, joking she could write a book titled "A House With No Curtains." Instead of heavy drapery, she prefers clean sightlines and opts for options that maximize natural light.
Disadvantages of blinds in windows
On the other hand, blinds will need to be cleaned more often. In addition, blinds are less efficient at keeping in the heat. The window blind slats can easily get damaged, especially if you choose aluminium or plastic blinds. Blind cords can be a hazard around young children.
If you're trying to warm up a chilly room without major renovations, you've probably looked at adding cellular shades or thermal curtains. In short, both help; but well-fitted cellular blinds typically insulate better than standard curtains, while properly installed thermal curtains still deliver solid gains.
Martha Stewart avoids curtains in her homes because she is an early riser who relies on the morning sun to wake up naturally. She also prefers unobstructed, panoramic views of her outdoor landscapes and uses minimalist shades to protect her furniture and rugs from fading rather than heavy drapery.
Because warm air naturally rises, the roof and attic account for the largest percentage of heat loss in a typical home, responsible for about 25% of escaping warmth.
The newest trends in window coverings focus on smart motorization, natural eco-friendly fabrics, and layered dimensions. Homeowners are blending high-tech functionality with sustainable, organic textures to create spaces that feel both elevated and grounding.
Scandinavians often leave their windows uncovered to maximize natural light during dark winters and foster a cultural sense of equality and community transparency. While blackout shades are used for sleep, decorative and heavy privacy curtains are typically avoided.
To instantly modernize your space, skip stiff, overly formal window treatments and cheap "quick-fix" drapes. Designers recommend avoiding grommet headings, bulky valances, and sterile stark white fabrics in favor of warmer palettes, natural textures, and tailored pleats.
Martha Stewart has been diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment.
Curtains usually look cheap because of flimsy, unlined fabrics, insufficient width (looking like a "flat sheet" when closed), or a length that stops too short above the floor. Additionally, plastic hardware and visible metal grommets often detract from an elevated design, making budget curtains stand out negatively.
As we've learned, blinds offer unlimited ease and range when it comes to light control. Curtains offer good light control but with the added benefit of protecting against heat and cold. Beyond the functional elements of window treatments, there's the visual element—which is the most important element.
Cellular or honeycomb blinds are the most effective window treatments for keeping heat in during winter and out during summer. Their unique, structural pocket design traps a layer of air, creating a thermal barrier that significantly reduces heat transfer through your glass.
Key Points. Blinds are great for light control and provide clean lines in cluttered spaces. Drapes add sophistication and are best suited for living rooms and bedrooms. Curtains are a versatile choice for kitchens and informal spaces.
Flight attendants ask you to keep window shades open during landing primarily for safety and situational awareness. In the rare event of an emergency, open shades allow the crew and passengers to spot hazards outside—such as fire, smoke, or debris—so they can choose the safest exit route.
Market studies show that shipping container homes and mobile/manufactured homes are widely considered the least desirable architectural styles. Consumers typically avoid them due to severe spatial limitations, zoning difficulties, and negative resale value.
Around 90% of millionaires credit real estate investments as a primary tool for building their wealth. Furthermore, comprehensive financial research—such as Ramsey Solutions' Everyday Millionaires study—reveals that over 90% of millionaires share specific, actionable habits.
Curtain trends in 2026 are shifting from purely functional covers to architectural statement pieces. The top looks emphasize rich, natural textures, layered depth, warm neutral and earth-toned palettes, and smart home integration to bring quiet luxury and character to interior spaces.
Joanna Gaines typically uses natural, neutral window treatments like airy linen or cotton curtains, woven wood or bamboo Roman shades, and bifold plantation shutters. She is known to layer these elements—often pairing a natural shade with a simple curtain—and hangs panels high and wide to make windows appear larger.
Outdated window treatments are generally those that look flimsy, overly cluttered, or overly utilitarian. Specifically, vertical blinds, flimsy aluminum mini-blinds, grommet-style (eyelet) drapes, and traditional valances or swags are considered dated.
Because they do not use standard grid electricity or conventional electric and gas furnaces, the Amish heat their homes using off-grid, self-reliant methods. The most common systems include wood- or coal-burning stoves, propane and kerosene heaters, and natural airflow home designs.
For most healthy adults, 68°F (20°C) is not considered too cold and is actually the standard indoor temperature recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. It serves as a great sweet spot for balancing physical comfort with energy savings.
Heat in a house is typically blown and distributed by an air handler (the fan inside a furnace) or a blower fan in a heat pump or central HVAC system. These fans push heated air through ductwork to blow out of vents in various rooms.