About 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows. In cooling seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat. Window coverings can help with this loss of energy by providing comfort, regulating temperatures, and lowering energy bills.
Did you know? 18% of heat loss occurs through windows. glazing.
In the winter, heavy curtains slow heat loss. If they are dark they will absorb sunlight & add extra heat. In the summer, heavy curtains slow heat gain. If they are light they will reflect sunlight & help keep the house cooler.
In the right setting, they are the perfect tough. There is also a movement now towards undressed windows, especially in modern spaces. An undressed window allows the greatest amount of light to penetrate a room, and if you're a minimalist like me, you'll appreciate the clean lines and uncluttered look.
Did you know that hanging curtains is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs? If your heating and air conditioning bills soar in the winter and summer, adding curtains to your windows is an excellent place to start.
When drawn during cold weather, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10% and increase the thermal comfort of the home. Therefore, in winter, you should close all draperies at night, as well as draperies that don't receive sunlight during the day.
Advantages of having curtains in a house include providing privacy, light control, insulation, and decorative value. Disadvantages may include the need for maintenance, difficulty in cleaning, and potential for trapping allergens and dust, just to name a few.
That said, Stewart does embrace a curtain cousin. According to a House Beautiful article about Stewart's Antiques & Garden Show presentation, the media mogul admitted that she often deploys window valances when they suit the home's architectural and interior design styles.
For a minimalist interior, choose curtains that emphasize simplicity and functionality. Opt for sheer curtains to allow natural light while maintaining privacy. Panel curtains in solid, neutral colors or subtle textures provide a sleek look. Roller blinds offer a clean, unobtrusive option.
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to sleeping with the curtains open or closed. It really depends on your personal preference and what makes you feel most comfortable. Some people like to sleep in complete darkness, while others find that a little bit of light helps them relax.
Leaving windows covered by blackout curtains can help keep some heat out during the day, but there's a hidden source of heat that can still lead to sticky sleeping without some proactive steps. Light and heat from the sun heats up everything it touches, including the structure of your home.
Thick curtains are one of the main ways to protect your house from losing heat through the windows. Curtains with a thermal lining are a relatively cheap option, says Brennand. "The thicker the better," adds Archna Luthra, consumer analyst at moneysavingexpert.com.
An estimated 25% of all heat loss occurs through the attic or roof of a home. Cracks or holes in an attic, along with improperly placed vents, allow for significant amounts of heat loss through the attic space. In addition, improper ventilation in attics leads to even more heat escaping.
Cardboard and Aluminium Foil
Consider using cardboard and aluminium foil for a temporary and highly budget-friendly solution. Cut the cardboard to fit your window panes and cover it with aluminium foil to reflect sunlight.
Walls, when not insulated properly, can account for nearly 35-45% of heat loss in homes, so it's imperative that you invest in the proper maintenance and insulation for these areas.
True homes in Scandinavian countries typically don't have curtains. This is for a couple functional reasons. First, having no curtains allows maximum sunlight to enter the room, and when you're as far north as Scandinavian countries, sunlight is at a premium.
Custom Curtains & Drapery Styles in 2024
This year, fall trends in curtains and drapery are all about embracing that cozy feeling with a mix of luxurious textures, rich colors, and timeless designs.
“Fabric designers and fabric makers may not like me, but I like shades,” she says. “I have shades on all my windows to protect the furniture, the fabrics on my bed, and my rugs from fading. But I really don't care about having a lot of draperies, curtains, or fancy window treatments.”
It's a mistake that many homeowners make that causes curtains to look cheap -- hanging them too high off the ground. As shown in the image, curtains should barely graze the floor. Aim to hang them 1/2 inch off the ground.
While curtains aren't necessary in some rooms, there are situations in which they are a must. 'When it comes to aesthetics, curtains frame out a window which adds formality to a room,' says Luis Carmona, owner and lead designer at VERDE Interior Design. They also pull off a visual trick, Luis notes.
If you don't already have them, curtains are a great and affordable way to protect your home by concealing your valuables inside. Ensure that you close your curtains before leaving home – remember, most break-ins are opportunistic, so you don't want to give any would-be burglars a reason to choose your home.
Curtains and draperies are classics that will never go out of style! But just like any other interior design element in your home, there are window treatment trends and styles that come and go.