Even though thermal curtains are supposed to look nice, that’s not the most important reason for which you’re buying them. Since they’re made with thick and heavy materials (cotton or polyester), the thermal curtains trap heat inside in the cold season and prevent the outside noise and sunlight from entering your home in the summer.
It’s only fair to mention that the thermal curtains have to match the décor of your home. Nevertheless, it’s more important that they are insulating the room and block the sunlight. As a matter of fact, selecting the right pair of thermal curtains isn’t very easy, since they do have to satisfy on several levels.
Can thermal curtains save energy?
If you have air conditioning or central heating, installing thermal curtains may be one of the best decisions to make for your home. Good thermal curtains are going to trap the heat inside the room in cold months and cool the air during the summertime.
With the heating system working less often, it makes sense that your energy bill is going to decrease. In the summer, you won’t use the air conditioning that much, which is also good news for you.
Is there more than just one style for the thermal curtains?
Even though thermal curtains are primarily functional, they don’t disappoint when it comes to style or color. There are many choices in terms of colors, styles, and fabric, with velvet, cotton, microfiber, and silk as popular choices.
The grommets of the curtains can also change the entire look of the thermal curtains. Needless to say, you should select the thermal curtains so that they match the style, the décor, and the feel in a room.
Thermal curtains can be both functional and aesthetic, which is why you should always be careful when placing the order.
How to measure the window before deciding the size of thermal curtains?
Consider the window’s size and room’s style when selecting a thermal curtain’s format. The rule of thumb is to measure the distance between the floor and the ceiling (it gives you the length). 63in, 84in, 95in, 108in, and 120in are the typical lengths for thermal curtains.
When you’re trying to obtain a traditional vibe, the curtains should hang 6in above the top of the window’s frame. There should be 3in beyond the sides, and 3in bellow the frame’s bottom.
Some fancy a modern look though, in which case the curtain’s bottom should rest 1in from the floor. The width has to be three times wider than the window’s width.
Are you looking for a luxurious feel? You need to hang the curtains close to the ceiling as much as you can. The bottom rests on the floor. It’s what gives the “puddled” look.
Do thermal curtains work for all sorts of rooms?
In all fairness, you can find perfect thermal curtains for an excellent price. However, you should only think about installing thermal curtains in rooms with the most exposure to natural sunlight. Hang curtains in this kind of places so that you create a more pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the room.
If your bathroom has a lot of sunlight, the thermal curtains should present water resistance. With bathroom having high humidity, you need water-resistant curtains that don’t develop mold.
Do thermal curtains require special maintenance?
It depends a lot on the fabric and the style of your curtains, but thermal curtains are easy to take care of. The majority of thermal curtains take both hand and machine washing, but you may have to use cold water nine times out of ten.
Sometimes, thermal curtains may require only dry cleaner, which is why you need to check the manufacturer instructions before anything else.
Opening the curtains any now and then is going to eliminate mildew and reduce moisture. Some fabrics require cleaning with spray-on upholstery cleaner. You can also vacuum the thermal curtains from time to time as well.
Are blackout curtains different from thermal curtains?
Blackout curtains are made with tightly woven fabric, blocking the sunlight. They may also include a thin liner for more efficiency. If you’re only looking to control the sunshine, the blackout curtains may work in your home.
If you’re also trying to cool down the temperature in the summer or to cut down the heat in the winter, thermal curtains are the better option. They are made with several layers of fabric, with one of the layers being made of acrylic foam for insulation purposes. Due to their build, the thermal curtains can also dampen sound, block the sunlight, and reduce the energy bill in the long run.
Therefore, both thermal and blackout curtains keep the bright sun away from a room, but it’s only the thermal curtains that also have insulating abilities.
What to avoid when selecting your thermal curtains?
Ending up with a lemon isn’t impossible when buying thermal curtains. You may easily avoid this type of scenario by staying away from a couple of rookie mistakes:
- Go with single-layer curtains
Under no circumstances, you should believe that single-layer thermal curtains can work. Some companies do advertise the fabric as thermal or insulating, which couldn’t be farther than the truth.
Thermal curtains come with several layers, and it’s this detail that makes them efficient on several levels. Since the thermal fabric doesn’t make good curtains, it has to be attached to the curtain fabric. And this means at least two layers of fabric for thermal curtains.
- The lining is no good
When the layers of your thermal curtains don’t feel sewn tightly together, you should look elsewhere. The fabric has to be fused to the lining (with iron-on fabric glue), which reduces the risk for sagging.
- It’s not the right lining for your needs
Anyone trying to cut down the energy bill should avoid thermal curtains with a dark coating. They don’t reflect light efficiently, rending them to give the opposite results in your home- too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
- They have a cheap feel altogether
Good quality thermal curtains are thick, hang well, look beautiful, and have a durability feel. They are easy to maintain and not challenging to install. The only way to find out is to try them, so good luck shopping!
Any final piece of advice?
Thermal curtains can make a dramatic change, in the right way, in any home. You shouldn’t hurry up when buying since there are so many choices, for so many types of budgets. Take your time since they’re an investment to make for the long run!