Best blinds for window insulation

Product Management specialist

Published: 20/11/2013

Updated: 05/08/2024

Help stop heat escaping through your windows with our most effective blinds, curtains and shutters

A really easy way to keep that precious warmth inside your home when it's cold outside is to choose a window dressing that'll help reduce draughts and air leakage. We've got plenty of thermal solutions that do just that, and will stop you reaching for the thermostat.

In this guide, we talk you through our top insulators and give you some handy tips to help improve the energy efficiency of your home and keep you warm and cosy.

duette charcoal pleated blinds on french doors in living room

Our star performers

Our innovative range of Thermal blinds including ThermaShade™ and Duette® are proven by research organisation Fruenhofer IBP to help reduce the amount of heat lost through your windows by up to 55%. They're made up of honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air and create a barrier between your warm room and the cold window to help keep your space at a comfortable temperature. They're suitable for all rooms in the house but are particularly effective in conservatories and garden rooms, which get very cold in the winter months.

Thermal blinds are available in a wide range of colours and styles including in a Perfect Fit frame, providing a streamlined finish that's ideal for uPVC windows and doors.

cley donkey roman blind with collette vixen fringing in a grey living room with an orange sofa and cactii

What other blind types help reduce heat loss?

When fitted properly, a closed blind will fit snugly at your window, stopping draughts entering the room and providing an insulating layer of warm air trapped between the fabric and glazing.

This means made to measure blinds are a really effective solution. A smart choice is a Roman blind. They offer the simplicity of a Roller blind but with the warmth and versatility of soft fabrics. All our Roman blinds are lined as standard, but for maximum heat retention choose to add a lining. The extra layer at your window will help keep things super cosy.

A real customer story

Our extension can get really cold in winter as there is so much glass for heat to escape. Roman blinds help keep it in and make the whole room feel much cosier, warmer and more comfortable.
Carol, Hillarys customer

White shutters in a living room with a sofa facing away from the windows. A potted plant and bookshelf on the right hand side.

Shut out the cold

Shutters are another fantastic choice for insulating your windows, fitting snugly at the frame.

For maximum heat retention, we recommend solid shutters. They offer the biggest insulation impact of all shutter styles, due to the solid design without louvres. Just like curtains, you can have them open in the day to make the most of the natural sunlight, and close them at night to make things nice and cosy.

Tier-on-tier shutters are another great choice, as they're made up of independently operated top and bottom panels. This gives you real flexibility to make sure your room always feels comfortable.

To tip from a Hillarys advisor

Shutters are a flexible choice, giving you the option to keep the frames closed and draughts at bay, but still allowing light in by positioning the louvres to suit you.
Mark, Hillary advisor

eyelet curtains in oriel sepia in modern rustic bedroom setting

Are curtains thermally efficient?

Curtains are a great way to bring warmth into a space‚ especially if you have large expanses of glass or sliding doors which can make your room feel chilly in the colder months. On days where it's freezing cold or really hot, keep them closed for maximum impact.

Like our Roman blinds, all of our curtains are lined as standard, but for added cosiness go a step further by adding a thermal or blackout lining.

The additional sateen twill layer not only reduces heat loss through your windows but gives your curtains a thicker, luxurious look.

Top tip from a Hillarys advisor

Curtains can also help keep your home cooler in summer by reducing the amount of warm air transferred in.
Ger, Hillarys advisor

Full Height Silk White Shutters in a Bedroom

Layer up

Another great way to manage heat loss is to layer curtains over blinds or shutters. You’ll not only benefit from the additional insulation, but a luxurious finishing look too. Blend different textures, colours, patterns and plains for a finish that’s as cosy as it is stylish.

If you've a radiator fitted under a window, open the curtains while the blind is closed to keep cooler air out without blocking the heat gain from your radiator.

And for rooms where you want additional light control as well as warmth, team thermal curtains with blackout blinds. They're a great way to minimise light levels in your bedroom to create a restful environment for sleep.