As we approach the first day of winter, one thing on everyone’s mind that lives in the mid-west is staying warm. We are pulling out our insulated jackets, gloves, hats, slippers, and even winter bedding to keep us warm through the chilly weather ahead.
Besides clothing, some of us may be thinking about window treatments to aid in warming our homes and energy efficiency. Even though our furnaces heat our homes for comfort, the glass windows in our homes won’t stop heat transfer to the outdoors. Energy.gov says approximately 25%-30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. If you’re looking for window treatments that will help with energy efficiency, here are a few window treatments best suited for winter weather.

Lined Draperies
Lined draperies are the number one best-insulating window treatment, especially if the draperies are lined with a heavy blackout or thermal lining. These heavy thick materials are designed to prevent warm air from escaping and keeping cold air out. When selecting an insulating drapery fabric, consider weight. The heavier the fabric, the more insulating it will be. Be mindful of the drapability factor, which is how the drapery will look when it drapes, folds, and pleats. For additional insulation and functionality, try layering a lined drapery with a blind or shade.

Cellular Shades
If draperies aren’t your style, cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades, are designed to offer energy efficiency by insulating windows, reducing heat loss in winter, and preventing heat gain in summer. The cellular shade's design allows them to fit inside a window frame ultra-snug. The result is minimal gaps between the sill and the sides of the shade. The snug fit means less cold air and light entering a room. You can choose different cell sizes and fabric opacities that offer different degrees of energy efficiency. The best efficiency will be found with cellular blackout shades because of their unique light-banning material.

Shutters and Wood Blinds
Shutters and wood blinds are also excellent choices for window insulation. Shutters have less side and sill gaps compared to wood blinds mounted inside the window frame because they are installed tight to the window frame, thus making them more insulating. Shutters and wood blinds are available in natural wood and faux wood (manufactured materials). Natural wood provides better insulation. Both shutters and wood blinds will give excellent insulation and prevent the transfer of warm air from the inside to outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Stay cozy this winter with window treatments that add energy efficiency and beauty to your home decor. Whether you prefer draperies, blinds, or shades, all are sure to keep Old Man Winter outdoors.
If you’re looking for winter window treatments, T. Lynn’s can assist with finding the ideal solution for your home that is on-trend and within budget. We offer a comprehensive collection of blinds, shades, and draperies. Call 715-441-7997 today to schedule a FREE, in-home consultation, or go to tlynns.com and contact us.
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