Thermal insulated curtains are more than just aesthetically pleasing accents for your windows and home decor. Made of thick, heavy materials such as cotton or polyester, these curtains provide increased privacy while preventing air from entering or escaping your window. When choosing thermal curtains, select styles that complement your existing decor, and find the right length to elevate the look of your window. Before buying thermal curtains, learn more about the benefits by reviewing the answers to these frequently asked questions.
What size do I need for my window?
The size of the curtain depends on the size of the window and the desired style you want to achieve. As a general rule of thumb, measuring the distance between the ceiling and the floor works well to obtain a precise length of the space. Thermal curtains typically come in lengths of 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, 108 inches, and 120 inches.
For a more traditional look, the curtain hangs 6 inches above the top of the window frame, 3 inches below the bottom of the frame, and 3 inches beyond the sides. For a more modern look, hang the curtains so the bottom rests about 1 inch from the floor with the width of the curtains up to three times wider than the window. For a luxurious look, hang the curtains as close to the ceiling as possible, and allow the bottom of the curtains to rest on the floor to create a "puddled" look.
What rooms are best for blackout curtains?
Rooms with the most exposure to natural sunlight are ideal locations for blackout curtains. Hanging curtains in these rooms creates a soothing daytime atmosphere with dramatic light exclusion. The thick material on these curtains also dampens outside noise, which makes blackout curtains perfect for rooms with constant exposure to loud sounds. When placing these curtains in bathrooms, ensure the fabric features water resistance to withstand humidity and eliminate mold.
Do thermal curtains save energy?
Homes with central heating or air conditioning benefit from energy-efficient thermal curtain panels, as thermal curtains prevent air from entering or leaving the room. In the winter, these curtains keep heat inside and reduce the amount of heat needed to warm the home, which saves money on utility bills. During the summer, the curtains keep cool air from escaping, reducing cooling costs.
What is the difference between thermal curtains and blackout curtains?
Blackout curtains typically feature tightly woven fabric to block out unwanted sunlight. In most cases, these curtains have a thin liner sewn to the interior of the curtain to effectively keep out sunlight. These curtains are ideal for homes with unwanted sunlight, like bedrooms or living-rooms.
Thermal curtains feature a layer of acrylic foam between the double or triple layers of fabric to provide insulation, making these curtains ideal for winter months or drafty windows. Thermal curtains can also dampen sound, block out sunlight, and reduce energy bills. While both blackout and thermal curtains have insulating and blackout qualities, the primary function of thermal curtains is to insulate the room.
Are there different styles of insulated curtains?
Insulated curtains are available in a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics. Common materials include cotton, velvet, polyester, silk, and microfiber. Selecting the right fabric and style depends on your existing decor and your desired look. Insulated curtains are available with a range of visually appealing patterns and come in various sizes to complement your established decor scheme. Thermal curtains can provide an attractive and functional accent to your living space that also helps create an inviting ambiance.
How do I maintain thermal insulated curtains?
Depending on the style and fabric, maintaining your thermal insulated curtains can be as simple as tossing the curtains in the washer or as complicated as taking them to the dry cleaner. For proper care, it is best to follow the manufacturer instructions for maintenance.
For minor care, frequently open the curtains to reduce moisture and eliminate mildew. Depending on the fabric, spraying the curtains with a spray-on upholstery cleaner and using a vacuum to remove the excess cleaner works well.
