Thermal Blinds – How to Keep Your Home Warm & Energy Efficient
Thermal blinds and shutters help to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer by adding an insulating barrier at the window. This can significantly reduce heat loss, lower energy costs, and improve comfort all year round. Research by the British Blind and Shutter Association in partnership with the University of Salford’s Energy House Laboratory has shown that the right window treatments can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 33%.
Below you’ll find the main blind and shutter types that work well for thermal insulation, each linking to a dedicated page where you can explore styles, fabrics, and operation options in more detail.
Roller Blinds
When lowered, roller blinds create a gap between the room and the glass, forming an insulating layer. Fabrics with blackout, dimout, or solar reflective backing can improve insulation further. Cassette roller blinds with side channels can enhance performance even more by reducing drafts around the fabric edges.
Roman Blinds
Roman blinds with a lining add an extra layer of fabric, which increases their thermal efficiency. Options include blackout lining or thermal interlining for improved heat retention. For maximum effect, Roman blinds can also be layered with curtains or shutters to combine style with insulation.
Shutters
Plantation shutters fit snugly to the frame, helping to block drafts and trap air between the shutter and glass. Wooden shutters offer excellent natural insulation, while polyvinyl and MDF shutters still provide notable thermal benefits alongside their light control and privacy advantages.
Pleated Blinds
Cellular (honeycomb) pleated blinds trap air within their cells, creating an effective insulating layer. Blackout cellular fabrics can further reduce heat loss, while solar reflective coatings help prevent overheating in summer. Perfect for bifold doors and large glazed areas.
Seasonal Best Practice
Winter
- Close blinds and shutters as soon as the sun sets to prevent heat escaping.
- Open them fully on sunny days to take advantage of free solar warmth.
Summer
- Close blinds on south-facing windows to reduce heat from solar gain.
- Ventilate in the evening by opening blinds on shaded elevations.
Layering for Maximum Insulation
For the best thermal performance, combine blinds with thermal curtains or shutters. This multi-layer approach traps more air, reduces drafts, and enhances both comfort and style.
Key Benefits of Thermal Blinds
- Lower heating bills by reducing heat loss through windows.
- Increased comfort by eliminating cold drafts.
- Year-round use to maintain cooler rooms in summer.
- Wide choice of styles, colours, and finishes to match your décor.
To learn more about how blinds can improve insulation, visit our Reducing Heat Loss blog post, which explores the latest research and practical solutions in detail.
