Curtains With Thermal Lining – Here’s How They Work
By Ana Zuravliova
Thermal Curtains are undeniably stylish, elegant and can be conversation starters, but a question we hear time and time again is, “do curtains with thermal lining really work?” In short, yes, yes they do. Here is how…
Table of contents
The what and why of curtains with thermal lining
What are the benefits of thermal lined curtains?
What are thermal curtains made of?
The what and why of curtains with thermal lining
Research suggests that 35% of heat escapes from a building through its walls, and gaps in and around windows and doors. In practice, that loss equates to wasted money through inflated heating bills, and a weaker environment. So, what can we do to fix it?
With winter fast approaching, many across the UK are looking to make their homes and workspaces as homely and toasty as possible. A problem however is when we want to improve our windows’ thermal efficiency, we immediately think about replacing them. This is time consuming, expensive and with the cold air already upon us, do we really want holes in our walls?
Luckily, there is a quick, affordable solution to keep Jack Frost outside your home this winter.
What are the benefits of thermal lined curtains?
Thermal lined curtains help keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. Their thick, multi-layered construction creates a dead-air space that retains heat and also reduces outside noise. In summer, light-colored linings reflect sunlight, helping to keep indoor temperatures comfortable.
What are thermal curtains made of?
They are made from multiple layers of material, typically including a decorative outer fabric and an inner insulating layer, such as foam or thick fabric. These layers work together to improve thermal resistance and enhance insulation.
How do thermal curtains work?
These curtains help to maintain a room’s warmth in a similar way to a winter coat. By creating dead-air space between you and the cold, rooms retain their heat, keeping you snug while the world outside becomes increasingly miserable.
Thermal curtains increase the R-value of your windows, usually from R-1 for standard curtains to R-3–R-5 depending on thickness and fit. So, a window with a low R-value lets heat move through easily, while a higher R-value means better insulation. The inner layer and trapped air slow heat transfer, while light-colored linings reflect sunlight in summer. This combination maintains indoor warmth in winter and reduces heat gain in summer.
Additionally, due to their weighty construction, these curtains also help to insulate rooms from outside noise. They are a win-win.
Handcrafted Curtains with free Thermal Lining upgrade
All our beautiful curtains are handcrafted in our cutting edge facility here in Yorkshire, as a result, you have the opportunity to have any curtain made with a thermal lining. You can do it with just one click on the Lining tab.
Adding good luck to myriad benefits, thermal linings are currently a free upgrade on our entire range of curtains too. Whether you want an elegant monochrome Scandi look for your home, or an energetic bohemian vibe with tigers featured on your curtains, we have the perfect way to keep you warm this winter.
How to install thermal curtains?
To achieve full performance, thermal curtains should be installed as close to the window frame as possible. Ensure they extend past each side of the window and reach the sill or floor to minimise air movement. Overlap the panels in the centre to seal gaps, and if possible, use a valance or pelmet at the top to block convective air flow. Magnetic tape or hook-and-loop fasteners along the edges can further improve airtightness. Open curtains during sunny winter days to gain passive solar heat, then close them at dusk to trap warmth.
Curtains with Thermal Lining at Blinds Direct
Join Jess in this short video to learn more about our products that benefit from a thermal lining upgrade. You can see our beautiful Roman blinds in action and find out how the right selection can help create your dream home.
If you enjoy it, be sure to check out our YouTube channel where we have over 50 videos showcasing everything from how to measure curtains, to fitting roller blinds. You can also read our in-depth Buyers Guide for Curtains for more info.
Enjoy style, functionality and durability with high quality, made to measure Thermal Curtains from Blinds Direct. Choose from a wide range of colours and patterns, each made to the highest standards and only the best components. For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team – we’re always happy to help.
Curtains with Thermal Lining FAQ’s
What is thermal lining for curtains?
Thermal lining for curtains is an extra layer of material included during the manufacturing process. The purpose is to better insulate a room, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Does thermal lining for curtains work?
It certainly does! Thermal lining improves the R-value (the rating of insulation) while reducing the U-value (thermal transmittance).
What is thermal lining fabric?
Our thermal lining fabric is made from a polyester/cotton blend fabric (52% polyester 48% cotton) that is faced with a thin layer of acrylic foam to provide the thermal properties.
Do thermal lined curtains block out light?
By virtue of having more layers in their composition,curtains with thermal lining will block out even more light than a regular curtain. In addition, they will reduce heat loss and noise pollution.
How to choose thermal or blackout curtains?
Thermal curtains are designed primarily for insulation, while blackout curtains are engineered for total light exclusion. Some products combine both properties, but not all do. A true blackout curtain blocks visible light through densely woven fibres but may not include an insulating foam or reflective backing. Conversely, a thermal curtain regulates heat transfer even if some diffuse light penetrates. Choosing the correct type depends on whether thermal efficiency, light control, or both are the goal.
Are there any special requirements to installing thermal curtains?
Thermal curtains do not eliminate drafts entirely and must stay closed to be most effective, which can reduce daylight and outside visibility. Their heavier fabric requires strong curtain rods and secure wall mounts.
Are thermal curtains worth it?
Thermal curtains are worth it if you want a relatively low-cost way to improve indoor comfort by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Shop our curtains with free thermal lining upgrade available:
To provide a little inspiration we’ve included some of our top curtain picks below. These suit a wide range of interiors and trends, and don’t forget, you can include a free thermal lining upgrade during the ordering process!
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Know The Difference: Ready-Made vs Made-to-Measure Curtains
By Ana Zuravliova
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