Do Blinds Keep Heat In? How to Choose the Best Blinds for Insulation

Blinds are not only a stylish and practical way to dress up your windows, but they can also help you save energy and money by keeping your home warm in winter. But do blinds keep heat in, and how do they do it? In this post, we’ll answer these questions and give you some tips on how to choose the best blinds for insulation.

How do blinds keep heat in?

Blinds keep heat in by creating a barrier between the cold air outside and the warm air inside your home. They also reduce the amount of heat that escapes through your windows, which are one of the main sources of heat loss in most homes.

The effectiveness of blinds in keeping heat in depends on several factors, such as:

• The type and material of the blinds
• The fit and installation of the blinds
• The colour and lining of the blinds
• The position and orientation of the windows

Let’s look at each of these factors in more detail.

The type and material of the blinds

Different types of blinds have different insulation properties, depending on their design and material. Generally, blinds that are made of thick, dense, or layered materials are better at keeping heat in than those that are thin, light, or sheer.

Some of the best types of blinds for insulation are:

• Roman blinds: These are made of one piece of fabric that folds up when raised. They are usually lined with thermal or blackout material that adds extra insulation and blocks out light.
• Roller blinds: These are made of one piece of fabric that rolls up around a tube when raised. They can also be lined with thermal or blackout material for better insulation.
• Wooden or faux-wooden Venetian blinds: These are made of horizontal slats that can be tilted to control light and privacy. Wood and faux-wood are natural insulators that can trap air between the slats and prevent heat loss.
• Honeycomb or cellular blinds: These are made of pleated fabric that forms honeycomb-shaped cells when lowered. The cells trap air and create a layer of insulation between the window and the room.

Some of the worst types of blinds for insulation are:

• Vertical blinds: These are made of vertical strips of fabric that hang from a track. They have gaps between the strips that allow air to flow through and reduce their insulation value.
• Aluminium Venetian blinds: These are made of thin metal slats that reflect heat rather than retain it. They also have gaps between the slats that let air escape.
• Day and night blinds: These are made of alternating stripes of opaque and sheer fabric that can be adjusted to control light and privacy. The sheer fabric does not provide any insulation and lets heat escape.

The fit and installation of the blinds

The fit and installation of the blinds also affect their insulation performance. Blinds that are fitted inside the window recess are better at keeping heat in than those that are fitted outside the recess. This is because they create a tighter seal around the window frame and prevent draughts from entering or leaving.

Blinds that are fitted with side channels or cassette boxes are also better at keeping heat in than those without them. Side channels or cassette boxes cover the gaps between the blind and the window frame, creating an extra barrier against heat loss.

The colour and lining of the blinds

The colour and lining of the blinds can also make a difference in their insulation value. Blinds that are dark or have a thermal or blackout lining can absorb more heat from sunlight and radiate it back into the room. Blinds that are light or have no lining can reflect more heat from sunlight and let it escape through the window.

However, this also means that dark or lined blinds can make your room hotter in summer, while light or unlined blinds can make your room cooler. Therefore, you may want to consider changing your blinds according to the season or choosing a neutral colour that works well all year round.

The position and orientation of the windows

The position and orientation of your windows can also affect how much heat they lose or gain. Windows that face north or east tend to lose more heat in winter, while windows that face south or west tend to gain more heat in summer. Therefore, you may want to choose different types of blinds for different windows depending on their exposure to sunlight.

For example, you may want to use Roman or roller blinds with thermal or blackout lining for north- or east-facing windows to keep them warm in winter. You may want to use wooden or faux-wooden Venetian blinds or honeycomb or cellular blinds for south- or west-facing windows to keep them cool in summer.

How to choose the best blinds for insulation

Now that you know how blinds keep heat in and what factors affect their insulation performance, how do you choose the best blinds for your home? Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

• Measure your windows carefully and choose blinds that fit snugly inside the recess or have side channels or cassette boxes to cover the gaps.
• Consider the type and material of the blinds and how well they suit your needs and preferences. Think about the style, colour, functionality, and maintenance of the blinds as well as their insulation value.
• Consider the climate and season of your location and how much sunlight your windows receive. Choose blinds that can help you regulate the temperature and light in your home throughout the year.
• Compare the prices and quality of different blinds and look for reputable brands and suppliers. Check the reviews and ratings of the blinds and
• ask for samples or demonstrations before you buy.

Stay cosy with Huetifulhomes

Blinds can keep heat in your home and help you save energy and money by reducing your heating bills. They can also enhance the look and comfort of your home by adding style and privacy. But not all blinds are created equal, and you need to choose the right ones for your windows and your needs.

At Huetifulhomes, we have a wide range of blinds that can keep heat in and suit any taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for Roman, roller, Venetian, honeycomb, or any other type of blinds, we have them all in various colours, materials, and sizes. We also offer free in-home consultations, measurements, and installations to ensure you get the best blinds for your home.

Dale

Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.