Insulated Window Treatments

Insulating window treatments are a smart choice no matter what type of climate you live in. It does not matter if you live in Minnesota or Arizona, insulation is important. I live in San Diego which you may think is a place you never need insulation and the way the homes are designed here, you would think that was true. But it is not. During the winter, the temperature can get down in the 40s and in the summer it can be 100 degrees. And, with little insulation you really feel both extremes.

One of the major culprits of poor insulation is your home’s drafty old windows. Fortunately, it is also one of the easiest areas to improve. First, I would recommend checking the caulking around your window, because there's no sense investing in insulated window treatments if the draft can still sneak around the corners. But even if your windows are air tight, you can still suffer from convection drafts when warm inside air hits the cold window panes.

Time was, not that long ago that your choices in window treatments was somewhat limited, especially when it came to energy efficiency. The good news, though, is that now you have many options when it comes to insulated window treatments.

First, you can choose cellular shades. Top quality manufacturers like Hunter Douglas, Levolor and others have developed innovative cellular shades that use single, double and triple layers of individual cells to stop and absorb drafts. These cellular shades are available in varying light control levels, from semi-opaque to blackout, depending on your requirements and, style-wise, they can go formal or casual.

A classic alternative to cellular shades is traditional insulated drapes. Some retailers offer heavy fabric roman shades with concealed magnetic strips to better trap cold air. Pick a heavy fabric to ensure maximum insulation, or even consider a two-layer treatment with the heavy fabric on the outside and a more decorative color or pattern for the interior. Not only does this provide maximum temperature control, it also allows you to choose color and fabric combinations. Or, you can combine cellular shades with an insulating drape-style for maximum efficiency that also offers a beautiful layered look.

A lesser known insulating window treatment is plantation shutters, especially composite or vinyl shutters. Shutters don’t have quite the insulating properties of cellular shades but they are substantial and offer a fair amount of insulation when fully closed.

As a side note, all blinds and shades should be installed as flush with the panes as possible without interfering with the covering's operation for maximum insulation affect.

In the end, what you choose will be dictated by your budget and style preferences. If you have the budget for it, triple cell cellular shades are the most efficient. But maybe you live in a milder climate where that much insulation is unnecessary. Either way, over time, your investment will pay for itself in fuel savings and general comfort of a warm and cozy or cool and refreshing home environment.

So, if you are looking for insulating window treatments, consider cellular shades, insulated roman shades or drapes for those drafty windows. – David Brooks