While stopping cold draughts is an essential step to keeping a house warm in winter, all too often solutions like bulky draft-stoppers can look less than stylish.
That's why I spoke to an interior designer for her tips on staying cozy without compromising on the aesthetic of your space.
Her curtain hack for a warmer home in winter is easy and affordable to implement, and it won't ruin your decor either. Here's how to try it in your own home.
A Designer Told Me a Curtain Trick That Stops Drafts Instantly
Olivia Martin, interior designer at Berbero Rugs, advises, 'To create a highly effective thermal curtain setup over a drafty door or window, the best "curtain trick" involves using a heavy-duty, commercial-grade tension rod, [such as the TEECK Shower Curtain Rod available at Amazon] combined with a thick, thermal-insulated blackout curtain.
'This method ensures a secure, no-drill installation that can reliably hold a heavier curtain to block drafts, light, and noise. This strategy maximizes the insulating properties of your setup by creating an effective seal.'
Therefore, it's suitable for draft-proofing a bathroom, draft-proofing your kitchen, draft-proofing your living room, and even draft-proofing your garage.
'A thermal curtain hung tight against the window frame traps a layer of air between the glass and fabric,' continues Olivia. 'This dead air space acts as an excellent insulator, dramatically slowing the transfer of heat.
'Using a tension rod installed inside the frame means the curtain hangs tightly against the window, creating a seal on all four sides. Traditional rods leave gaps at the tip and sides that allow cold air to leak in.
'The lighter-colored backing on many thermal curtains also reflects solar radiation away from the window, which helps keep the room cooler in summer,' meaning you can use this trick to keep your home cool, too.
How to Try This Trick in Your Own Home
Olivia shares her tips:
- Measure carefully: 'Use a tape measure,' such as the Amazon Basics Self-Locking Tape Measure available at Amazon, 'to get the precise interior width of your door or window frame opening. The tension rod will need to be at least one or two inches longer than this measurement, to ensure a tight, secure fit.'
- Purchase the right gear: As Olivia explains, standard tension rods may sag under the weight of a heavy thermal curtain. 'Choose a heavy-duty or commercial-grade rod with rubber end caps for a non-slip grip,' she says. 'Select a curtain specifically designed for thermal insulation and noise reduction. Look for curtains made of thicker, denser fabric, often with a blackout lining.' We recommend this non-slip tension rod and thermal insulated curtain, both from Amazon.
- Install the rod: 'Mount the rod just inside the window or door frame, or slightly above for a cleaner look,' advises Olivia. Then, twist for tension. 'Adjust the rod length until it is slightly longer than the opening. Compress the rod to fit it into the frame, then twist to expand it until the rubber end caps press tightly against the walls, creating a strong seal.'
- Seal the edges: 'To maximize insulation and prevent any air from leaking around the edges, consider adding adhesive-backed Velcro or magnetic tape down the edges, and across the bottom of the curtain. This creates a complete seal with the curtain is closed.'
As this trick is only secured with a tension rod, the best part is it's renter-friendly, and can quickly and easily be taken down once spring and summer roll around, too.
Designer-approved Tips for a Chic Look
It's one thing to add a curtain to stop drafts, but quite another to make your curtain ideas look chic and stylish. To perfect your DIY draft-proofing solution, Olivia recommends:
- Mount high and wide: 'Hang the tension rod as high and wide as possible above the window or door frame. This creates an illusion of a larger opening and a taller ceiling, giving the space a more polished and luxurious feel.'
- Measure and double up on panels: 'Use enough panels to create a full look when the curtain is closed. A good rule of thumb is to have a curtain width that is one and a half to two times the width of the opening. Doubling up on panels is often necessary for a substantial, drapey look.'
- Choose the right color and finish: 'For a seamless, built-in look, choose a rod color that matches your walls. A color that complements your room's existing decor will prevent the curtain from feeling like a temporary fix. For a cozy, high-end effect, select a curtain a few shades darker than your wall color.'
- Consider the fabric and material: 'A heavy velvet curtain can provide excellent insulation while adding a rich, luxurious texture.'
- Use curtain rings and clips for a custom look: 'If your curtain has a rod pocket, consider using clip-on or ring-style curtain hooks. This allows the curtain to hang below the rod, rather than bunching up on it, creating a more elegant drape. This also makes it much easier to open and close the curtain.'
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
'This model features an upgraded 0.9-inch diameter, providing a load capacity of up to 22 pounds and ensuring it won't sag with heavy curtains,' says Olivia. 'It is adjustable from 28 to 48 inches.'
These blackout curtains filter out 100% of light, and help to reduce ambient noise at the same time.
'For larger doorways, this option comes in extra-long sizes, such as 120–150 inches, and is specifically designed for heavy loads,' says Olivia. 'Its strong grip ensures it stays in place.
'This is a heavy-duty, rust-resistant rod available in various lengths, including extra-long options for room dividers,' says Olivia. 'It uses a strong internal spring mechanism to hold firmly.'
These curtains fit easily with standard rods, and can be quickly ironed or steam cleaned when necessary.
'For a budget-friendly option, this rod with a one-inch diameter is sturdier than thinner versions and comes in various lengths up to 84 inches,' says Olivia.
Meet the Expert
This is also one of the best, budget-friendly ways to draft-proof a sunroom and instantly make a house feel warmer this winter.
