Windows seem to work against us when we're trying to keep warm indoors over winter, leaking cold air and making our heating work harder. Luckily, ugly weatherstripping and insulating films are not the only answer.
The stylish frost fix? Layering blinds, such as the sleek thermal roman shade from Wayfair, with curtains for a doubled-up barrier against cold air transfer that looks just as good as it performs. It's deceptively simple, yet strikingly chic.
Here's why the right combination of window treatment ideas is so effective, and the first frost mistakes to miss for a cozier home this winter.
The $54 Frost Fix That Stops Drafts and Looks Great Doing It
This thermal roman blind is available in eight size options and six colors to suit any home. Crafted from polyester, they're designed to reduce outside noise and decrease energy lost through your windows. The cordless design with included handle pull makes for easy adjustment, and is easy for kids to use – plus safer, since there's no cord.
Unlike fiddly thermal window film from Walmart, thermal blinds available at Wayfair are more practical and look far more intentional than a hastily applied barrier for insulating windows, making a home feel like a sanctuary, rather than making a home less cozy.
Layering window treatments by adding thermal curtains, available from Wayfair, adds another thermal barrier that softens your space. It is the effortless curtain hack for a warmer home this winter.
Jordan Benjamin, president at Done Rite Services, says that this approach 'works similarly to layering clothes in that it traps small pockets of air to act as insulation to limit heat or cooling loss to windows.'
For this to work, however, he says that the blind needs to sit as close to the window as possible while avoiding the common thermal blind mistake of the fabric touching the glass (which could result in mold). A one-inch gap is sufficient.
The important part is to remember to layer and pick the correct materials to reap the most benefit.
Although window blind ideas alone will trap some air transfer to make heating more efficient, Dan Simpson, owner at Air Treatment Company, adds, 'When layered over the blinds, curtain ideas add another level of insulation by stopping air movement between the window and the rest of the room. Together, they can reduce heat loss and help your furnace or heat pump maintain a stable indoor temperature with less effort.'
When selecting your window treatments, Dan says cellular or honeycomb-style blinds are best, 'because their air-pocket design adds measurable insulation. I often recommend energy-efficient models such as the Home Decorators Collection cordless cellular shades from The Home Depot or SelectBlinds honeycomb shades, which perform well for their price.
'For homeowners decorating on a budget, basic roller blackout blinds from Walmart or IKEA can still make a big difference when layered with thick curtains. The key is ensuring a snug fit to minimize gaps around the window frame. Those small air leaks can drastically reduce the insulating effect.'
Alternatively, you can find trim-at-home shades from Amazon.
Thermal blinds have the added benefit of being easier to adjust than full curtains, Dan adds.
'Blinds are also practical from an HVAC standpoint because they don’t interfere with airflow like long curtains sometimes do. Many homes have vents, radiators, or baseboard heaters placed directly below windows, and heavy drapes can block heat from circulating properly,' he explains.
'Thermal blinds avoid that issue entirely while addressing the primary source of heat loss. They’re also easy to adjust, open them during sunny hours to let radiant warmth in, then close them at dusk to trap that heat.'
What to Shop
The Home Decorators Collection Light Filtering Cordless Cellular Shades provide soft, diffused sunlight into your home while adding insulation to your window.
Made from 100% cotton, these light-filtering roman shades can be custom-ordered to fit your window, ensuring they cover the whole frame to block drafts. They are available in two colors, blue and beige, and five sizes.
These beautifully designed blackout curtains for the bedroom and living room offer 100% blackout, superior insulation, and noise reduction.
This clear caulk seals out air, water, and moisture with 100% silicone. It is ready for water exposure in as little as 30 minutes.
Weather stripping can quickly help to create a tighter seal around windows, pet frames, and doors, reducing air leaks.
This affordable window film applies to your window panes, creating a temporary seasonal thermal barrier against air transfer for a warmer home.
Meet the Experts
There are several other ways you can layer in interior design to keep a home warm all day, including adding throws, bedding, and rugs to your home to block drafts and insulate in style.
