Insulating Properties Of Drapery

September 6, 2017

For many home owners, the idea of choosing and looking after drapery can be a bit overwhelming and no one even imagine insulation functionality of it. Hey, drapers just cover up the windows? Right?

Heat loss through windows

Not so fast… Investing in bespoke, custom home decor like drapery, can play a huge role in improving the value of your property. More importantly, window treatments that include drapery can be useful for reducing your monthly energy expenses on heating and cooling. How does this work, you ask? It’s quite simple – drapery is something that helps to provide a lasting, free and substantial insulating quality to the rest of the room.

During those cold winter months, this could help you save a few dollars every month on heating bills and expenses. According to much research coming from USA and Europe, one third of our home’s heating is lost through windows and doors. Sure, you might not keep all of that one third in the house, but you will make a big difference if you decide to be proactive and get some drapery added to your window treatments.

Outside of saving you money in heating loss and bills, you can actually do your home more benefits by having quality draperies. These will help you reduce the amount of money you need to spend on energy saving initiatives for a start, drastically reducing the need for new windows, doors and insulation. However, your drapery needs to have specific qualities in order to benefit from the potential heat retention properties.

What makes drapery insulating?

Drapery drawn closed at night and going two feet beyond the width of the window frame, as well as 4-6 inches above, for example, will make sure you get the best insulation. This way, the heat gain in the room itself, stays in, while entering of exterior cold is stopped at the window. When combined with other window treatments like shutters, honeycomb, roller or roman shades, the heat loss is reduced even further.

Lining! Lined drapery is not only visually superior to ready-made unlined panels, air pockets created between it and face fabric (facing the room) also trap cold air and sound. Studies have shown that without lining, or having just the one fabric layer in windows, such as a fabric roller shade, has a minimal effect on heat retention. Interlining is another layer that can be added for an even more luxurious look and is actually quite necessary with very light, think fabrics like real silk. Placement and installation of panels also comes in to play, the closer to the windows they are, the more protection they will provide.

Cornices as a final touch!

To truly get the most out of installing custom drapery, one should really consider adding fabric valances or cornices as toppers to the window dressing. It is a more traditional way to dress windows that is for certain, but there are plenty of simple kick-pleat, box type valances adorned only with ribbon will result in a contemporary feel and style.

The power of having this kind of extra heat retention should not be overestimated. It will make a noticeable difference to the comfort of your home, while accumulating savings on your heating and cooling bills over time.

We understand that each home and homeowner is unique. Hence, we’d suggest you visit Night & Day Window Decor branches in Toronto (1075 Yonge St. & 990 Kingston Rd.) and our expert consultant will find the ideal window coverings for your home. We’ll find the perfect window treatment for your cozy home, to make it even warmer this time of the year.