Imagine this: It’s a proper chilly Tuesday evening. The wind is howling a bit outside, you’ve got the heating on, and you’re settled on the sofa with a cup of tea. But every ten minutes or so, you feel it. That slight, nagging chill drifting across the room. You check the radiator—it’s hot. You check the window—it’s closed. So, what’s going on?
Here is the truth that energy companies probably won't tell you: your living room might be "leaking" heat, and your windows are usually the prime suspects. Even with double glazing, glass is a poor insulator. It acts like a bridge, carrying the expensive warmth from inside your home and depositing it straight into the cold night air.
But before you start panicking about replacing windows or cranking the thermostat up (and watching your bill skyrocket), there is a much simpler, stylish, and textile-based solution. It’s time for the "Curtain Check."
The 'Curtain Check': Are Your Curtains Doing Their Job?
We often think of curtains as just the "eyeliner" of a room—something to make the window look pretty. But in the winter months, they are your first line of defence against heat loss. If your curtains are thin, unlined, or ill-fitting, you are essentially throwing money out of the window.
Here is how to check if your current setup is up to the task:
1. The 'Hand Test'
This is the easiest test of all. Wait until it’s dark and cold outside. Close your curtains fully. Now, place your hand between the fabric and the glass. It should feel significantly colder in that gap than it does in the rest of the room. If the temperature feels roughly the same on both sides of the curtain, your fabric is too thin. It’s letting the cold air permeate right through into your lounge.
2. The Fabric Weight
Take a good look at the material. Is it a lightweight cotton or a sheer linen? While these look breezy and gorgeous in July, they are practically useless in December. For winter, you need heft. Heavyweight fabrics like velvet or tightly woven chenille naturally trap more air, creating a thermal barrier.
If you love your lighter curtains and don’t want to swap them, don't worry. You don’t have to get rid of them. You can layer a heavy blackout curtain behind them or add a thick lining.
3. The 'Puddle' Factor
Look at where your curtains hit the floor. Are they hovering an inch or two above the carpet? If so, you have created a wind tunnel. Cold air from the window sinks (because heat rises), drops out of the bottom of your curtains, and flows across the floor to freeze your toes.
Ideally, for maximum warmth, your curtains should touch the floor or even "puddle" slightly. This creates a seal that stops that cold draught from escaping into the room.
The Secret Weapon: Thermal Blackout Curtains
If your current window dressing failed the check, the smartest swap you can make this winter is moving to thermal blackout curtains. Now, I know what you’re thinking—"blackout" sounds a bit industrial, or like something for a teenager's bedroom.
But modern blackout technology is actually invisible. The thermal properties are often woven into the lining or the fabric itself, meaning you get beautiful, soft, draping curtains that just happen to work incredibly hard. They act as a legitimate layer of insulation. By trapping a layer of dead air between the window and the room, they stop the warm air from hitting the cold glass.
It is not just about keeping heat in, either. It’s about that cosy "cocoon" feeling. When you draw a pair of heavy, high-quality curtains, it changes the acoustics of the room. The sound of the wind (and the traffic) is dampened, and the space immediately feels safer and warmer.
Don't Forget the 'Draft Excluder' Trick
If you have floor-length curtains but they still let a bit of a draught through the bottom, pair them with a door sausage or draught excluder along the windowsill or the floor. It sounds old-fashioned, but it works.
Also, consider layering. We love the look of a blind tucked inside the recess with a pair of ready-made curtains hung on a pole outside the recess. This "belt and braces" approach gives you two layers of protection. You can drop the blind as soon as the sun goes down to trap the heat, and draw the curtains later for that decorative finish.
Style Meets Savings
The best part about upgrading your curtains for winter is that it’s a valid interior design excuse. You aren't just buying them to save a few pounds on the heating bill (although you definitely will); you are buying them because rich, textured fabrics look incredible at Christmas.
Think about swapping summer neutrals for deep, warming tones. A charcoal grey, a midnight blue, or a forest green velvet doesn't just block the light; it visually warms the room up. It adds depth, drama, and that "hunker down" vibe we are all craving right now.
So, go and do the Curtain Check. If you feel that chill on your hand, it might be time to have a browse through our curtain collection. Your radiator (and your feet) will thank you.
