Did you know that even the highest-rated windows can still allow air to infiltrate your home? This can result in your HVAC system having to work harder to keep you warm and comfortable during the colder months of the year.
If you want to give your windows, home, and HVAC system the extra boost needed to keep things warm, consider investing in thermal curtains for winter.
You might be asking – which thermal curtains are best? We have tested several options to find the best of the best and have outlined what’s good about them below. We also offer some tips and information to help you find and purchase the right curtains for your needs and budget.
The Best Thermal Curtains for Winter in 2021
Our top picks for the best thermal curtains for winter include the following seven options.
1. LORDTEX 100% Blackout Curtains – Best Overall
Are you searching for curtains that will darken your bedroom so you can sleep even when the sun is up? If so, LORDTEX offers 100% sunlight and UV ray blocking power. These are also great options if you live in a city where bright lights are on throughout the night.
The curtains are made using five layers of fabric and manufactured in an OEKO-TEX certified factory. They come with a faux-linen decorative finish, and you can choose from five color options and several size options.
Pros:
- 100% light block
- Five layers of fabric
- Ideal for busy cities
Cons:
- Only five color options
- Minimal pattern options
2. Deconovo Thermal Blackout Curtain – Best On a Budget
Our testing has proven that Deconovo’s thermal blackout curtains live up to all the hype while being a great deal at under $20 per panel. Even better, you can choose from 30 different colors, which means it will be easy to find something that goes well with your current décor.
Unfussy and straightforward, this curtain checks all the boxes when it comes to darkening and thermal benefits. It even goes a step further thanks to the super soft material used to make them.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 30 color options
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Thinner than other options
- No sound-dampening benefits
3. HPD Thermal Light Blocking Curtain – Best for Temperature Regulation
The HPD (Half Price Drapes) are thermal insulated and have a practical blackout feature. Manufactured using a weighted hem and 100% polyester material, the curtains are thick enough to help keep energy bills low and your home comfortable and warm.
These curtains are made with a three-inch curtain rod sleeve, back tabs, and a hook belt. You must purchase the curtain hooks separately. Once installed, it’s possible to keep the warm air in and cold air out. They also help reduce noise.
You will find five color options and are able to customize the header with a curtain rod sleeve with back tabs or a grommet header.
Pros:
- Multiple installation options
- Weighted hem
- Insulated and blackout abilities
Cons:
- Minimal color options
- No sound-dampening benefits
4. Nicetown Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains – Best For Noise Reduction
Do you want to sleep through the night without having to worry about people driving down the street with their music up or dogs barking all night long? If so, Nicetown’s thermal curtains are a great option.
In between the microfiber layers is a black yarn layer to provide additional insulation benefits. These curtains help to block out up to 99% of sunlight while reducing outside noise. If you have a surround sound system or home theater, you’ll love the sound-blocking capabilities of these curtains, too.
The top is constructed with 1.6-inch grommets you can use with most curtain rods. You also have 20 color options to choose from, and the curtains are machine washable.
Pros:
- 20 color options
- Pre-installed grommets
- Microfiber layer
Cons:
- Better at sound-blocking than light blocking
- The black yarn layer is heavy
5. Jinchan 100% Blackout Curtain – Best All-White Option
Most people imagine that thermal blackout curtains would have to be black or another dark color to be effective. However, Jinchan offers a white set of curtains that block out up to 70% of outside noise and light. This feature makes them an excellent option for any room in your house.
Thanks to the thermal backing, you have an effective tool to protect your house from drafts during the winter months and keep heat in to help you stay comfortable. The curtains are made of durable polyester and have grommets at the top you can use with most standard curtain rods.
Pros:
- Superior draft prevention
- Grommets built-in the panels
- Fit most curtain rods
Cons:
- Minimal sound and light blocking abilities
- Only one color option
6. HLC.me Paris Paisley Thermal Insulated Curtain Panels – Best for Décor
HLC.me curtains come in a vast selection of patterns, which will add interest and flair to your home. You can find floral, chevron, lattice, paisley, and many other designs, which means you are sure to find something that works with your home’s current décor. Even better, every pattern is offered in several colors, giving you even more choices.
However, these curtains aren’t just a “pretty face.” They are made using triple-weave polyester fabric, which helps provide superior insulation around your windows. In fact, these curtains can help you save as much as 30% on your current energy costs.
They don’t stop there. The curtains also effectively dampen outside sounds and filter out light, giving you the perfect sleeping environment. You can throw them in the washer and dryer when necessary and find an array of size options to suit all the windows in your home.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Several size options
- Many color and pattern options
Cons:
- Thinner than some options
- Decorative elements may fade
7. BGment Blackout Curtains – Best for Color Options
If you want color options to choose from, the BGment blackout options offer you 24 different color options. These thermal curtains have a look and style that will suit most people and room preferences.
Each panel is made with a layered design that includes blackout fabric and microfiber that helps to insulate your windows throughout the year. However, they are soft to the touch and help add a unique sense of luxury and elegance to the room.
Along with blocking out between 85% and 99% of light, the curtains also help muffle sounds from outside, helping you sleep in when desired.
Every panel is designed with either six or eight (depending on panel size selected) 1.6-inch silver grommets, which ensures they easily fit on most curtain rods. Maintenance is simple, as you can throw the panels in the washer and dryer as needed.
Pros:
- Thermal protection with light and sound blocking capabilities
- Included silver grommets
- Microfiber material for soft feel
Cons:
- Not as effective at light blocking as other options
- The size determines the number of grommets
Buying Guide for Finding the Best Thermal Curtains for Winter
Now that you know the top options to consider when searching for the best thermal curtains for winter, it’s time to dive into the details of what to consider and look for when making this critical decision.
Material and Layers
To find the best thermal curtains for winter, you have to look at the number of layers and materials used. Modern thermal curtains (at least the highest quality ones) are made with two to four layers of fabric.
Similar to any other curtain you can purchase, there’s one layer of decorative fabric, which is what you see from inside your house. Usually, this layer is made of:
- Silk
- Cotton
- Wool
- Linen
- Polyester
The middle layer is typically made of a thermally resistant material. Some examples include thick cotton batting, flannel, felt, or foam.
The third layer, called the backing, helps protect the middle layer from sunlight and condensation that may develop around your windows. The highest quality thermal curtains will include a fourth layer, which is the vapor barrier.
If you live in a scorching location or have windows that face the South or West, be sure to choose lighter colored backings, as these will reflect the light and reduce cases of solar gain (which will cause your energy costs to rise in the summer).
The R-Factor
Regular curtains have an R-value of R-1. However, when you purchase thermal, insulating curtains, they should have an R-value of at least R-6.
You can improve the thermal benefits provided by the curtains if you hang them as close to the window frame as you can. You should try to find options that will drop to the floor or windowsill for superior coverage.
After the curtain is in place, consider sealing it on each side with magnetic tape, self-adhesive weather stripping, or Velcro. Doing this can help to reduce thermal transmission further.
You can also install a valance over the curtains to minimize air infiltration. Get rid of gaps by overlapping your curtains in the center. It’s also important to consider the quality of the fabric. Always choose a thicker material if that’s an option.
Blocking Power
The goal of thermal curtains in the winter is to help keep hot air in and cold air out. You need to look at the blocking power of the thermal curtain you are considering purchasing.
If you are purchasing thermal curtains for sound and light reduction, too, be sure to look at the blocking ability of these factors. Some curtains can block 70% of cool air, sound, and light, while others block up to 99%.
The more effective the curtain is at blocking out these unwanted elements, the more expensive it will be, so be sure to keep this in mind when deciding what to purchase.
The Color
For the most effective light-blocking power, choose darker curtains. However, for thermal insulation, any color will do. What is most important is the number of layers and types of materials used.
Take some time to figure out what color option is best suited for your home and existing décor. You can feel confident that your curtains will coordinate with your home’s furniture and other items by doing this.
As you can see from the list above, there are several quality options with different colors and patterns, which means you don’t have to settle for dull, drab black, or grey if that doesn’t work in your space.
Size
Curtains are not a one-size-fits-all solution. You have to measure your window to know what size curtains you need. Be sure that you double-check your measurements to ensure you get the curtains that will best fit the window.
When purchasing thermal curtains, you must find ones big enough to cover the window entirely and slightly overlap. The fewer gaps you have, the better the curtains can do their intended job. In some situations, going bigger will be better, but you should consider this for yourself.
Your Budget
How much do you have to spend on the thermal curtains? You should figure out a number before shopping. If you plan to purchase these for every window in your home, the cost will add up quickly. Because of this, it is best to know what you can afford before even looking at the available options.
Keep in mind, the thicker the curtains are and the more layers of material, the higher the price will be. Also, thermal curtains that help block out light and sound will be more expensive than those that don’t.
Finding the Best Thermal Curtains for Winter
If you are trying to find the best thermal curtains for winter, you will quickly discover there are many options out there. While this is true, if you consider the ones listed here, along with the helpful buying guide, you will find the best set of curtains for your home and needs.
Remember, not all curtains are created equal, so you need to evaluate the ones you consider to ensure they have all the features and benefits you are searching for. While thermal curtains can be expensive, the investment will pay off in energy savings during the year’s colder months.
