Most people assume that closing your drapes all winter keeps the house warmer. It sounds logical, but the real answer is more interesting. The best way to use drapes in winter depends on the time of day, and getting it right can make your home feel warmer without touching the thermostat.
As Toronto heads into November, the days get shorter and the heating bills start to climb. A little routine with your window treatments can help.
Open During the Day, Close at Dusk
Even on grey days, sunlight carries some warmth. When you leave drapes open on south and west windows during the day, that heat comes into the room for free.
Why Closing Them All Day Backfires
If your drapes stay shut from morning to night, you block the free warmth and the natural light. The room feels darker, so you turn on more lights, and you gain nothing in return.
The Dusk Rule
As soon as the sun goes down, close the drapes. Glass loses heat quickly at night, and a thick fabric layer slows the cold air that sinks down from the window. You will feel the difference when you sit near it.
What Kind of Drape Works Best?
Weight and fit matter. A thin panel that hangs a few centimetres above the floor does very little. A thicker, fuller drape that reaches the floor traps a layer of air against the glass.
Solid Drapes
Solid drapes in a heavy weave add visual warmth as well as real insulation. They suit living rooms and dining rooms, where you want a cozy feel in the evening.
Blackout Drapes
Blackout drapes have a thick backing that adds another barrier. They are a good choice for bedrooms, where they help with both sleep and temperature. Our high-end, quality products use fabrics that hang well and hold their shape year after year.
Layering Makes It Better
One layer is good. Two layers are better. A roller shade or a sheer behind the drape gives you flexibility. During the day you can keep the sheer closed for privacy and let the light in. At night, close the drape over it.
Let the Drape Cover the Whole Window Area
Mount the rod wider than the frame, so the drape clears the glass when open. Let the fabric reach near the floor. This closes off the gaps where cold air slips in.
Add a Little Automation
The easiest way to build the habit is to automate it. Motorized shades and drapes can open at sunrise and close at sunset, so you never forget. Competitive pricing on motorization makes this more affordable than many people expect, and our team will help you decide which windows are worth automating first. That kind of exceptional customer service makes a real difference when you are choosing a system for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do drapes really lower heating costs?
They can help, especially on older windows. The effect is greatest when drapes are thick, full, and closed at night.
Should drapes touch the radiator?
No. Leave a gap so heat can flow into the room instead of getting trapped behind the fabric.
Do sheers help in winter?
They add a light layer and keep daylight coming in, but they do not insulate much on their own.
Which rooms benefit most?
Bedrooms and living rooms with large or older windows usually see the biggest change in comfort.
Ready to Find the Perfect Blinds?
Browse our full collection at myhomeblinds.ca and find the right window treatments for every room in your home.
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