Best Thermal Curtains for Winter & Blackout Bedrooms

Thermal curtains allow you to not only fully darken your bedroom but also retain heat inside the room by creating a dead-air space between the window and the room.
Let’s take a look at some of the best thermal curtains for winter and beyond.

Thermal insulated curtains are highly recommended for both energy efficiency as well as adding style to your home with the insulating power of these window treatments. The best thermal curtains typically feature multiple, triple-weave layers of fabric with thick padding, allowing the curtains to prevent heat loss within the room. Plus, thermal curtains are a great way to dampen sound and block light.

From the price of turning up your heat to wearing more layers of clothing to using better comforters, keeping your home warm in cooler temperatures can be quite a nuisance. Luckily, there is a way to keep heat in your home without racking up energy bills.

In order for you to keep your home cozy and warm, it’s important that you find the top home thermal curtains for you. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best thermal curtains across the market so you can get the best bang for your buck.

Best Thermal Curtains for 2021

1. HPD Thermal Room Darkening Curtain

Topping off our list are these Thermal Room Darkening Curtains from Half Price Drapes. These thermal insulated blackout curtains feature a 100% polyester material and a weighted hem, making the curtains thick enough to keep your energy bills low and your home warm. 

The curtains also offer a 3″ curtain rod pocket with back tabs and a hook belt, but curtain hooks are sold separately. With these curtains, you can keep the warm air in and the cold air out as well as reduce noise.

The curtains are available in five colors to choose from including Modern Grey, Creamy Ivory, Dark Denim Blue, Snow White, and Steely Grey. You can also customize your ready-made header of the energy-efficient curtains with two options of a curtain rod pocket with back tabs and hook belt or a grommet header. 

Whether you add these thermal insulated curtains to your living room or your bedroom, the high-quality product is sure to be both warmth-providing as well as light-blocking.

Key Features:

  • 100% polyester curtain panels
  • 3″ curtain rod pocket with back tabs & hook belt
  • Weighted hem
  • 5 different colors available
  • 2 header options available
  • 4 sizes available
  • Keeps warm air in and cold air out

Best For:

  • Those on a budget
  • People with single pane windows

2. BHF Linen Total Thermal Curtains

Featuring a warm and inviting linen look, these Total Blackout Curtains from Best Home Fashion will keep you cozy and comfortable while also ensuring privacy. These light-blocking, energy-efficient curtains are made of 100% polyester and are fully blackout/coated. 

The thermal insulated curtains have panels that each measure 52″ wide and have silver grommets with a 16″ diameter. With these curtains, you can keep the warm air in and the cold air out and block out light.

The curtains are available in a large variety of colors to choose from including grey, white, light grey, natural, and dark grey. The insulated curtains also are available in various sizes for your window frame including 63, 84, 96, and 108 inches wide so you can customize the panels for your window frame. 

The Best Home Fashion curtains come in a set of 2 and are completely machine-washable, allowing you to keep them clean for years to come.

Key Features:

  • Thermal insulated 100 percent blackout curtain panel
  • Each panel has eight silver grommets
  • Machine-washable
  • 1.6” grommet diameter
  • Made of 100 percent polyester
  • Curtains come in sets of 2
  • Each panel measures 52” wide
  • Energy-saving
  • Available in multiple colors

Best For:

  • Those looking for a luxury look
  • People with single-pane windows

3. Nicetown 4 Layer Thermal Blackout Curtains

These next thermal curtains are one of the most versatile options on our list. These insulated curtains let a small percent of light through as they’re 100% blackout. The addition of melt-blown cloth and triple weave fabric to the blackout curtains is not only breathable and waterproof but also germ-isolating as the curtains reduce PM2.5 in the air.

With the triple weave fabric of the curtains, you also get anti-smog inhalation and outside noise reduction, allowing you to create a peaceful environment whether it’s in your living room or bedroom. These curtains prevent heat loss in your home and balance your room’s temperature by thermal insulation against summer heat and winter chill.

The curtains are available in a large range of colors and 7 header options for complete customization of your thermal curtains in lighter or darker colors. There are also a plethora of options for the width and length of the finished single panel, allowing you to make the perfect fit for you. 

These thermal curtains are also easy to install and easy to maintain, as they’re machine-washable. Before its machine wash, detach the felt liner. Then, make sure to use non-chlorine bleach and tumble dry the thermal curtains on low.

Key Features:

  • Thermal insulated 100% blackout curtains
  • Great outside noise reduction
  • Machine-washable
  • Anti-smog inhalation
  • Available in 23 color choices
  • Energy-saving

Best For:

  • Those looking for complete customization
  • People who work nights

4. Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains

Deconovo’s Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains block out a large percent of light so your home can function with energy efficiency and a constant source of heat. The 100% polyester blackout curtain features a silver-coated side that is both decorative and functional. Each blackout curtain panel has 8 anti-rust silver grommets convenient for installation. For the curtains that are 42 inches wide, they feature 6 grommets.

These fabric curtains can both block heat and cold air in your home, making them perfect for every season. Plus, the curtains can reduce noise and block out light, creating a peaceful environment. The curtains are available in a variety of colors and 12 different size options, allowing you to customize the triple-weave blackout curtain for your home in lighter or darker colors.

The curtains come with 2 panels per package and feature an easy installation process. Plus, the curtains are machine-washable, although hand wash is recommended. Make sure to not tumble dry or bleach the curtains and iron at low temperatures if desired.

Key Features:

  • 8 grommets per panel
  • Can block both heat and cold air
  • Reduce noise
  • Available in 14 different colors
  • Available in 12 size options
  • 100% Polyester
  • 2 panels per package
  • Thermal insulation

Best For:

  • Those looking for blackout curtains
  • Those looking for multi-season curtains

What is a Thermal Curtain?

When it comes to warming up your home without breaking the bank, thermal curtains are often the best way to go. Thermal curtains serve as an added layer of insulation in your home that makes it more energy efficient. Since the glass on windows tend to be poor  insulators, thermal curtains are able to fix that. 

Installing thermal curtains in your home also decreases the amount of money you spend on your energy bills each month because of their ability to reduce the amount of heat lost in the cooler months and reflect heat in the summer. 

When it comes to sleeping well temperature is a key contributing factor.

What are Thermal Curtains Made Of?

Typically, thermal curtains consist of a double- or triple-layered heavy fabric with an added backing of insulate material. Plus, there’s often a polyester-film vapor barrier worked in there as well. 

Thermal curtains are generally made from materials including wool, polyester, or cotton, and are coated on the window side with acrylic foam or aluminum. This extra coating protects you from UV rays.

Can Thermal Curtains Be Washed?

While some thermal curtains are machine-washable, it’s often recommended that you hand-wash them instead. To do so, hand-wash them in cold water, making sure not to let the thermal coating latch on to itself. While you wash them, make sure not to rub or wring the curtains as you could damage the material.

In order to dry the curtains, gently squeeze them to remove excess water and hang them dry using the curtain hooks. Do not use clothespins to hang them and be sure not to fold the curtain over the line to hang dry.

Do Blackout Curtains Insulate Like Thermal Curtains?

Most of the time, thermal curtains are also blackout curtains, meaning they’re insulated like typical thermal curtains. In cases where curtains aren’t thermal, the blackout curtains will insulate, just not as well. 

This is because the blackout curtain’s main purpose is to keep light out of the home, rather than insulate, while thermal curtains are solely for insulation purposes. But, both blackout and thermal curtains insulate in one way or another.

What is the Difference Between Thermal and Blackout Curtains?

One of the biggest differences between thermal and insulated curtains are their purposes. Blackout curtains serve to keep out light, while thermal curtains serve to keep cold air out and warm air in. When it comes to deciding which suits your home, it depends on what your biggest problem is. 

If you’re home is already well insulated but you want to keep natural light out, go with blackout curtains. But, thermal curtains are the better choice if you have drafty windows. In the end, most thermal curtains will work as blackout curtains but most blackout curtains won’t work as thermal curtains.

Things To Look For In Thermal Curtains

There are tons of options available when it comes to finding the best thermal curtains for you. But, before committing to a purchase, there are a couple of things to look for throughout your shopping process.

The Amount of Layers

When it comes to finding the best thermal curtains, be sure to evaluate how many layers the curtains have. Single-layered curtains only provide thick fabric rather than an insulating layer, making them have poor insulation abilities. Instead, look for curtains with a foam core that look and feel extra durable.

The Type of Material

While layering is key for thermal curtains, so is material. There are multiple materials used for the lining of thermal curtains, each with their own benefits. There’s blackout lining, which gives good insulating value and light doesn’t pass through, as well as flannel-backed lining that’s proven to provide medium insulation and allows some light to pass through. 

If you’re looking for a full blackout experience, the French blackout lining creates a full blackout effect and contains a highly insulating drapery treatment.

Curtain Header Styles

It’s important to make sure the thermal curtains you choose function properly, but it’s also important that they add to the look of your home. There are multiple types of header styles and the one you choose should fit with the look you’re trying to create. 

Rod Pocket

Rod pocket headers allows for the most versatility in the look of your thermal curtain, as you can add your own rings for a customized touch. Curtains that are hung this way have a casual and simple look.

Grommet

A grommet header is one of the most common curtain styles, as it allows for the opening and closing of the curtain to be simple and easy.

Tab Top

Tab top curtains feature exposed loops (tabs) on the fabric that are drawn through a curtain rod. These curtains are most popular in country style homes.

Pinch Pleat

Pinch pleat curtains are a common and decorative choice of heading that draws together lots of fabric for a fuller look. The header is typically tightly bound and stitched at the top and contains elegant folds flowing from the top down.

Conclusion

All in all, thermal curtains are the way to go if you’re looking for a cheap way to keep your home warm in cooler weather. Plus, there are thermal curtains that work for all seasons, making them a worthwhile purchase. Insulated curtains come in all different styles, colors, and fabrics, making them both a stylish and effective addition to your home. 

FAQ

Most Frequent Thermal Curtain Questions

Do thermal curtains really work?

Yes, thermal curtains work both in winter and summer. These curtains do so by raising the insulation level of windows and trapping the air between the window and the curtain. In turn, this prevents the air from entering the room.

Are thermal curtains worth it?

Yes, thermal curtains are worth the buy. Thermal curtains not only protect you from chilly drafts coming from your windows, but they also save you money on energy bills during the cold winters and hot summers.

Do thermal curtains keep cold out?

Yes, thermal curtains are able to keep the cold out. Due to the added layers of acrylic foam between the fabric, thermal curtains provide insulation, making them ideal for drafty windows and cold weather.

Plus, they also can reduce outside noise and block out sunlight.

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Macie Maislin

My mother told me to follow my dreams, so I took a nap.