The Best Thermal Window Coverings for Aussie Winters

We know all too well the struggle of waking up on a cold Aussie winter morning with rooms that just won't warm up despite the heating being on. Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in Australian homes, responsible for a significant amount of a home's heating energy escaping. The right thermal window coverings can make a real difference to home comfort and energy bills. At Spotlight, you can shop from an incredible range of curtains and blinds to find the best thermal curtains and window coverings for your home. We've put together a handy guide to take you through the best options for keeping heat inside your home this winter.

What Are Thermal Window Coverings and How Do They Work?

Unlike traditional ready-made curtains, thermal window coverings are designed with a specialised coating that seals over the spaces of the woven fabric. This coating slows heat transfer and prevents light, air and heat from transferring through your windows and into your room. There are four common types of heat loss in our homes, including conduction, convection, radiation and infiltration. Conduction is a type of heat loss where heat transfers between two touching objects. In this case, heat transfers from the hottest point to the coldest point. Radiation refers to the transfer of heat through invisible electromagnetic rays without direct physical contact. Infiltration occurs when heat travels through cracks within the joints of your window architrave or underneath a door, effectively moving out of the building.

Convection heat loss, one of the most common forms of heat loss in Australian homes, refers to the transfer of heat through the movement of the air. For instance, the cold chill of a window can cool the indoor air around it, causing it to decrease the temperature, making window coverings incredibly important in reducing convection heat loss. Although window dressings such as thermal and blockout curtains may overlap in terms of their design, they have a few key differences when it comes to reducing heat loss in your space. Where blockout curtains completely prevent light from entering your space, thermal curtains offer the benefits of insulating your spaces while still allowing a degree of natural light to diffuse through the fabric and into your home.

While the fabric of your window coverings is important, the fitting of your curtains can also influence the overall performance of your curtains.

The Warmest Thermal Window Coverings You Should Get This Winter

At Spotlight, you can shop from a range of different window coverings to help keep your space nice and cosy throughout the colder weather. Let us take you through a few popular choices for thermal window coverings.

1. Thermal Curtains

Thermal curtains are a type of window dressing produced with a lining or coating that covers spaces within the woven curtain fabric. This coating prevents light, air and heat from transferring from your windows through your fabric while creating a layer of insulation that helps to regulate the temperature of your room. When the coating is sewn onto the back of the main curtain fabric, these are referred to as lined curtains. Interlined curtains on the other hand, refer to when an additional layer of material is placed between the face fabric and the lining for superior insulation. Interlined curtains are more ideal when you're looking for fuller curtains that help to reduce noise.

Shop Thermal Curtains

Floor-to-ceiling drop and wall-to-wall width are what separate good thermal curtains from great ones. These drops and widths ensure greater coverage of your windows, improving the temperature-regulating properties they provide. Spotlight offers a range of ready-made thermal curtains as well as thermal curtain fabrics by the metre for those who prefer to sew their own window dressings.

Shop Thermal Curtain Fabrics

You can find or make thermal curtains from a range of fabrics. Fabrics such as velvet, heavyweight linen, cotton chenille and polyester with an acrylic or silicone coating work best for thermal curtains. In addition to a variety of fabrics, you can also shop from a variety of styles such as eyelet curtains, pencil pleat curtains, S-Fold curtains, and pinch pleat curtain headers.

2. Honeycomb and Cellular Blinds

Honeycomb or cellular blinds trap air in individual cells to create an insulating barrier, making them one of the highest-performing options for heat retention. These blinds sit neatly inside the window recess and look clean and minimal. You'll often come across single-cell and double-cell constructions. While single-cell blinds offer greater affordability, double-cell blinds are able to provide better thermal performance, achieving superior thermal insulation.

Spotlight carries ready-made and cut-to-size honeycomb blinds, where you also have the option of adding on a motorisation service to automate temperature control and make consistent daily use effortless.

3. Blockout Roller Blinds

Stylish and practical, blockout roller blinds are a popular and affordable option for modern Aussie homes. When made with a thermal backing, these blinds work incredibly well to reduce heat loss. A tight, snug fit against the window frame is what makes blockout roller blinds thermally effective. At Spotlight, you can shop from a range of ready-made roller blinds, or explore our custom-made blockout roller blinds service for blinds that are made to fit your windows perfectly.

4. Roman Blinds

Roman blinds with a thermal lining work to trap heat and block drafts, making them significantly more effective at offering thermal benefits when compared to standard roman blinds. Roman blinds effortlessly suit minimalist and classic interiors equally well and are easy to incorporate into various decorative styles.

5. Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters fit flush against the window frame, leaving no gaps for drafts. Their overlapping louvre design creates additional insulating layers while also allowing efficient light control. These blinds also bring about a range of benefits, including durability, a long lifespan and child safety with no cords required for operation. A long-term investment that works year-round, these blinds are sure to elevate any room in your home.

Layering Up for Maximum Warmth

Layering two types of window coverings results in better insulation than either alone. A few common and effective combinations include thermal curtains over cellular blinds, blockout curtains over roller blinds, and double curtain tracks with sheer and blockout panels. No matter your chosen combination, you can also use pelmets and cornices at the top of curtains to stop warm air from escaping over the top, significantly improving the performance of your window dressings.

Sometimes, layering your thermal window dressings can make a room feel dark or heavy. Be sure not to shy away from light-filtering coverings such as sheer curtains. When paired with a thermal layer like a blockout blind, sheer curtains can add a softness to any room, perfect for creating a homely and tranquil ambience in any room.

For more information about layering your curtains, check out our helpful article and learn How to Layer Curtains and Blinds Like a Pro.

Which Thermal Window Covering Is Right for Your Space?

Deciding which thermal window covering to choose is dependent on the room. In bedrooms, it's best to use blockout and thermal window coverings to ensure warmth and a good night's sleep, while in kids' bedrooms, safe cord-free options, such as cellular blinds, are more appropriate. In living areas, thermal curtains or plantation shutters bring style and comfort. For home offices and media rooms where blocking outside noise is key, noise reduction and thermal curtains combined help to create the perfect setting for concentration or for complete focus on your next movie night. You should also consider the type of windows you'll be installing your curtains or blinds on. For instance, if you're covering sliding doors, it's best to choose curtains or roller blinds that can be easily adjusted to allow for access to your outdoor areas.

In determining which window covering is right for your space, you may also be considering whether to choose ready-made or custom-made curtains. Ready -made window coverings offer complete convenience, arriving ready to install in your home, while custom made ensures you receive the perfect fit for maximum insulation. Spotlight offers both ready-made and custom-made curtains and blinds options, with custom-made products manufactured in Spotlight's own Australian workrooms.

Getting the Fit Right Every Time

A poor-fitting window covering undermines even the best thermal fabric. It's a good idea to hang curtains from your ceiling to ensure a floor-to-ceiling drop that overlaps the window frame on all sides. Make sure to use a pelmet or bulkhead to seal the top. Measuring your windows before shopping for curtains and blinds is integral to ensuring the right fit for your windows. Check out our helpful How To Measure Windows Guide for more information. Once you have your measurements, our in-store design consultants can help you with fabric, colour and style choices. On the other hand, our free in-home measure and quote service for made-to-measure services allows you to enjoy the convenience of professional measuring.

Small Habits to Keep Your Home Toastier This Winter

It's the little things that make a difference in keeping your home nice and cosy throughout the winter months. It's a good idea to close curtains before dark to lock in daytime warmth for the perfect night's sleep. On sunnier days, open south-facing curtains and allow the solar heat to filter through while keeping north and east-facing curtains closed until the sun has moved.

In terms of maintenance, taking care of your thermal curtains and blinds will help to preserve their insulating properties. A light vacuum and a gentle machine wash can go a long way, however, make sure to avoid using chemicals on the lining and always follow any provided washing instructions.

No One Sets You Up for Winter Better Than Spotlight

At Spotlight, you can find ready-made thermal curtains and custom-made options under the one roof, where our in-store design consultants are available to give personalised advice on fabric, colour, style and installation, so there's no need to visit multiple retailers. With a free in-home measure and quote service for made-to-measure curtains, blinds, shutters and outdoor awnings, our custom window furnishings are assembled in Spotlight's own Australian workrooms, not outsourced offshore. Our made-to-measure service also offers the option to motorise your window dressings for an additional cost. Motorised custom-made curtains and blinds provide incredible convenience over the operation of your blinds and curtains, allowing for hands-free temperature control.

With more than 120 stores across Australia and one of the widest ranges of curtain fabrics by the metre in the country, Spotlight make it easy to see and feel fabrics in person before buying. You can shop from a range of thermal and blockout fabrics, heading tape, curtain linings and all the essentials you need to make your own curtains. Or if you prefer to shop online, you can enjoy the added convenience of our click and collect service.

Explore our extensive range of curtains and blinds online or at a Spotlight store near you and find all the necessary accessories you need to upgrade your windows, including curtains, rods, tracks, tiebacks, pelmets and hardware, where everything can be sorted in one visit.

Get First Dibs on Our Warmest Deals

Discover exclusive access to events and special offers with the Spotlight VIP Club. Become a member and enjoy incredible benefits, including everyday discounts and early sales notifications. You will also receive birthday vouchers as well as an added welcome voucher when you sign up! Sign up and become a member of the VIP Club today.

Keep the Cold Out and the Savings Coming with Bargains Galore

When properly fitted, the right window covering can genuinely cut energy costs and keep a home comfortable through winter. Explore our ready-made curtains and blinds or enjoy our free in-home measure and quote service for a convenient introduction to our world of custom-made options. Head into your nearest Spotlight store or shop the range online and upgrade your window furnishings for winter.

Looking for more inspiration on how to prepare your home for winter? Be sure to check out our helpful blog articles, including the Best Curtains For Winter, 13 Ways to Keep Your House Warm and the Best Blinds For Winter.