Winter has come, and with the busy holidays you may have overlooked or not had time to properly winterize your windows. With the unpredictable weather around the country it’s best to be proactive, and with the new year approaching there will undoubtedly be a change in temperature.
Today is a good time to begin getting ready for the upcoming peak of the winter season and combat the cold. Winter window treatments are not just pretty decorative fabrics for the windows, a surefire way to become geared up is using materials that are both stylish and useful.
Proper window covering materials can be excellent in insulating and keeping the cold out of your house, and an added bonus is they will save money on your heating bill.
Let’s break it down with the following steps, to get the most out of your window treatments to keep warm and cozy this winter.
Fabric Selection
These days there are a great many options that are available for window treatment applications. The range in type from suede, denim, velvet, twill, and damask tapestry which is your heavyweights. There is also a medium density fabric for areas where it gets cold, but not bone-chilling cold; these are namely your cottons, polyester blends, and silks. Stay away from the light weight fabric such as sheers, lace, linen, or any loosely woven materials. Lightweight materials can be applied as layers and we will talk about how to create a layering effect later.
Get Insulated
Drapes are available on the market that have a backing sewn on the back of the fabric, and significantly assist in keeping the drafts and cold air out. Backing material consists of woven cotton or polyester blended fabrics, some have a vinyl finished treatment that shields from moisture. Another plus to having insulated curtains is the fact that it does provide a vapor barrier that helps deflect heat back into your space.
Create a Layered Effect
You will have the same great style and classic elegance as traditional window treatments using these rich looking heavyweight materials. Use a double drapery rod to add two distinct layers for extra protection against the elements. The next addition in the layering process has mostly to do with aesthetics, but it serves a purpose which is to hang lace curtains or sheers on the second rod, for a stylish look and additional insulation. Complete the look and choose wood blinds or fabric shade on the windows that best suit your design style.
Drape it up
When you take these steps, it is easy to combine your love for high style and design with practicality and function. Not only will you keep the warm in, but an added benefit is also saving money in the process.
