In the cold winter temperatures, a home can lose as much as 40% of its heat through the windows. Giving serious thought to your window covering choices can help decrease heat loss as well as heat gain. I’ve had many years of designing pretty windows as an interior designer, but here are my top 3 picks to make your windows beautiful and energy efficient at the same time:
- In this photo to the right, Maxwell fabric company has featured a full drapery panel in this cozy room setting. A lined drapery will always insulate against the cold as well as block out direct sun on a brutally hot day. The heavier the fabric, the more protection you will have against the window, but remember also that a lining (sateen, blackout, or thermal) needs to be part of the design.
- Wood Shutters are one of the highest rated window coverings in terms of energy efficiency. Solid wood acts as thermal barrier when properly installed and the louvers are closed up tight, but very pretty and architectural when the louvers are open.
- Hunter Douglas Duette Architella, with its patented honeycomb within a honeycomb construction has a very high R-value rating, providing superior energy savings in both warm and cold climates.
