Recommended Free Tools
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
For most bedrooms, choose heavy-lined, floor-length curtains if you want the best combination of warmth, night-time privacy, darkness and a soft, cosy appearance. Close-fitting cellular (honeycomb) blinds are the strongest compact alternative for retaining heat. Whichever treatment you choose, the fit matters as much as the material: gaps at the head, sides or sill let air circulate and can erase much of the benefit.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Curtains and blinds supplement the window rather than replace good glazing and frames. YourHome estimates that as much as 40% of heating energy can be lost through windows, while Consumer NZ’s published 2019 comparison found that heavy-lined curtains and honeycomb blinds outperformed the other coverings it assessed. The right choice therefore depends on your priorities, window recess, available wall space and how precisely the covering can be sealed.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Are curtains or blinds warmer in a bedroom?
Heavy-lined, floor-length curtains generally provide the best all-round warmth when they are wide enough to cover the opening, sealed at the top and sides, and closed after sunset. Among blinds, cellular or honeycomb designs have the strongest evidence for heat retention because their internal pockets trap air. Ordinary roller blinds usually provide only modest insulation.
Popular on Amazon
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
Window coverings cannot compensate for poor glazing, a leaky frame or uncontrolled draughts. YourHome says furnishings such as curtains and blinds can improve thermal performance, but the window itself remains the first part of the heat-loss equation. Consumer NZ’s 2026 article, drawing on its 2019 testing and stated assumptions, notes that 45% or more of lost heat can escape through windows in an insulated house, compared with about 30% in an uninsulated house. Those figures describe a modelling context, not a guaranteed saving for every bedroom.
What did Consumer NZ’s comparison find?
Consumer NZ reported that heavy-lined curtains retained more heat than thermal-backed curtains, and that floor-length curtains beat sill-length versions. Its test also found honeycomb blinds retained more heat than the other blind types assessed. In the comparison scenario described in the 2026 article, the best-performing honeycomb blind saved more than $12.50 over three winter months; that is a calculated result based on the publication’s assumptions, not a universal household saving.
| Decision point | Curtains | Blinds |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth | Heavy-lined, floor-length fabric performs strongly when the head and sides are sealed. Sill-length or loosely fitted curtains lose much of that advantage. | Cellular or honeycomb blinds are the best-supported blind choice for heat retention. Standard rollers offer only modest insulation. |
| Privacy and darkness | Blackout or opaque fabric gives reliable privacy and darkness when fully closed. | Opaque rollers and blackout cellular blinds can give full privacy when closed. Venetian slats trade some privacy for adjustable daylight and view control. |
| Cosy appearance | Folds, texture and floor length create a softer, more traditional bedroom look. | Blinds look cleaner and less textile-heavy. Side curtains can add softness without giving up a compact blind. |
| Summer control | Close the fabric during strong sun, then open it after sunset when outside air is cooler. | Slatted blinds give precise glare and solar control; cellular and blackout products still need daytime shading and night ventilation. |
| Space and upkeep | Requires a rod or track and clearance over or beside the window. Fabric needs dusting or washing according to its care instructions. | Can sit inside or close to the recess and leave more wall visible. Cleaning and mechanism care depend on the product. |
Why does curtain fit matter so much for heat?
A curtain works by slowing the movement of room air next to the cold glass. Warm air that reaches the window cools, becomes denser and drops; air then circulates back into the room. Open gaps at the top, sides or bottom allow that loop to continue. A close-fitting treatment reduces the circulation and the draught-like sensation it creates.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Choose enough width to close the sides
Measure the track or pole and use curtains that extend beyond both jambs when closed. Extra width lets the fabric return against the wall instead of leaving a narrow channel at each edge. If the existing track is exactly the window width, extending it or adding side seals can be a more effective upgrade than buying a thicker fabric that still leaves exposed gaps.
Use a substantial lining and full length
Consumer NZ’s comparison put heavy-lined curtains ahead of thermal-backed curtains, so the word “thermal” on packaging is not, by itself, a performance guarantee. Look for a substantial lining or two-layer construction, and choose floor length rather than stopping at the sill. The lower edge should reach the floor or sit close to it without creating a large open channel.
Close the top with a pelmet or track treatment
A pelmet, boxed valance or close-mounted track limits the opening above the curtain where warm air can rise behind the fabric. Australian Government energy guidance recommends close-fitting lined curtains or blinds together with pelmets to maximise temperature control through the year. The top seal is particularly useful when the curtain hangs in front of a deep or draughty recess.
Also popular on Amazon
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
Are honeycomb blinds warmer than curtains?
Honeycomb blinds can be warmer than poorly fitted curtains and are the best-supported blind option when the priority is heat retention. Their folded cellular structure creates air pockets between the room and the glass. Consumer NZ found this type retained more heat than the other blinds in its 2019 test, but the result assumes a reasonably close fit.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsA honeycomb blind does not automatically beat a properly sealed, heavy-lined, floor-length curtain. A blind fitted with visible side gaps allows air to bypass the cells, while a curtain that covers the head, jambs and floor can block that movement more effectively. Measure the recess carefully and favour a design that leaves the smallest practical side gaps.
When is a cellular blind the practical winner?
- The window is in a shallow recess or beside furniture, so a full curtain stack would take valuable space.
- You want a clean appearance during the day and do not need fabric extending across the wall.
- You can order a close-fitting blackout cellular blind and keep the head and side gaps small.
- You need the window covering to stop at the sill because a radiator, desk or door prevents floor-length curtains.
Cellular blinds are not the same as ordinary rollers. A single sheet of roller fabric may block light effectively yet add little insulating depth. Check the construction rather than assuming that every blackout blind has the same thermal behaviour.
Which option gives more bedroom privacy and darkness?
Privacy depends on opacity and closure, not simply on whether the treatment is called a curtain or a blind. Fully closed blackout or opaque curtains block views and daylight reliably. Opaque roller blinds and blackout cellular blinds can do the same when their edges and bottom are close to the opening.
For complete night privacy
Choose an opaque or blackout fabric and close it completely before interior lights come on. Check the edges at night from outside if possible: a bright strip at the jamb or above the head is evidence of a fit problem, not a reason to abandon the material. Curtains can cover a wider area beyond the recess, while a recess-mounted blind may need side channels or an outside mount to reduce edge glow.
For adjustable privacy and daylight
Venetian slats let you tilt the angle so occupants can see daylight while limiting direct views in. That flexibility comes with compromises: angled slats can still reveal silhouettes from some positions, and the gaps between slats do not provide the same darkness as a continuous blackout surface. They are better for view and glare control than for maximum insulation.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
Blackout is not the same as thermal performance
A blackout coating or opaque weave addresses light transmission. Heat retention additionally depends on thickness, air spaces, edge seals and how closely the covering sits to the window. If both darkness and warmth matter, specify a blackout product with a lined or cellular construction and pay equal attention to installation.
What feels cosier: curtains or blinds?
Cosiness is partly visual and tactile. Fabric folds, texture and a floor-length drop make a bedroom feel softer and more traditionally furnished; this is an aesthetic effect rather than a separate measured insulation rating. Blinds create a cleaner, less textile-heavy appearance and can make a small room look less crowded.
You do not have to choose one visual language. A blackout cellular or roller blind can handle privacy and light, while side curtains add colour, softness and a fuller frame around the window. Keep the curtains wide enough to stack clear of the glass during the day so the blind, rather than the fabric, controls sunlight.
Recommended Free Tools
How should you operate curtains and blinds through the seasons?
Daily operation can matter as much as the purchase. The same covering can retain useful heat in winter and trap unwanted heat in summer, depending on when it is closed.
Winter routine
- Open the covering during sunny daylight hours so free solar heat can enter, provided glare and privacy allow it.
- Close it before sunset, when the glass becomes a colder surface and indoor heat loss rises.
- Keep the curtain or blind fully closed overnight rather than leaving a narrow opening that permits air movement.
- Open it again in the morning to let sunlight warm the room and to expose any condensation for drying.
Warm-weather routine
- Shade the window during the strongest daytime sun, especially on an east- or west-facing elevation.
- Use slat angle or partial closure when you need daylight without direct solar gain.
- Open the covering after sunset if outdoor air is cooler and the open window can be ventilated safely.
- Close it again before morning sun reaches the glass.
Australian Government guidance and energy-saving advice both emphasise close-fitting coverings and pelmets for year-round temperature control. Curtains or blinds should not obstruct a window when you need safe ventilation or an unobstructed exit.
What should you buy for a warm, private bedroom?
Match the specification to the problem rather than shopping by the broad label “thermal.” These are the most defensible starting points.
Also popular on Amazon
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
| Your priority | Recommended specification | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum warmth and a soft look | Heavy-lined blackout curtains, full width, floor length, with a close top seal or pelmet and side returns. | Needs wall or ceiling space for the pole or track and a fabric-care routine. |
| Compact installation with strong insulation | Close-fitting cellular honeycomb blackout blind, measured accurately inside or just outside the recess. | Edge gaps can reduce performance; the look is more streamlined than plush. |
| Privacy with daylight and view control | Adjustable Venetian slats, with the understanding that they prioritise angle control over insulation. | Slats can admit silhouettes, glare and more air movement than a sealed opaque covering. |
| Existing curtains that are otherwise suitable | Add a thermal liner, improve side seals, extend the track and install a pelmet where practical. | Results depend on how well the original curtain and hardware can be sealed. |
| Layered appearance and flexible control | Blackout blind inside the recess plus side curtains outside it. | Costs more space and hardware, and both treatments must be operated correctly. |
How do you measure and fit the covering?
Accurate measurement prevents the most common performance failure: a product that is technically insulated but leaves bypass gaps. Follow the supplier’s measurement convention, because inside-mount and outside-mount dimensions are not interchangeable.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom of the recess. Record the smallest width for an inside fit unless the manufacturer specifies a different deduction.
- Measure the height at the left, centre and right. Record the smallest height and check whether the sill, skirting board or floor will interfere.
- Check the opening above the window for a pelmet, headrail or curtain track, and confirm that handles, vents and radiators will not obstruct movement.
- For curtains, measure the pole or track rather than only the glass, and extend it beyond both sides where wall space permits.
- For a blind, select a close side fit and verify the manufacturer’s required clearance for the mechanism. Do not trim a cellular product unless its instructions explicitly allow it.
- After installation, close the treatment in daylight and inspect the top and side edges from the room. At night, look for light leaks; these identify gaps that can also permit air movement.
Can you improve existing curtains or blinds without replacing them?
Often, yes. A thermal liner behind serviceable curtains can add another layer, while side seals and a pelmet reduce the paths that let air circulate around the fabric. Extending a short track, replacing a damaged seal or changing sill-length curtains to a floor-length pair may deliver more benefit than choosing a heavier fabric for the same poorly fitted hardware.
Before spending money, check whether the curtain closes across the full opening, reaches the floor and has a clear top gap. If those conditions are already good, a liner is the logical next change. If the hardware is narrow or the fabric is too short, correct the geometry first; extra thickness cannot close an exposed edge.
What mistakes make a bedroom covering colder, darker or less private than expected?
- Stopping at the sill: Consumer NZ found floor length performed better than sill length. A short drop leaves a route for air circulation below the fabric.
- Buying by the word “thermal” alone: Heavy lining, cellular construction and edge fit matter more than a marketing label viewed in isolation.
- Ignoring the top gap: Warm air can rise behind an unsealed head. A pelmet or close-mounted track addresses this route.
- Using a narrow curtain pair: Curtains that barely meet at the centre or stop at the jambs cannot seal the window sides.
- Expecting slats to black out a room: Venetian blinds provide adjustable view and daylight control, not the continuous barrier of an opaque curtain or blackout blind.
- Leaving coverings closed in every season: Winter sun can provide useful heat, while summer night ventilation can cool the room. Change the schedule with the weather.
- Confusing privacy with darkness: A translucent blind may obscure detail in daylight yet reveal silhouettes when the bedroom is lit at night. Use an opaque layer for dependable night privacy.
Which choice suits common bedroom situations?
Cold room with plenty of wall space
Start with heavy-lined, floor-length blackout curtains on a track or pole wider than the window. Add a pelmet or another close top treatment, and check the side returns. This configuration addresses warmth, darkness and the softer appearance most people associate with a cosy bedroom.
Small room or shallow recess
A close-fitting cellular blackout blind preserves wall space and avoids a large fabric stack beside the bed. Measure carefully and treat every edge gap as a performance issue. If the room still looks stark, add narrow side curtains that can be drawn open during the day.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Bedroom that needs daylight and an outside view
Venetian slats offer the most precise adjustment of angle, glare and view. Use them when those controls outweigh maximum insulation, or combine them with a separate opaque layer for nights when privacy must be absolute.
Also popular on Amazon
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
Existing curtains in good condition
Inspect the fit before replacing anything. A liner, wider track, side seals or pelmet can be a lower-cost route to better performance, provided the fabric can reach the floor and close across the opening.
What is the practical verdict?
Choose heavy-lined, floor-length curtains for the broadest combination of warmth, privacy, darkness and cosiness. Choose close-fitting cellular honeycomb blinds when space, a clean appearance or a compact installation is more important and you can control the side and top gaps. In either case, measure for a close seal, open the covering to admit useful winter sun, close it after sunset, and shade the window during hot daytime periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do blackout curtains always keep a bedroom warm?
No. Blackout describes how much light the fabric blocks, not how well it limits air movement or heat transfer. A thin blackout panel with exposed sides can insulate less effectively than a well-fitted, lined curtain that is not marketed with the word “thermal.”
Can I combine a blind and curtains on the same bedroom window?
Yes. A blind can provide everyday light and privacy control while side curtains add softness and a second barrier at night. Leave enough clearance for the curtain stack so it does not prevent the blind from sitting close to the glass when closed.
What does a pelmet do above a curtain?
A pelmet is a rigid or fabric-covered cover over the top of the curtain and its track. It reduces the open channel through which warm room air can rise behind the curtain, improving the seal without changing the window itself.
Why can a short curtain feel draughtier than a blind?
A sill-length curtain leaves an opening below the fabric, so cooled air can drop behind it and warmer air can circulate up toward the glass. A blind that fits closely around the recess may block that route despite using less material.
Are Venetian blinds suitable if I need complete night privacy?
They can be, but only when the slats are closed and angled to block the relevant sightlines. Because slats can still reveal silhouettes from some positions, an opaque roller, blackout cellular blind or lined curtain is more dependable for a fully private, dark bedroom.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
