As we all grapple with the cold weather and the inevitable heating bills a survey has revealed that 27% of your yearly heating costs go to make up for the heating loss through your windows!
Heat gain and heat loss accounts for huge energy transfer in your home – so the same even applies in summer if you use e.g. fans to keep the house cool then thermal linings or blinds & curtains can help block the heat coming through the window and keep help keep your energy usage down.
So what are the options for helping to control this heat movement?
Blackout Curtain Linings
Over the years people have used this fabric simply to block out the light for instance to watch TV comfortably during the day or to stop the glare of street lighting. It used to feel slightly ‘rubberised’ & stiff and look ‘plasticy’ but these days it looks and feels like a traditional lining. It comes in both white & ivory.
Blackout is also ideal for Roman blinds as not only does it bring with it the thermal and light limiting properties but it also gives structure to even the lightest weight fabric and enhances the finished ‘look’ of the folds.
All Blackout Curtain Lining Options Here
Thermal Dim Out & Brushed Back Linings
These represent two ‘middle of the road’ alternatives.
Thermal Dim Out doesn’t shield the light as much as a complete Blackout option but certainly adds thermal insulating properties. Brush Backed in particular helps to trap the air moving through the windows.
Both are ideal for both curtains and blinds.
Bump Interlining
This not only hugely increases thermal protection but adds a sumptuous appearance to the fold & drape of the curtain.
There are two main types – 100% cotton Bump Superior (sometimes called Domett) and a non-woven option Bump Sarille.
Bump Superior is really the all-singing and all-dancing version. The 100% cotton has been pre-shrunk and has a good, soft loft. It adds lots of body without weight and not only hugely increases thermal protection (as well as protection from sound) but adds a sumptuous appearance to the fold & drape of the curtain.
Sarille is a good economical version of the Superior. It has good thermal qualities and is very stable as well as being very easy to handle during sewing.
Overall, for smaller projects, Sarille is a fine choice but for a true luxury finish, we recommend opting for the Bump Superior.
Ultra Thermal Energy Reflective Linings
The ultimate in thermal protection are the new Ultra Thermal Energy Reflective lining fabrics that are the latest arrivals in the furnishing essentials range.
These are incredibly effective with both heat & cold and can be used not only in curtains and blinds but for conservatory sails. They come in a Blackout or Classic finish and have been treated with a patented energy-reflective coating to truly provide the ultimate in thermal protection.
We have a Video On These Linings Here or you can read more about them: Energy Reflective Curtain Lining.
How To Apply
We know what you are thinking. These options sound great but I already have curtains and don’t necessarily want to replace them. We 100% understand but there are fantastic options for adding one of the above linings without replacing your existing drapes!
Use any of the linings we discussed to make detachable/separate linings by simply using Lining Tape. This specially created skirted tape is easy to use and simply slots over the edge of the lining, a straight stitch through the tape then does the trick. It allows you to just hang your ‘new’ lining on the back of your current curtains and immediately start helping to save all that heat loss!
View & order Lining Tape Here or All Curtain Tape Options Here.
