Winters in South Yorkshire can be long and damp, and if you live up towards Penistone or Stocksbridge you'll know how cold it gets on higher ground. Before you turn the thermostat up, look at your windows. They're one of the main places a home loses heat, and the right window coverings can make rooms feel noticeably warmer.
1. Close everything at dusk
It sounds simple, but it works. Close blinds and curtains as soon as it gets dark to trap the warmth of the day. On bright winter mornings, open south-facing windows to let the sun warm the room for free.
2. Choose cellular blinds
Cellular (honeycomb) blinds trap air in their cells and act like a layer of insulation on the window. They're the most thermally efficient blind we sell, and they fit neatly into most windows.
3. Upgrade to thermal or interlined curtains
Thick curtains with a thermal lining or interlining create a warm barrier. For the best effect, make sure they:
- Extend past the window on each side
- Hang close to the floor or windowsill
- Overlap in the middle
4. Layer blinds and curtains
A blind inside the recess with curtains in front creates two layers of trapped air. It's the warmest set-up of all, and it looks great in bedrooms and living rooms.
5. Stop heat escaping over the top
Warm air rises and escapes over the top of curtains and down the cold glass. A ceiling-fixed track or pelmet stops that loop.
6. Keep radiators clear
If your radiator sits under the window, long curtains trap heat behind them and push it towards the glass. Use sill-length curtains or a blind instead.
7. Shutters for older properties
In older stone and terraced houses around Barnsley, fitted shutters add a solid layer against draughty sash or single-glazed windows.
Frequently asked questions
Do thermal curtains really work?
Yes, especially on older or single-glazed windows. They reduce heat loss and cold draughts near the glass.
What's the warmest blind?
Cellular blinds, followed by lined Roman blinds.
Can you fit before winter?
Most made-to-measure blinds and curtains are ready in a few weeks, so now is a good time to book.
Free measure and quote across Barnsley and South Yorkshire
We measure, supply and fit across Barnsley, Penistone, Wombwell, Hoyland, Darton, Royston, Cudworth and Dodworth, as well as Wakefield, Rotherham and Sheffield. Book your free home visit and we'll bring samples to you, so you can see colours and fabrics in your own light before you decide.