As climate control means the difference between freezing and staying snug in the Canadian winter, insulating your windows and conserving heat is absolutely essential. Choosing the correct window coverings can make a big difference in how much energy is lost from your home. 

Best Blinds for Insulation

To help you choose the best blinds for insulation, we have compiled this guide featuring six of our top insulated window covers. We've considered these blinds and examined them according to insulation benefits, affordability, installation ease, and aesthetic appeal.

Cellular Shades/Honeycomb Shades

If your preference and needs require a more contemporary look, honeycomb shades are one of the best blinds for insulation. They offer superior protection from heat and cold, thanks to their dual-layer construction: air is trapped between two fabric layers which act as an excellent insulator.

That being said, cellular shades are particularly effective for temperature control and energy efficiency, making them a popular choice.

Roller Shades

Roller shades are not only affordable but also offer great insulation benefits by blocking out light from the outside. They come in several different materials, such as vinyl, solar fabrics, and blackout fabric which provide excellent heat retention during the winter months. Additionally, they are quite easy to install and can be used with either a manual or motorized system.

Best used for windows that have overlooking views you don't want to be obstructed, these shades are also available in a variety of colours and designs, making it easy to find one that suits your home decor.

Roman Shades

These shades are optimal for adding a touch of style to your windows while providing excellent insulation benefits. Considered one of the best blinds for insulation, regular and custom Roman shades provide a tailored look while still allowing some light to pass through.

When drawn up, they stack neatly at the top of the window and create an attractive pleated effect. Roman shades are available in a wide variety of fabrics, which can make them more energy efficient.

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Vertical Blinds

Your window coverings and doors should be able to work together in harmony, so vertical blinds are a great choice if you have sliding doors. Not only do they look modern and neat but also provide insulation benefits by trapping air between the vanes. They can also be opened from the side, allowing for more natural light to come in while still providing privacy for your home.

These perfectly fit long windows and patio doors, so they are an ideal choice if you want to keep the area warm in the winter months.

Wood and Faux Wood Blinds

Now, what is faux wood? It is a type of plastic material that imitates the look and feel of real wood, perfect for adding natural style to blinds or shades.

Wood and faux wood blinds can be excellent options. Not only do they offer a sophisticated and timeless style, but also provide insulation benefits as well. The slats on these shades help to control the amount of light entering your home while also providing privacy when closed.

As they come in several different stains and finishes, you'll find them best used on wood frames or window panes in the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of the home.

Insulated Drapes and Curtains

Because of their thick material and construction, drapes and curtains are excellent at providing insulation. These benefit house areas like living rooms and bedrooms, as they are both functional and stylish. You can opt for either blackout roller blinds together with curtains, depending on the level of insulation you require.

The common materials used for insulated drapes and curtains include velvet, cotton twill, and jacquard fabrics, which are all optimal for blocking out light from the outside.

How Do Blinds Help With Insulation?

Insulation works by trapping air between the window and the blinds or shades, which creates a barrier to block out external temperatures. Different types of insulation can be used depending on how much heat or cold you want to block out. Insulated cellular shades are great for preventing heat from entering your home in summer, while energy-efficient honeycomb shades help trap heat in winter.

On the other hand, faux wood blinds offer good insulation as well since they make use of composite materials that are better at blocking temperature than regular wood.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing Blinds for Insulation

It is important to know the factors you should consider when choosing the best blinds for insulation because this will help you make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget. Factors such as material, type of insulation, light control levels, price range and maintenance requirements all play a role in selecting the most suitable window coverings.

Knowing these factors can also guide you towards finding a product that has been tested for energy efficiency so you can be sure it will provide lasting insulation benefits to your home.

Your window type/frame will also be a big factor since different window types require specific blinds or shades. The right size of window covering will ensure the best insulation possible for your home.

Blinds also have a certain amount of heat that they can insulate, so you should choose the blinds that offer the highest R-value for maximum insulation. The term "R-value" refers to the resistance of heat flow, so the higher that number is, the better insulated your home will be.

Similar to heat, you can also decide how much light you want to block out. If total darkness is desired, blackout blinds are the best option for providing sufficient insulation.

Lastly, the best-case scenario with blinds for insulation boils down to your energy bills. Different window treatments can help you consume less energy to heat and cool your home. This, in turn, will result in lower utility costs and better overall energy efficiency.

Other Tips for Maximizing Insulation with Blinds

Installing blinds close to the window can help maximize insulation, as well as using weatherstripping to create a tight seal. To add even more benefits to your insulation, you can use curtains along with your blinds.

Other ways of improving insulation in windows include using window films and caulking around the edges of frames and sills. Caulking and films work by preventing air leakage and drafts, keeping temperatures inside more consistent.

Don't forget to list down the styles, colours, and design you prefer, as these factors matter too when it comes to selecting the best blinds for insulation.

Maximize Energy Efficiency in Your Home with the Best Blinds for Insulation

When choosing blinds for insulation, there are many factors to consider, such as the type of material used, style, and size. To maximize energy efficiency in your home, opt for top down bottom-up cellular shades, vertical blinds, and honeycomb shades. These materials provide excellent insulation by trapping air between the cells of the material and keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. You can also layer window treatments by using curtains over your blinds for added insulation benefits.

For the best quality blinds that will help keep energy costs down while adding style to any room, choose Factory Direct Blinds’ selection of durable custom-made blinds. Our products come with a lifetime guarantee, so you can be sure that they will last for years to come! Shop now online or call us at 1-800-355-2546 for more information about our products and services.

Interested in knowing how you can layer window treatments or how to install curtains over blinds, or other topics like blinds vs curtains? Check out our blog for helpful tips!

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FAQs

What type of blinds provide best insulation?

Top down bottom up cellular shades, vertical blinds, and honeycomb shades are the best types of blinds for providing insulation. They all have cells that trap air between them to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

What type of blind is the most energy efficient?

Honeycomb shades are the most energy-efficient type of blind because they have cells that trap air between them to create a buffer from the outside temperature.

How effective are blinds for insulation?

Blinds are very effective for insulation because they create a buffer between the interior and exterior of your home. By trapping air within their cells, blinds can help keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter while also reducing energy costs by keeping out drafts.

Which blinds are best for winter?

Vertical blinds are the best blinds for winter because they have vanes that can be adjusted to direct sunlight away from your home. This helps keep heat in and keeps your house warmer during colder months.