Lewis's Winter Warmer Tips
Baby its cold outside! Now that winter has hit Wellington I’m sure we are all spending more evening indoors, heat pump blasting, and a good Netflix series on the go. According to New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), we know that 42-45% of heat in your home escapes out of the windows, so let’s look at different ways you can keep that precious heat inside.
Insulating Curtains
Insulating curtains have been identified as one of the most effective ways of reducing heat loss through the windows. We’ve seen thousands of projects through our sewing room over the years, and we are very passionate about making good-looking, insulating, but also well-fitting curtains.
An insulating curtain must be:
Lined
We recommend Insulating Linings, which are sewn-in separate linings with a thermal coating. The thermal coating on the lining contains millions of very tiny air pockets, which are very effective at trapping air. In addition, by adding a separate sewn-in lining, the air is trapped in and between the different layers of materials.
Well Fitting
Fitted as close as possible to the window frame, and measured and fitted so that they touch the floor. Curtains that are designed to sit above the floor can actually make the situation worse by forming a channel between the window and the curtain.
PLUS: Floor to ceiling curtains look absolutely STUNNING in the home rather than curtains that finish just below the sill. By taking your curtains from floor to ceiling you create much more height to a room and you get to show off more of the gorgeous fabric you’ve selected.
They must also be a generous width so that they overlap the window frames at the sides and the curtain returns back to the wall trapping the air between the window and the curtain.
But perhaps curtains aren’t your thing, or you’re after something a little sleeker…
A Stylish Alternative
Duette® Blinds are the premier brand of ‘honeycomb’ or ‘cellular’ shades from Luxaflex NZ. They’re made of two or more layers of pleated, reinforced fabrics bonded together and joined at the pleats to form compartments of trapped air. Durable, elegant and versatile, Duette Blinds provide the ultimate design with maximum functionality.
Duette Blinds are extremely effective at stopping heat or cold escaping and dubbed ‘the next best thing to double glazing’. Their cells form insulating air traps, while the fabric can reflect heat. The overall effect is to help keep a home warm in winter and cool in summer.
To read about how we can better insulate your home this winter have a read of our handy brochure here.
Check out some of our favourite floor to ceiling curtains, and Luxaflex Duettes below to get you inspired for your upcoming project.
