Winter is right around the corner, and like many other homeowners, you should be checking out your home to make sure everything is winter-ready.

As you know, in Colorado and various other states, winter nights and days can be incredibly cold, and according to the Department of Energy, “about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows.” With this in mind, you might be wondering whether or not your window coverings are winter-ready.

Luckily, many window treatment types provide the benefits of temperature or heat control. Here are five window coverings in Denver that will satisfy your needs:

1. Cellular Shades

Also known as honeycomb shades, cellular shades have all the things you are looking for in window treatments for cold weather.

Honeycomb cellular shades are designed with air pockets that allow them to trap air, therefore creating an extra layer of insulation for your windows. During cold weather, this feature will work as a shield and minimize heat loss. The result is a warm and cozy home interior in which you can rest comfortably. The larger the number of cells, the more insulation it provides; it is best to purchase higher cell shades such as double or triple cell shades.

Cellular shades are also well known for their light-filtering qualities. Blackout shades are particularly great at blocking undesirable light, therefore providing you with complete privacy. Other shades options exist with various levels of light filtering. Adding to that, they are stain and wrinkle-resistant, which makes them a prime choice for long-term investment.

Also, with these shades, you will not have to worry about your summer days. Their insulation qualities work well in both winter and summer. During summer specifically, it helps keep your home cooler and even blocks out harmful sun rays.

2. Wood Blinds

Window blinds are some of the most common window treatments. People love them for their versatility, aesthetics, and light control features.

Wood blinds specifically are one of the best window covering choices for winter. Due to the air pockets present in its cellular structure, wood is a natural insulator; this means that there will be less heat loss caused by poor window insulation.

When it comes to blinds, the trick in optimizing your temperature control is to open and close them at the most appropriate time. It is best to keep them closed at night or when it is cold to conserve more heat. But in the morning, when it is warmer, it is best to open them up.

And if this sounds like too much work, you can invest in motorized blinds. With various options available, you can remotely operate your blinds and enjoy a cozy room right from your favorite couch.

3. Heavy-weight and Insulated Curtains

Curtains and drapes are some of the most versatile window treatments. There are so many options to choose from, and depending on what your house design or preferred styles and textures are, you are sure to find the perfect match.

When it comes to winter, however, you must first choose the best fabrics. So while many people adore light-weight, lacy, and sheer curtains, the best ones for winter are much heavier and tightly-woven. Some examples are velvet, suede, and tweed curtains.

Another option is to use thermal curtains. They are made of thick, heavy materials such as cotton, wool, or polyester, which are layered to provide thermal resistance. More specifically, they prevent cold air from entering your house and reduce heat transfer or loss, therefore keeping your home warmer.

Insulated curtains are rated by their R-value, which represents their level of heat flow resistance. So the higher the R-value of your curtains, the less warm air you will be losing through your windows.

For cold winter nights and days, those are definitely some of the best options.

4. Window Treatment Combinations

Who said you only could pick one window treatment at a time?

Many people have started to opt for window treatment combinations to maximize their windows’ look, style, and insulation. The way it works is to combine various window coverings to create a visually appealing and practical look. Some great examples of combinations for cold climates are:

• Layered curtains

• Cellular shades and drapes

• Horizontal blinds and curtains

• Shutters and roman shades

Summary

Making sure your windows are winter-ready becomes a hassle if you don’t know where to begin. Luckily, there are numerous ways to increase your insulation while preserving the aesthetics of your windows.

Honeycomb cellular shades, wood blinds, insulated curtains, and window treatment combinations are all ways in which you can keep your home warm and comfortable.

For additional comfort, combine these energy-efficient window coverings with heating devices, and your room’s temperature will be perfect at all times.