Blind grind: why window treatments can save you money

By Alex Brooks

Have you ever thought how much your windows are really costing you? They're great for letting innatural light but they are also shocking insulators and tend to let in the pelting sun - when it's stinking hot - or cold draughts when it is cool. All that adds up to higher energy bills.Suitable curtain and blind treatments can resolve the problems with the transfer of heat or cold draughts, as well ascreate interior decorating leads to complement the room.

Timber windows in older homes are often the worst culprits for energy leaks. They may need weatherstripping (Raven make a great range of affordable strips anyone can DIY apply) and sealing with silicone or heritage-appropriate caulk. But the best defense against the chill of a draught or the glare of the sun is still window treatments such as blinds and curtains.And here's how to do it right:

1. Hang tight

Mounting shades, blinds and curtains inside the window casing is the best way to create an extra layer of insulation. If you have to mount them outside, make sure they cover the entire sill and casing to trap as much air as possible and prevent the heat or cold enterting the main space of the room.

 2. Combination window dressing

Depending on your local climate, a mix of blinds, sheers and curtains with an insulative pelmet will work wonders to reduce energy loss. Pelmets are a great way to make sure curtains perform super well at keeping out the heat and the cold.In relatively mild climates, simple blinds like close-fitting Romans or Holland blinds may suffice for bedrooms - but in living areas with large expanses of glass, it is worth investing in great curtains and pelmets.

 3. Honeycomb cells

Cellular or special honeycomb blinds have extra cells to trap air and ill-gotten temperatures near the glass rather than allow them to leak out. They can be great for rooms that require an extra insulative protection. Ask your blind retailer what options they offer. Then make sure they can be fitted snugly inside the window casing, ideally just shy of touching all four sides.