Thermal blinds: how do they work and are they effective?

When the weather turns frosty, your windows are one of your home's most vulnerable points for letting in the cold. Many of us already use window dressings such as lined curtains to retain warmth, but have you considered a thermal blind?

Thermal blinds range from specially constructed fabric that help retain warmth and block out cool air, to more affordable alternatives, which feature special coatings that help improve insulation. Here’s our pick of what’s available online:

Thermal Blinds

Custom Made to Measure Fabric Blackout Roller Blind by Caecus

• Buy now from Amazon, (start from £25.49)

If you want a lot of choice when it comes to colours, go for Custom Made to Measure Fabric Blackout Roller Blind by Caecus. Easy-to-fit, these blinds come with all the fittings and mounts so all you need is a drill and you're all set when it comes to putting them up. We love that you can choose to either buy off-the-peg from a range of sizes and cut to fit with a pair of sharp scissors and saw, or supply specific sizes at the checkout. And once they installed, simply pull on the cord to open and close.

Shop now from Amazon, (start from £25.49)

DuoLight Top Down/Bottom Up Mosaic Warm Grey Thermal Blind

• Buy now from Blinds2go, (from £31.85)

What's not to love about this made-to-measure, free-floating dual cord system, which means you can position the blinds exactly where you want them in your window - top, bottom or somewhere inbetween - to provide shade or privacy. Available in a range of colours, they come with a five year guarantee too.

Shop now from Blinds2go

Bekeify Blackout Blind

The eminently practical, cut-out and stick on, Bekeify Blackout Blind can be used to insulate a room, thanks to the silver finish that reflects heat, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature, as well as block out light to create a dark sleeping environement. The cloth can be cut to fit any sized window, and it's easy to put up the blind with the Velcro strips that are provided. As it's attached with Velcro, you can remove whenever you want. You can even take it travelling, which is incredbily handy if you have small children or need complete darkness to get a good night's sleep.

Thermal Luxe Dimout Blue Mist Roller Blind

• Buy now from Blinds2go, (from £30.45)

Check out the super-stylish Thermal Luxe Dimout range from Blinds2go, which is made using a delicate woven fabric and is available in a range of contemporary pastel and neutral shades. We love the electric version, which starts at £88.40 and is perfect for a high-tech home.

Shop now from Blinds2go, (from £30.45)

Duck Egg Blackout Moisture Resistant Roller Blind

• Buy now from Dunelm, (from £14)

Simple and inexpensive, this thermal, blackout blind is also moisture resistant. Available in a range of patterns, colours and sizes, it's a great choice to brighten up your bathroom. It's worth noting, the white colourway is only available online.

Shop moisture resistant blinds now from Dunelm

Maximalist Palm Made to Measure Roman Blind

• Buy now from Dunelm, (from £100)

Make a statement with this bold palm print from Dunelm's made-to-measure Maximalist Roman Blind collection, which features 12 striking designs and is exclusively available online. Choose either thermal or blackout lining and whether you want it to fit snugly inside a recess or on the outside.

Shop the Maximalist Roman Blind collection now from Dunelm, (from £100)

Double Roller Blind, Daylight and Blackout

• Buy now from John Lewis, from £25

A smart design that features two layers - the front daylight blind which offers some privacy without blocking out all light, as well as a second blackout layer which not only ensures complete darkness, but provides thermal properties to help insulate your windows. Easy to fit, it comes with universal brackets and is available in five different sizes.

Shop the Anyday thermal blind collection now at John Lewis

Blackout Skylight Blinds

• Buy now from John Lewis, (from £60)

Available in a range of fabric and frame colours, as well as sizes, these skylight blinds feature a special coating that helps retain heat and keep out the cold. Compatible with Velux® Roof Windows, prices start from £60.

Shop Skylight blinds now from John Lewis, (from £60)

Thermal Blind FAQs:

How do thermal blinds work?

We spoke to Leah Aspinall, head of creative at Blinds 2go, to get an expert understanding of thermal blinds work and whether they could be the right option for your home.

'Specific thermal blinds can really make a difference to your home and help to reduce your energy bills,' she says.

Thermal blinds work by creating a heat reflective barrier at your window. These blinds have aluminium lined, honeycomb pockets that trap the air and work to create a thermal barrier between the window and your home, reducing heat loss by reflecting the heat back into the room.

Specific thermal blinds can really make a difference to your home and help to reduce your energy bills

During the colder months, when the heating is on, the barrier stops the cycle of warm air in the room hitting the cold glass, helping to reduce any heat loss. In the summer, it reflects the heat back at the glass and stops it from warming the air around the room, helping to keep it cooler.

They’re available in a beautiful array of colours too, making them just as pretty as they are practical.

How effective are thermal blinds?

Thermal blinds can be extremely effective depending on the type of window and how they are installed and used. The blind will need to be down to be the most effective, so there are no gaps around the edges that lets the warm air escape.

For maximum benefit, the best thing to do would be to mount the blind outside the recess with an overlap either the side of the window, so it will keep you home cosy.

Which type of thermal blind is most energy efficient?

Our Duoshade Pleated Blinds are the most energy efficient. The pockets in the honeycomb design of the fabric are lined inside, so you have the dual benefit of a thermal lining plus pockets of air: the combination of the two creates the most effective barrier to stop the flow of air between the room and the window. They’re blackout and water-resistant too, making them a practical option that works hard to assist in keeping your home warm.

Do thermal blinds stop condensation?

Thermal blinds do not stop condensation. Having a good airflow in the home and well-maintained seals on the windows is the only way to prevent condensation - find out more in our guide to preventing condensation.