When it comes to creating a warm, energy‑efficient home, your window coverings do far more than finish a room. They’re one of the easiest ways to reduce heat loss, manage solar gain, and take pressure off heating (and cooling) bills. With up to 30% of a home’s heat potentially lost through uncovered windows, it pays to dress them well. At Redmonds, we help you choose window treatments that look beautiful and work hard for your home.
Why Window Insulation Matters
New Zealand homes—especially older builds—often struggle to hold on to heat. Even with good ceiling and underfloor insulation, poorly dressed windows can undo the effort. Glass is highly conductive: on cold days, warmth moves out; on hot, sunny days, heat pours in. The right window treatment adds an insulating buffer, slowing that transfer and helping to keep interior temperatures more stable.
Benefits of insulating window treatments:
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Reduced heat loss in winter.
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Lower heating and cooling costs year‑round.
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Greater comfort (fewer draughts, less cold “radiation” off glass).
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Improved light control and privacy.
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Style that supports the way you live.
What Makes a Window Treatment Insulating?
A few design details make a big difference:
Coverage: Aim for full, snug coverage of the window or door opening—no gaps at the top, sides or bottom where air can circulate freely.
Layers: Air trapped between layers acts as insulation. Combining products (e.g. shutters plus curtains) boosts performance.
Materials & Linings: Dense fabrics, thermal linings, and materials with low thermal conductivity slow heat transfer.
Fit to Frame: Treatments mounted close to (or sealed against) the frame reduce convective currents that whisk warm air away.
Top Window Treatment Options for Insulation
1. Thermal Curtains
Heavy, lined curtains create a soft, insulating wall between the glass and your room. For best performance:
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Choose a quality thermal, blockout, or triple‑weave lining.
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Hang them high and wide so the curtain returns to the wall on each side.
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Ensure they fall to (or just kiss) the floor to block cold air pooling at the sill.
Thermal curtains remain one of the most effective and versatile insulating solutions—especially in living areas and bedrooms where you want warmth and texture.
2. Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters
Completely adjustable, Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters give you precise control over solar energy entering your windows and doors. Their cellular construction and low thermal conductivity trap air within the shutter, creating an insulating layer that greatly reduces heat exchange through the glazing. When paired with Low‑E double glazing, PolySatin® Shutters can achieve an R‑value in excess of 0.5, adding meaningful thermal resistance at the window.
Because the louvres can be tilted, you can reflect harsh summer sun away to keep interiors cooler, then open to welcome in passive solar warmth during winter days—helping to reduce air‑conditioning costs across the seasons. Made from durable, moisture‑resistant materials, they’re also an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms and high‑sun environments where timber may struggle.
Where PolySatin® Shutters shine:
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North‑ or west‑facing rooms that cop strong summer sun.
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Spaces needing durable, low‑maintenance finishes.
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Coastal or high‑humidity areas.
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Pairing with curtains for maximum winter snugness.
3. Luxaflex® Duette® Shades (Honeycomb Blinds)
Luxaflex® Duette® Shades trap air in their cellular pockets, forming an effective thermal buffer while keeping a clean, streamlined look. Light‑filter and blockout options allow you to balance warmth, light and privacy. Because they sit close to the frame, they help cut draughts and radiant cold from glass.
Layering for Extra Warmth & Flexibility
The biggest insulation gains often come from combining treatments. Try:
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PolySatin® Shutters + Full‑Length Curtains: Close the shutters for daytime light control; draw curtains at night to lock in heat.
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Duette® Shades + Drapes: Lower the blind at dusk, then pull curtains to seal edges and add softness.
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Double‑Track Curtains: A sheer for daytime light and privacy; a lined drape for night‑time insulation.
Layering also lets you adapt to the season—use lighter layers in summer, everything in winter.
Practical Tips:
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Close treatments at dusk in winter to stop heat escaping once the temperature drops.
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Open up on sunny winter days to capture free warmth, especially on north‑facing windows.
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Seal draughts around sills and frames—window treatments work even better when gaps are reduced.
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Consider fabric colour & weave: Darker or denser fabrics can absorb and re‑radiate warmth; reflective backings help in hot climates.
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Automate where helpful: Motorised tracks or smart controls make it easier to use coverings strategically.
Make It Yours with Redmonds
Every home is different—glazing type, sun exposure, room use, and personal style all matter. Our consultants will measure, recommend the right products (from thermal drapes to Luxaflex® PolySatin® Shutters and Duette® Shades), and guide you on fabrics, linings and hardware that optimise comfort and energy performance.
Book a free measure & quote and let’s warm up your windows the smart way.
