You may be surprised to learn that uncovered windows can cause 40% of your home’s heat energy to escape. Most window treatments will save you energy and make your home healthier and more insulated. People usually ask us whether shutters or curtains are better for insulation when looking for new window treatments tailored to South African weather, so we’re going to explain the pros and cons of both.
Curtains
Depending on the fabric type, colour, and weight of the curtain, insulation efficiency will vary. For example, floor-length curtains can reduce heat loss by around 40%, particularly when placed closer to the wall and window.
When the weather gets hotter, heavy curtains and drapes are less effective at insulating your home. To keep heat out of your home, curtains have to be fully closed, so light cannot enter either. To reflect some heat energy away from the windows while allowing some light in, some of our customers choose to add a light gossamer curtain layer.
In winter, curtains and drapes provide more warmth than shutters if you choose plush or heavy fabrics. Curtains are generally less expensive than shutters as well.
Shutters
Shutters offer a variety of levels of insulation and light control, so they are a better choice than curtains. Shutters can reduce heat loss by over 50% when fully closed. Since shutters are tailored to fit your windows, there are fewer gaps where heat can escape, making them very effective insulators.
Shutters, especially white ones, are also a great way to keep a house cool in the summer! They reflect much of the sun’s energy, while the louvres offer adjustable amounts of light and ventilation. In contrast to curtains, shutters are not moved by breezes or draughts since they are fitted directly to the window frame.
There is no doubt that shutters lack a cosy aesthetic, but we find that many of our customers love the clean and contemporary look that shutters give a room, as well as the fact that they are typically more expensive than curtains.
In the end, shutters are better at insulating against both hot and cold weather than curtains. A person’s choice of shutters or curtains depends on a variety of factors, such as their budget, whether they want to cool or retain heat, how much light and ventilation they require, and whether curtains or shutters appeal to them from an aesthetic standpoint.
In addition to shutters, Curtain Master installs curtains as well. So whichever you choose, we can help you. For more information or to request a quote, reach out to Curtain Master.
