As winter sets in, take note that your windows play a vital role in keeping your home warm and cozy, as well as providing a scenic view. It is important to consider the various ways you can winterize them to retain warmth and save money. This may also help to protect your interiors against damage due to severe cold. There are different window treatments you may choose to avoid cold getting in. This solution may also help to increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Toronto’s leading window treatment store has curated a list of popular window coverings that are attractive, functional, and assure that you and your family will stay comfortable this winter.

Top Home Window Coverings to Combat Toronto Cold

Although it is cold right now, that doesn’t mean that these window treatments will be useless in other seasons. In fact, they don’t just prevent cold air from coming in, they also block scorching summer heat. Consider the following window covering options to winterize your home.

Solar Blinds: These window blinds let you stabilize the temperature in your home during summer by shielding it against harmful ultraviolet rays. However, note that solar blinds may be reversed to filter out UV damage and produce heat by becoming a solar collector. Undoubtedly, it is a valuable window treatment that blocks out cold weather since it absorbs sunlight and retains heat for maximum comfort and warmth.
Roman Blinds : These gorgeous blinds increase the charm of your existing home decor.
They are made with fabric that helps to keep your house warm. For winter, you may opt for thermal instead of normal fabric. This may increase the insulation of the windows, block cold air from entering, and prevent warm air from escaping.
Vertical Blinds: These are prepared from vinyl which can trap heat. When you close them properly, their slats overlap and seal against the window to warm your home. These vertical blinds are attractive which makes them a great option for minimalist and modern homes.
Roller Shades : Roller shades have one reflective side and another designed to absorb heat. The best part is that you can reverse these sides according to the weather. For example, as the reflective side faces the sunlight, during winter it may be turned inwards. The other side can then be turned outwards to absorb heat. In this way, this insulated side helps to lock heat inside the house and stops it from escaping outside.
Roman Shades: If you are searching for a versatile window treatment that provides both insulation and visual appeal, roman shades are your best option. They are prepared from thick material and the sealed edges help to block cold air.If you require additional protection from cold weather, shades with thermal backing help to create a comfortable ambience while maintaining the temperature at a desired level.
Plantation Shutters: These are another popular window covering in winter but do require some investment. That said, they are a great way to combat cold in your Toronto home. You may close them at night and then open them during the day to allow in sunlight.
Another advantage of plantation shutters is that you can arrange their slats for maximum energy efficiency based on the season. For example, they can be pointed downwards during summer and upward during winter. As cold air can settle low and warm air rises, by moving the slats in the proper direction you may keep your room at a pleasant temperature all year round. To be specific, during winter, with these slats kept upward, the cold air between the window and shutter is trapped and will not enter your space. In summer, you may get a similar outcome with warm air by reversing their position.
Thermal Draperies: While many homeowners believe that draperies and curtains are similar, they are actually different. Curtains are made from lighter materials, while draperies are thicker and longer.So if you wish to block cold air, consider choosing thick draperies. You may open these window coverings during the day to allow sunlight during the winter. This will also prevent condensation from accumulating on the windows. Close them at night for optimum privacy.
If you select window treatments that are prepared from top-quality materials in dark colours, undoubtedly you will experience a decrease in heat gain as well as loss. Besides offering optimum energy efficiency, they may also help to beautify the space.
Insulated Curtains: These lined curtains prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering your house. Besides helping to maintain the warmth inside your home, they also help to reduce pressure on your HVAC unit. They sometimes have a magnetic strip sewn into their edges to stick to the window frame, thus creating an effective barrier.
Cellular Shades: These shades are considered one of the best window coverings in terms of energy efficiency. They help block heat in the summer and maintain a pleasant temperature in winter. They are also called honeycomb shades as they have a unique honeycomb pattern that creates air pockets between the window and interiors to prevent heat from escaping. This makes them good insulators. They not only create a comfortable environment but also add a touch of style to your home decor. They come in a variety of layering options that include double as well as single cells. It is recommended that you choose shades with double cells during the coldest months for more effective insulation
Blackout Curtains: These are one of the best window treatment options to choose from when you want to winterize your windows. You may get black curtains in premium fabrics of diverse thicknesses. During the coldest months, use thick, energy-efficient curtains to keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the season.
Thermal Shutters: Do you have large or bay windows? Thermal shutters are a great option in winter. They help enhance your home’s insulation by trapping air between their louvers. This ensures that the room is highly insulated and blocks cold air. This reduces your utility bills as you do not need to use your furnace for a long time. You can also get thermal shutters in customizable options to match your decor.
Combination of Window Coverings: To retain warmth in winter, consider layering your existing window coverings to enhance insulation. Some popular combinations include shutters with roman shades, horizontal blinds and curtains, and cellular shades with drapes.

No matter what types of window treatments you want for your Toronto-area home, make sure you pick ones that perfectly balance style and functionality. It is important to note that they will greatly impact the look of the space. With multiple window coverings options, you can easily find the ones that are best for your home. Hopefully, this post allows you to insulate your home this winter season and safeguard it against severe cold