Here’s the lovely side effect nobody talks about. Thick curtains don’t just keep heat in—they also muffle street noise and block out the blue light from passing cars. So while you’re saving money, you’re also creating a sanctuary of darkness and peace. It’s a two-for-one deal that even your sleep cycle will thank you for.
Octopus Energy and Martin Lewis both recommend '5pm rule' for heat
Think of it as your personal cocoon mode. After a long day, there’s something deeply satisfying about pulling the curtains closed with a decisive swish. It’s a ritual that says, “The outside world can wait. Right now, it’s me, a cup of tea, and a warmer room.”
When Not to Be Tactical
A word of caution: don’t close your curtains over radiators that sit directly under windows. You’ll just trap the heat behind the fabric and heat the wall instead of the room. Instead, tuck the curtains neatly behind the radiator or use a short sill length. It’s a rookie mistake, but easily avoided—just like forgetting to turn off the oven when you’ve finished cooking.
Also, avoid heavy curtains in rooms that need lots of humidity control, like bathrooms. You don’t want a breeding ground for mould hidden in your lavish pleats. Save the tactical approach for bedrooms, living rooms, and the study where you pretend to work from home.
