Ready to deploy your own soft furnishings army? Here’s how to do it with style and science on your side. First, timing is everything. Open your curtains on sunny winter mornings to let free solar heat in—yes, our chilly island gets some sunshine—then close them before the golden hour fades. Apps like sunset timers can help you stay on schedule.
Second, length matters more than you think. Curtains should kiss the floor or even puddle slightly. If they stop at the windowsill, heat will simply curl around them like a mischievous cat and escape anyway. For maximum effect, use a curtain pole that extends beyond the window frame so the fabric creates a seal against the wall.
Martin Lewis says 'close your curtains at this time' as UK temperatures
Third, don’t overlook the layering effect. A thermal lining (available at most haberdashery shops for under £15) can be clipped to your existing curtains. It’s like adding a winter coat to your summer dress—functional, removable, and surprisingly chic when you choose a neutral tone.
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Here’s a little gem: in 17th-century England, heavy tapestries were hung on walls not just for art, but to insulate against draughty stone chambers. You’re basically channeling Tudor royalty, but with better lighting and fewer ruffs. Also, a study by the Energy Saving Trust found that drawing curtains at dusk can save a typical household around £40-£60 per year. That’s roughly the cost of a nice bottle of wine—or, you know, three coffees from that trendy place on the corner.
One more: the thickness of a curtain lining is measured in GSM (grams per square metre). Look for a lining of at least 200 GSM for serious thermal performance. It’s the same metric used in high-end Scottish tartans, which means your curtains now have more in common with a kilt than you might have imagined. Slàinte to that.
