Thermal blinds: how do they work and are they effective?

When the weather turns frosty, your windows are one of your home's most vulnerable points for letting in the cold. Many of us already draught-proof our windows and use extra dressings such as lined curtains to retain warmth, but have you considered a thermal blind?

Thermal blinds range from bespoke blinds specially constructed to help retain warmth and block out cool air, to more affordable alternatives using special coatings that help improve insulation. Here’s our pick of what’s available online:

Thermal Blinds

Thermal Luxe Dimout Blue Mist Roller Blind

• Buy now from Blinds2go (from £95.57 for a 100x120cm blind)

Check out the super-stylish Thermal Luxe Dimout range from Blinds2go, which is made using a delicate woven fabric and is available in a range of contemporary pastel and neutral shades. We love the electric version, which starts at £88.40 and is perfect for a high-tech home.

Buy now from Blinds2go

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Duck Egg Blackout Moisture Resistant Roller Blind

Simple and inexpensive, this thermal, blackout blind is also moisture resistant. Available in a range of patterns, colours and sizes, it's a great choice to brighten up your bathroom. It's worth noting, the white colourway is only available online.

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Maximalist Palm Made to Measure Roman Blind

Make a statement with this bold palm print from Dunelm's made-to-measure Maximalist Roman Blind collection, which features 12 striking designs and is exclusively available online. Choose either thermal or blackout lining and whether you want it to fit snugly inside a recess or on the outside.

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Custom Made to Measure Fabric Blackout Roller Blind by Caecus

If you want a lot of choice when it comes to colours, go for Custom Made to Measure Fabric Blackout Roller Blind by Caecus. Easy-to-fit, these blinds come with all the fittings and mounts so all you need is a drill and you're all set when it comes to putting them up. We love that you can choose to either buy off-the-peg from a range of sizes and cut to fit with a pair of sharp scissors and saw, or supply specific sizes at the checkout. And once they installed, simply pull on the cord to open and close.

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DuoLight Top Down/Bottom Up Mosaic Warm Grey Thermal Blind

• Buy now from Blinds2go (from £81.14 for a 100x120m blind)

What's not to love about this made-to-measure, free-floating dual cord system, which means you can position the blinds exactly where you want them in your window - top, bottom or somewhere in-between - to provide shade or privacy. Available in a range of colours, they come with a five year guarantee too.

Buy now from Blinds2go

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Bekeify Blackout Blind

The eminently practical, cut-out and stick on, Bekeify Blackout Blind can be used to insulate a room, thanks to the silver finish that reflects heat, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature, as well as block out light to create a dark sleeping environment.

The cloth can be cut to fit any size of window, and it's easy to put up the blind with the Velcro strips that are provided. As it's attached with Velcro, you can remove whenever you want, and even take it travelling - incredibly handy if you have small children or need complete darkness to get a good night's sleep.

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John Lewis Linen Mix Blackout/Thermal Roller Blind

• Buy now from John Lewis (from £12.50)

John Lewis' affordable ANYDAY range includes super budget-friendly thermal blinds, available in an array of sizes, and colours including Navy (above), Steel, Ash Rose and Kingfisher.

We love the the textured linen-mix finish, as well as the customisable design - the blind can be installed either inside or outside the window recess, with the roller chain on the left or the right.

The design is made up of three layers for insulation, and can be installed with a standard roller configuration for a close fit which gives a blackout effect, or on a reverse roll to allow more light in.

Buy now from John Lewis (from £12.50)

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Elements Blackout Blind For VELUX ® Windows

• Buy now from Blinds2go

Available in a range of fabric and frame colours, as well as sizes, these skylight blinds from Blinds2go will help retain heat and keep out the cold as well as blocking out sunlight. Compatible with Velux® Roof Windows - just choose your product code to get the perfect fit.

Buy now from Blinds2go

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Thermal Blind FAQs:

How do thermal blinds work?

We spoke to Leah Aspinall, head of creative at Blinds 2go, to get an expert understanding of thermal blinds work and whether they could be the right option for your home.

'Specific thermal blinds can really make a difference to your home and help to reduce your energy bills,' she says.

Thermal blinds work by creating a heat reflective barrier at your window. These blinds have aluminium lined, honeycomb pockets that trap the air and work to create a thermal barrier between the window and your home, reducing heat loss by reflecting the heat back into the room.

Specific thermal blinds can really make a difference to your home and help to reduce your energy bills

During the colder months, when the heating is on, the barrier stops the cycle of warm air in the room hitting the cold glass, helping to reduce any heat loss. In the summer, it reflects the heat back at the glass and stops it from warming the air around the room, helping to keep it cooler.

They’re available in a beautiful array of colours too, making them just as pretty as they are practical.

How effective are thermal blinds?

Thermal blinds can be extremely effective depending on the type of window and how they are installed and used. The blind will need to be down to be the most effective, so there are no gaps around the edges that lets the warm air escape.

For maximum benefit, the best thing to do would be to mount the blind outside the recess with an overlap either the side of the window, so it will keep you home cosy.

Which type of thermal blind is most energy efficient?

Our Duoshade Pleated Blinds are the most energy efficient. The pockets in the honeycomb design of the fabric are lined inside, so you have the dual benefit of a thermal lining plus pockets of air: the combination of the two creates the most effective barrier to stop the flow of air between the room and the window. They’re blackout and water-resistant too, making them a practical option that works hard to assist in keeping your home warm.

Do thermal blinds stop condensation?

Thermal blinds do not stop condensation. Having a good airflow in the home and well-maintained seals on the windows is the only way to prevent condensation - find out more in our guide to preventing condensation.

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