quick, easy and cheap "thermal" curtains

[ccinamon]

Our bedroom is the farthest from the heater and with the constant wind blowing and the low (for Texas) temperatures we had several weeks ago, there was a draft coming in from the windows, and as I can not stand air blowing on me, it was really hard trying to sleep. I had some spring rods from a previous project and several yards of fleece...I made a pocket for the spring rod to fit in at one end of the fleece and put it in the window....it cut the draft way down and the room is several degrees warmer.

I bought some more fleece (since it was on sale - 50% off) while at the fabric store, and tried the same thing in my home office...and it is also about 2 degrees warmer...I don't remember how much I paid for the spring rod, but the fleece I paid $3 for one yard. Years ago when looking at thermal curtains they were very expensive, so I figured I'd give this cheaper version a try.

I'm pretty sure that real thermal curtains will block out even more drafts, but often you can get fleece on sale, and if you want to save some money now, but don't have enough for thermal curtains, this option could work for you too!

I recently went online and checked target and penneys for thermal curtains...target has some decent prices, so I'll probably check them out next time I'm in the store.

Just thought I'd let y'all know!

[NMDemDist2]

1. excellent and frugal idea!!

I just ordered these from penny's for $20 a panel, which is more than I'd usually spend, but we're redoing the whole living room. I got the toppers (for the kitchen) today and I think fleece would be a better fabric for both blackout and thermal. These are much nicer in person than the pic suggests (or it will be once I take that stupid tassel crap off LOL) don't let the 'foam back' fool you, it's not like the stuff a few years ago, looks and feels more like a suede

http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?DeptID=60156&CatID=63561&GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=1551cf4&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=60156|60193|63561&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=12&CmCatId=60156|60193|63561



here's the same thing in a solid in a few colors and at $15 a panel it's not bad

http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?DeptID=60156&CatID=63561&GrpTyp=ENS&ItemID=1551d26&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=60156|60193&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=5&CmCatId=60156|60193|63561

[ccinamon]

2. I like the fleece...

because it doesn't block the light very much (I'm using an off-white)...I hate the dark, it makes me very depressed.

Thanks for the links (and I'm totally with you on the tassel thing!)

I did notice that it can be hard to find thermal w/o the black-out option....one of the reasons I want to shop in person....they don't always put all the info online.

[NMDemDist2]

3. according to the reviews, they aren't very good black out curtains

and yeah, the tassels HAVE TO GO!! LOL

The panels will be fine, but those valances are going above the kitchen sink, tassels would be nasty messes in no time hehehe

edit to add, I may make some Roman Shades for my great room with fleece, that was a great idea :yourock:

[ccinamon]

4. hmmm, roman shades...

I never thought of doing that with the fleece....I like that Idea! I have no window coverings in the living room...couldn't decide what I wanted, but I think fleece roman shades will be a great solution! Especially if I can find a light southwest pattern!

Thanks for the idea...it was very awesome of you to share!

The past 24 hours has been holding steady at about 33degrees....my office was so much warmer than in the past... so I know the fleece works at keeping out the chil....now I need to see if it helps keep out the heat in the summer....just a few more months until the warmth returns!

[eleny]

5. We just put up some drapes on our kitchen sliding doors

They have a heavier weave and it's noticeably warmer in that area right away. I like the light during the day since those patio doors face south. But even thermal windows can get cold to the touch at night.

I need to make some curtains for two windows in my back hall. I'll use tension rods to hang those. They help give curtains a good hug against cool windows.

Fleece is amazing fabric. So light but soft and warm at the same time. I got several yards of wide fleece when it was on deep sale at our Hancock's Fabrics a few years ago. Never did cut it for a jacket or anything. But when I read out on the enclosed front porch that faces north, that fabric is my blanket.

Stay warm and cozy!