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Article published at:
November 14, 2025
Discover whether thermal or blackout curtains are the right choice for your home this winter - warmth, darkness, energy-saving, all covered.
When the nights draw in and the chill starts to creep through your windows, you might find yourself wondering: “Should I reach for thermal curtains or blackout curtains this winter?” It’s a good question. Both serve a purpose, but they’re not quite the same, especially when it comes to thermal vs blackout curtains . Today we’ll walk through the differences, the benefits of each, and help you decide which curtain style suits your home, your lifestyle and your winter ambitions.
Why this matters for your home
A cold draft is more than just annoying
Many UK homes, especially older ones, experience considerable heat loss through their windows. According to one estimate, installing window coverings like thick, lined curtains can help minimise heat escaping and keep room temperatures more consistent.
The winter window challenge
In winter you’re facing two major issues: heat escaping and less natural light. A great curtain not only looks good but can help you feel warmer, sleep better, and spendless on energy bills.
Matching rooms to needs
Not every room has the same demands. A snug living room might prioritise insulation, whereas a bedroom might prioritise darkness. That’s why understanding thermal vs blackout curtains helps you match curtain type to purpose.
What are thermal curtains?
How they work
Thermal curtains are specifically designed to reduce heat transfer. They often use a multi-layer construction (for example, the fabric front + insulating lining + backing) so they trap a cushion of air between the window and the room. That ‘air pocket’ acts like a barrier.
Key benefits
- They help keep warmth in during winter and can reflect unwanted sun/heat during summer
- Because of their lining and heavier fabric, they can also reduce draughts and make a room feel cosier.
- They tend to be slightly more flexible in style (you might get more light filtering through) which makes them suitable for living rooms or multi-purpose spaces.
What are blackout curtains?
How they work
Blackout curtains are built with light-blocking in mind. Their fabrics are densely woven or coated so that very little (if any) light passes through. Some also incorporate insulating or thermal features, but that’s not their main function
Key benefits
- They can create near-total darkness, which is great for bedrooms, nurseries or rooms with lots of external light.
- They also help with insulation and can trap heat in (or block heat gain) because of their dense fabric.
- Excellent for privacy and blocking streetlights, external glow, early sunrise etc.
|
Feature |
Thermal Curtains |
Blackout Curtains |
|
Primary function |
Insulation – retaining warmth + reducing heat loss |
Light blocking – creating darkness + added insulation as secondary benefit |
|
Light control |
Moderate – some light may filter through |
Very high – near complete darkness possible |
|
Best rooms |
Living rooms, dining rooms, draught-prone windows |
Bedrooms, nurseries, shift-worker rooms, media rooms |
|
Style/fabric flexibility |
Typically a wide choice, more options for finishes |
Often heavier fabrics, fewer ultra-light options |
|
Cost/installation |
May need good hardware due to weight, but focused on insulation |
Heavier hardware often needed, but purpose-built for darkness |
|
Winter benefit |
Excellent for energy efficiency and thermal retention. |
Good benefit too, but primary goal isn’t always insulation alone. |
So, in short: If your priority is warmth, comfort and energy-saving through winter, go with thermal.
Shop our full Thermal Curtains Range here
If you prioritise darkness, privacy or blocking external light, go with blackout.
Shop our full Blackout Curtains range here
Ask yourself the right questions
- Do you struggle with cold windows, draughts or rooms that feel chilly despite the heating? → Lean thermal
- Is your bedroom disturbed by streetlights, early sunrise or external glow and you need really dark space to sleep? → Lean blackout
- What room is it for? If it’s a living room where you still want natural light and a cosy feel, thermal may be more suitable. If it’s a restful space like a bedroom, blackout may win.
Consider combining both
In some cases, you might even layer: a thermal curtain for insulation + a blackout liner or separate blackout curtain for times you want darkness. This gives you the flexibility of insulation and full light control.
See how it works on real products available
- Our Amberley Thermal Lined Eyelet Curtains are a good example of a thermal-lined solution.
- Our Hampton Thermal Velvet Eyelet Curtains add luxury texture along with thermal benefit.
- On the blackout side, check our Carnoustie Blackout Eyelet Curtains and the Chester 100% Blackout Eyelet Curtains
These show you how different ranges cater to each purpose.
Practical winter tips
- Hang your curtains as close to the wall or ceiling as possible to minimise draught paths.
- Ensure they extend past the window edge and ideally to the floor (or just above) to seal the window area.
- Use heavier heading styles (eyelet, pencil pleat) for better effect.
- Keep your window hardware durable-heavy fabrics need good poles/tracks.
- While a curtain helps a lot, it doesn’t replace proper window insulation or draught-proofing. It complements it.
When it comes to winter, choosing between thermal vs blackout curtains isn’t about one being better than the other -it’s about which is more suitable for your space and your needs.
Next step? Take a look at your room: check your windows, lighting conditions, what you want your curtains to do. Then head over to our website to explore the thermal and blackout options (like those mentioned above), and you’ll be winter-ready in style. Winter comfort sorted.
