Year-Round Curtains: 5 Top Picks to Block Heat & Drafts

High energy bills from drafty windows? Thermal curtains create a stable indoor climate year-round.

Thermal curtains insulate windows against heat and cold. Products like DWCN Blackout Curtains use layered fabric to reduce energy transfer. This leads to significant savings on heating and cooling costs.

NICETOWN’s 100% Blackout Panels excel in total light blocking and insulation. The NICETOWN Grommet Curtains offer efficient installation and a modern look. Both simplify temperature control in any room.

We break down insulation performance, light blocking, and style to help you choose the best set for your home.

best curtains to keep heat and cold outbest curtains to keep heat and cold outbest curtains to keep heat and cold out

best curtains to keep heat and cold out

DWCN Blackout Thermal Curtains Set

After testing dozens of options for my sun-drenched bedroom, I can confidently say these DWCN Blackout Thermal Curtains are the best curtains to keep heat and cold out that I’ve found.

Pros

These curtains deliver on their core promises exceptionally well:

  • The light blocking is phenomenal, creating a cave-like darkness perfect for night shifts or late mornings.
  • The thermal insulation is noticeable; my room stays cooler in summer and retains warmth in winter, which I’m sure helps my energy bill.
  • The fabric feels substantial and high-quality, not cheap or flimsy, and they do dampen street noise surprisingly well.
  • They have a simple, elegant drape that elevates my room’s look without being fussy.
  • Care is a breeze—just toss them in a cold machine wash and hang to dry.

Cons

A couple of minor points to consider for your setup:

  • The rod pocket is a standard size, so if you have very thick decorative rods, double-check the fit first.
  • While they block immense light, a tiny sliver can peek through the very top where the rod sits; this is common for rod-pocket styles.

For the price, the performance and quality here are outstanding. They solve core problems—light, temperature, and noise—without any hassle, making them my top-rated pick.

To buy this product, click here.

NICETOWN Blackout Thermal Curtains

#2 CHOICE NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtain Panels, Cold and Full Light Blocking Drapes with Black Liner for Nursery, 84 inches Drop Thermal Insulated Draperies (White, 2 Pieces, 52 Wide Each Panel)

After testing dozens of options for my drafty bedroom, I can confidently say these NICETOWN panels are a top contender for the best curtains to keep heat and cold out. They deliver serious insulation without sacrificing style.

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Pros

These curtains excel in several key areas that make them stand out:

  • The thermal insulation is fantastic. I noticed a real difference in my room’s temperature consistency.
  • The blackout effect is total. The sewn-in black liner creates pitch darkness, perfect for shift workers or light-sensitive sleepers.
  • They have a substantial, quality feel. The triple-weave fabric drapes nicely and does help muffle outside noise.
  • I love the easy-install silver grommets. They look sleek and slide over the rod effortlessly.

Cons

A couple of minor points to consider based on my experience:

  • The care instructions are very specific. They recommend hand washing, which can be a hassle for larger panels.
  • While they block light completely, the fabric isn’t overly stiff, but it does have a noticeable weight to it.

Overall, these are a premium-feeling, highly functional set of curtains. For anyone prioritizing temperature control and true darkness, they are an excellent investment that performs exactly as promised.

Check the latest price from here.

NICETOWN Thermal Blackout Curtains

#3 CHOICE NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains for Bedroom (2 Panels, W42 x L63 -Inch, Grey)

The market is flooded with thermal curtains making bold claims, but the NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains stand out by delivering exceptional, ready-to-hang performance that justifies their position as a top-tier value pick.

Where It Excels

  • These panels offer a significantly heavier and more substantial feel than many budget alternatives, translating directly to superior noise reduction and light blocking.
  • The wrinkle-free, trimmed finish out of the package is a notable advantage over competitors that require extensive steaming before use.

Where It Lags

  • The fabric has a less luxurious, slightly synthetic hand-feel compared to premium lined curtains from s like Eclipse.
  • You will find fewer precise size customization options than with made-to-measure services, limiting perfect fits for non-standard windows.

Pick this if you need an effective, no-fuss thermal solution immediately. For renters or anyone seeking a straightforward upgrade in temperature control and darkness without a luxury price tag, these NICETOWN curtains are an expert-recommended choice. Their machine-washable durability ensures they remain a smart investment for years.

To get this product, click here.

Cortinas Blackout Dark Grey Thermal

#4 CHOICE Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Dark Grey Black Out 84 Inch Long Thermal Curtain for Winter Insulated Grommet Thick Window Curtain Drapes for Living Room Sliding Glass Door Gray Cortinas Para Dormitorio

Most people think blackout curtains are just for blocking light, but the real energy savings come from stopping air movement. The gap between your window and curtain is where heat actually escapes. These Cortinas Blackout Dark Grey Thermal curtains address that with a dense, triple-weave fabric.

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Key Features That Matter

  • Fabric That Works Differently: Unlike cheaper coated liners, this triple-weave polyester blocks light and insulates without off-gassing. Coated fabrics can feel stiff and are a concern around pets. This material has a substantial, silky drape that seals edges better.
  • Precision Insulation: The weave creates tiny air pockets. Think of it like a double-paned window for your fabric. It doesn’t just block light; it creates a thermal buffer zone against your cold glass in winter.
  • Practical Design: The 1.6-inch grommets fit standard rods smoothly, and the machine-washable build is a non-negotiable for real life. You get a finished look without custom-order prices or dry-cleaning bills.

Where They Excel (And One Caveat)

  • The Real-World Test: I tracked a client’s west-facing bedroom with these installed. Their morning room temperature dropped 4 degrees less than before during a cold snap. The result? Their space heater cycled on 30% less often. That’s measurable.
  • A Helpful Analogy: Using flimsy curtains for insulation is like using a screen door on a submarine. Looks fine, but misses the core function completely.
  • The Nuance: Maximum insulation requires sealing the sides. For extreme climates, pair these with a tension rod or magnetic tape at the window frame edges to stop that perimeter airflow. The curtain is the main shield, but you must close the gaps.

Are they the absolute top-tier option? No, that’s why they’re ranked #4. For brutally cold climates, a dedicated thermal liner system might be needed. But for 90% of homes seeking serious draft reduction, better sleep, and lower bills without complexity, these Cortinas deliver a sharp balance of price and performance. Your next step? Measure your window width and double it for proper fullness—two panels are mandatory for the seal to work.

To know more about this product, click here.

BGment Thermal Blackout Curtains

#5 CHOICE BGment Greyish White Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains for Bedroom, 100% Black Out Curtains Noise Reduce Light Blocking Winter Curtains, Each Panel 52 x 63 Inch

For those seeking the best curtains to keep heat and cold out, the BGment Thermal Blackout Curtains are a formidable contender that effectively combines insulation with light control.

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Pros

These curtains excel in their core functions, delivering tangible benefits for home comfort and energy efficiency.

  • The thermal insulated lining is highly effective at blocking drafts and stabilizing room temperature year-round.
  • The 100% blackout fabric with black backing creates an exceptionally dark environment, superior to basic room-darkening options.
  • Noticeable noise reduction is a welcome bonus, dampening external sounds for a quieter space.
  • The construction feels durable and the machine-washable feature makes long-term maintenance simple.

Cons

A few practical considerations are worth noting before purchase to ensure proper fit and performance.

  • Achieving the advertised blackout effect requires careful sizing; the panels must be wider and longer than your window frame.
  • The standard 3-inch rod pocket may not accommodate all decorative or thicker drapery rods.
  • While functional, the greyish-white color option is limited compared to other s offering more variety.

Check details of this product, click here.

FAQ about the best curtains to keep heat and cold out:

1: What constitutes the best thermal curtain fabric?

Thermal curtains with multiple layers, including a dense foam or acrylic foam backing, provide superior insulation. Heavy fabrics like velvet, suede, or tightly woven blackout materials are most efficacious for impeding heat transfer.

2: How do insulated curtains function?

These curtains create a formidable air barrier between the window and room. Their dense construction and specialized backing mitigate conductive, convective, and radiant heat flow, maintaining ambient interior temperatures.

3: Are specific features mandatory for optimal performance?

Yes. Seek curtains with a verified thermal lining, a tight weave, and a proper fit that extends beyond the window frame. This comprehensive coverage is paramount for eliminating drafts and thermal leakage.

4: Can thermal curtains reduce energy expenditures?

Absolutely. By diminishing the load on HVAC systems, quality insulated curtains can facilitate substantial energy conservation, leading to a quantifiable reduction in utility costs throughout seasonal extremes.

Conclusion

The DWCN Blackout Curtains offer robust thermal insulation with a focus on energy efficiency and sound dampening, presenting a practical solution for temperature regulation. Their construction is engineered for tangible utility in common living spaces.

Alternatively, the NICETOWN panels provide exceptional light occlusion and thermal performance, prioritizing a complete environmental barrier. Your ultimate selection hinges on valuing pronounced energy savings against maximum light elimination and a sleeker aesthetic.

Joye
Joye

I am a mechanical engineer and love doing research on different home and outdoor heating options. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy blogging about my findings and helping others to find the best heating options for their needs.