Winter curtains: keeping the heat at home

The winter and anti-cold guide

To limit the cold near a window, start by distinguishing air leaks from the feeling of a cold surface. A well-sized thermal curtain can improve comfort, alongside well-maintained windows and ventilation that is kept clear.

Made-to-measure thermal curtain at a window in winter

Where does the cold in your room come from?

A curtain does not correct every fault in a window. Before choosing a fabric, pinpoint what bothers you: a localised draught, a feeling of cold near the glass, condensation or poorly distributed heating.

What you notice	Check first	The curtain’s role
A trickle of air around the frame	The seals, the closing mechanism and the joints of the window frame.	Extra comfort; it does not fix a leak.
Cold felt near the glass	The glazing and how well the opening is covered.	Additional protection between the cold surface and the room.
Condensation	Sources of humidity and how the ventilation works.	It does not dehumidify. Keep an eye on the glass behind the fabric.
A radiator hidden by the fabric	The panel length and the clearances prescribed for the appliance.	It should cover the opening without covering the heating.

To go further: locate a draught or understand condensation on windows.

Which curtain should you choose against the cold?

Look at how the curtain is made, the documented performance and the dimensions your opening needs. Fabric weight tells you how heavy the fabric is; on its own, it is not enough to predict a temperature gain.

The Kurtens thermal range uses a 620 g/m² three-layer fabric, with a thermal difference of up to 7 °C, measured in the laboratory. This test result is not a promise of a 7 °C rise in your room: the window, the fitting and the conditions of use affect the result.

Measure the opening and the rod; allow for the overlaps and folds needed for the chosen fixing.
Check the clearance for the radiator, the handle and the walkway before choosing the height.
Make sure the rod and its brackets are suitable for the weight of the panel.
A standard size works if it covers the opening properly. Made-to-measure lets you adapt the dimensions when the sizes offered do not fit.

The guides below explain fitting in detail. To choose the colour, the fixing and the dimensions, see the thermal curtain collection.

Choose my thermal curtain

The winter guides, by need

A path to understand the problem, compare solutions, then prepare the fitting.

Understand the cold before choosing

Identifying a leak, a cold surface or a humidity problem helps you choose the right first step.

Choose a curtain and understand its limits

Compare construction, available tests and fitting, distinguishing blackout from insulation.

Adapt the fitting to your home

Walkways, heating and window opening remain usable once the curtain is installed.

Compare solutions and observe the result

A curtain complements other protections. The benefit depends on the home and does not automatically convert into euros saved.

When should you open and close curtains in winter?

Make use of solar gain by opening the curtains of a sunny window, then close them in the evening. Keep radiators and air vents clear, and keep airing your home every day.

These habits are presented in the ADEME guide to a comfortable winter. They complement fitting a curtain; they replace neither window maintenance nor dealing with a humidity problem.

To track the result, note how comfortable it feels near the opening in comparable weather and heating conditions. A bill also depends on prices, outdoor temperatures and your habits: its change alone does not measure how effective the curtain is.

Frequently asked questions about curtains in winter

Does a thermal curtain replace double glazing?

No. It provides additional protection, but repairs neither the glazing nor the airtightness of the frame. See our comparison with double glazing.

Is the heaviest curtain always the most insulating?

Weight alone cannot rank performance. Construction, available tests and the quality of fitting must be considered together.

Do I need made-to-measure curtains to feel less cold?

The criterion is how well the opening is covered. A well-sized standard panel can work; made-to-measure is for getting suitable dimensions if the sizes offered do not meet the need.

Can you leave a curtain in front of a radiator?

Do not cover the appliance. Adapt the fitting to the set-up and respect the clearances stated by its manufacturer. See the guide to curtains near a radiator.

Is a curtain enough to stop condensation?

No. It does not treat humidity and can leave the glass behind it colder. Check ventilation and sources of humidity; the guide on condensation details what to watch for.