The 9 Best Thermal Curtains of 2021

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The Rundown

Best Overall:

Moondream 2-in-1 Thermal & Blackout Curtain at Amazon

Reinforced, rust-proof grommets allow for easy hanging on most curtain rods.

Best Budget:

Room Essentials Thermal Room Darkening Curtain at Target

For those on a budget, Target offers this affordable room-darkening thermal panel.

Best for Sliding Doors:

Eclipse Patio Door Thermal Curtain Panel at Amazon

Perfect for any room with a patio door, the extra-wide SolarShield patio panel is an energy-efficient alternative to vertical blinds.

Best with Grommets:

Bolder Company Blackout Grommet Curtain at Etsy

These grommeted panels are handcrafted from triple woven natural microfiber fabric that's formaldehyde and vinyl free.

Best Blackout:

LORDTEX 100% Blackout Curtains at Amazon

These black-out options block out 100 percent of sunlight and UV rays.

Best Single Panel:

Red Barrel Studio Thermal Single Curtain at Wayfair

This one-panel curtain is an affordable option for those who don't want a bulky curtain.

Best Indoor/Outdoor:

Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains at Amazon

The innovative triple-weave construction blocks out most of the sun's UV rays.

Best Noise-Reducing:

NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains at Amazon

Reduce outside noises with these curtains that block out sunlight and sound.

Best White:

Jinchan 100% Blackout Curtain at Amazon

Even though they’re white, these insulated curtains block out light and noise.

If you live in a climate with extreme hot or cold weather, you may already know that curtains are more than window dressing, as they help regulate light and heat. Replacing windows is a good strategy for reducing energy bills and planet-heating emissions, as well as increasing your comfort, but this can also be pane-fully expensive. It's also not an option for renters.

Thermal curtains, on the other hand, are a comparatively inexpensive method to stop drafts. Made of several layers of materials and fabric, they are designed to provide thermal resistance (known as R-value) and prevent thermal transmittance conductivity (known as U-value).

It can be challenging to find these curtains made of sustainable fabrics and materials. Still, working together, the layers can improve the overall energy efficiency of our home or office. They can reduce heat loss by up to 25 percent in the winter months and reduce solar gain by 33 percent in summer months.

Here are some of the best thermal curtains on the market today:

Moondream 2-in-1 Thermal & Blackout Curtain

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Moondream offers multiple OEKO-TEX®-certified options. This independent certification for textiles guarantees that fabrics were produced without the use of harmful substances.

This panel is 97 percent linen with a 99.97 percent polyester thermal lining. The reinforced, rust-proof 1.6-inch diameter grommets allow for easy and durable hanging on most curtain rods. It's easily adjustable to the height of your window with included iron-on tape. They are light-blocking and machine-washable.

Room Essentials Heathered Thermal Room Darkening Curtain Panel

Buy On Target

For those on a tight budget, Target offers this mega-affordable room-darkening thermal panel. It's made of 100 percent polyester and is OEKO-TEX® certified. That means it won't emit funky fumes or chemicals into your room.

It's available in multiple colors. Order online and have it delivered, or pick it up at a location near you and block out the lights tonight before bedtime.

Eclipse Patio Door Thermal Room Darkening Window Curtain Panel

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Perfect for any room with a patio door, the extra-wide SolarShield patio panel is an energy-efficient alternative to vertical blinds. They not only improve heat retention, but also block noise and light, and are machine washable.

Made with Thermaweave®, an innovative, 100 percent polyester woven design with insulation, it provides the look and style of naturally flowing curtains. The reverse side is the same color as the front panel.

Bolder Company Thermal Insulated Blackout Grommet Curtain Drapes

Buy On Etsy

These grommeted panels are handcrafted from triple woven natural microfiber fabric that's formaldehyde- and vinyl-free. They block out 90 percent of sunlight and 100 percent of UV rays.

The classic geometric pattern can liven up a home or office, and is available in several different color combinations. The curtains are machine washable when necessary.

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Looking to darken your bedroom so you can sleep in after the sun is up? These black-out options block out 100 percent of sunlight and UV rays, and are also great for folks who live in cities where the lights stay on all night.

These curtains are constructed from five layers of fabric in a certified OEKO-TEX® factory. They have a faux-linen decorative finish, which is available in five different color options, and the curtains come in a range of sizes. Machine wash in cold water when necessary.

Red Barrel Studio Decorative Solid Color Room Darkening Thermal Grommet Single Curtain Panel

Buy On Wayfair

The silky soft texture of the decorative side of these curtains looks expensive and feels expensive, but this is an affordable option for those who don't want a bulky window treatment.

The silver-coated window side makes multiple functions as it blocks out sunlight, insulates, and darkens. Grommets allow for easy hanging. Note that this single-panel curtain must be hand washed.

Deconovo Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains

Buy On Amazon

This single-panel option comes in three sizes — 42 x 63 inch, 42 x 84 inch, 42 x 95 inch — and multiple colors. The darker the color, the greater the light reducing capability.

The innovative triple-weave construction blocks out most of the sun's UV rays. Grommets are sized to fit most curtain rods. They are safe for outdoor use and machine washable.

NICETOWN Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Cur

Buy On Amazon

Tired of hearing your neighbor's dog bark while you try to sleep? NICETOWN'S thermal curtains feature a black yarn layer sandwiched between insulating microfiber layers. They seamlessly block out 99 percent of sunlight and reduce external noise. Home theater lovers will also love the sound-block ability of these curtains.

They are topped with 1.6-inch grommets that are suitable for hanging on most standard curtain rods. One of the 20 colors options is sure to match your favorite duvet cover. They can be machine washed.

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Even though they’re white, these insulated curtains block out 80 percent of light and noise. That makes them ideal for use in the living room, bedroom, or to create total darkness for your home theater system.

The thermal backing guards against drafts in winter and heat in the summer. They’re composed of durable polyester and topped with grommets that are compatible with most curtain rods.

Final Verdict

If you're looking for a sustainable option that offers room darkening as well as thermal insulation for your windows, Moondream (view at Amazon) offers an array of choices and colors that are OEKO-TEX® certified.

If you want to take your UV-blocking ability outdoors, then Deconovo (view at Amazon) is a good option.

What to Look for in Thermal Curtains

Layers

Most thermal curtains are made of three (but two and four layers are available). Like any curtain, there is a layer of decorative fabric that faces into the room. These are typically made of woven materials like cotton, polyester, linen, wool, or silk.

Then there is a middle layer composed of thermally resistant material like foam, felt, flannel, or thick cotton batting. The third layer, known as the backing, protects the inner layer from sunlight, and sometimes condensation that forms around windows. Sometimes a fourth layer is added to serve as the vapor barrier.

If you live in a particularly hot area or want a window treatment for West or South-facing curtains, choose light-colored backings to reflect light and reduce solar gain.

R-factor

A standard curtain has an R-value of R-1. But a properly fitted insulating curtain can boost that to R-6.

Get the most bang for your buck by hanging your curtain as close to the window frame as possible. Choose those that drop to the windowsill or floor.

Once you've hung the curtain, seal it on all sides with Velcro, magnetic tape, or self-adhesive weather stripping to reduce thermal transmittal most-effectively. You can add a valance above the drape to reduce air infiltration. Eliminate gaps by generously overlapping the curtains in the middle.

How to Use Thermal Curtains

Open your curtains during less hot parts of the day in summer or warmer parts of the day in winter. This will also alleviate condensation build-up. Close them at night to reap the benefits of their insulating, privacy, and sound-reducing properties.

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Heidi Wachter has been writing about health and the environment for over a decade. A DIY devotee, she is always seeking out sustainable ways to reduce the energy footprint of her 107-year-old home.

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