Thermal Blinds Guide: What are Thermal Blinds? | 247 Blog

When the chill sets in, there’s no better way to cosy up your home than with thermal blinds. More than just stylish window coverings, these energy-efficient blinds offer an extra layer of insulation that keeps your home toasty in winter, and cool in summer.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about thermal blinds, from how they work to how to choose the best styles for your home. Ready to turn down the thermostat and turn up the style? Let’s get into it. 

Thermal blinds are window coverings designed with energy efficiency in mind. They’re made with materials that help insulate your windows, keeping the warmth inside during the colder months, and blocking out the heat in summer. 

Unlike standard blinds, which focus on light control and privacy, thermal blinds also work to regulate the temperature in your home. Available in various styles, from roller blinds to Roman blinds and even no-drill options, these clever blinds use a range of features from thick thermal linings to foil-backed layers that trap air, creating an insulative barrier between your home and the great (often chilly!) outdoors. 

Whether you’re trying to stay warm during winter or cool in the summer, thermal blinds can make a world of difference (and help with your energy bills too!).

There’s a thermal blind for every room and every style, from more traditional Roman blinds and roller blinds, to modern pleated blinds, as well as game-changing no-drill styles! 

Energy-saving roller blinds are a sleek, modern choice for your windows. Coated with a reflective backing, they help regulate room temperature. With sizes available all the way up to 350cm wide and over 290cm long, they’re a versatile fit for windows big or small. 

Available in blackout and light-filtering fabrics, thermal roller blinds are perfect for any room - whether you want to maintain a soft glow from natural light or complete darkness. Plus, with our no-drill Twist&Fit installation option, you can install them without touching a powertool! 

Roman blinds add a soft, luxurious touch to your home, and when ordered with our thermal lining or bonded interlining, they’re as functional as they are stylish! All of our lined Roman blinds are available with thermal lining or bonded interlining, or a choice of either on selected fabrics! Thermal lining provides insulation as well as being more room-darkening when compared to our standard lining. Bonded interlining, on the other hand, offers the ultimate upgrade, possessing thermal benefits alongside extra padding for a plush finish and added sound absorption! Whilst neither lining is blackout, bonded interlining does have improved room-darkening properties compared with both our standard and thermal lining. 

Perfect for creating a cosy vibe in bedrooms or living rooms, our Roman blinds come in a variety of colours and textures, from faux silk to velvets and heavy woven fabrics. With our Twist&Fit thermal Roman blinds, you can winter-proof your windows in less than 30 seconds, no tools necessary!

Honeycomb thermal blinds (also known as cellular blinds) are a type of pleated blind designed with insulation in mind. Their unique structure traps air in the comb-like pleats, creating an effective insulative barrier, acting like a blanket for your window. This not only protects against heat loss during the colder months, but also works to keep the cool air in during warmer spells. Certain honeycomb fabrics are also foil-lined for extra efficiency, but the clever pleats alone are enough to offer excellent temperature control! 

Available in both blackout and light-filtering fabrics, honeycomb thermal blinds can fit a variety of spaces, thanks to their versatile design and different installation methods. Here’s a breakdown of the available styles: 

Free-hanging thermal honeycomb blinds

Installation: Fitted either inside or outside the window recess using brackets screwed into the wall or lintel.

Operation: Available corded or cordless.

Multizone Control: Optional upgrade which allows you to adjust the blinds from both the top and the bottom for flexible light and privacy control.

Best for: Versatility across a range of window types, all with blackout opacity - great for bedrooms.

Perfect Fit thermal honeycomb blinds

Installation: Clips directly onto uPVC windows and doors using brackets anchored in the window beading - no drilling required!

Design: Comes with a fully framed, integrated look for a sleek appearance.

Multizone control: Cordless, multizone functionality comes as standard, allowing for top-down and bottom-up adjustments with a simple push or pull.

Best for: uPVC windows and patio doors, moving as one with the frames! The blinds are great for tilt and turn windows.

Clip Fit thermal honeycomb blinds

Installation: Similar to Perfect Fit but frameless, with clips that attach directly to uPVC or aluminium frames.

Design: Slim profile, perfect for bifold doors or narrower windows.

Multizone control: Cordless, with optional multizone control, providing easy light and privacy management.

Best for: Spaces where a slim, frameless look is preferred - ideal for bifold doors.

Stick Fit thermal honeycomb blinds

Installation: Attaches directly to the glass of your windows using adhesive side channels

Design: Frameless with slim profiles and foldaway handles, perfect for bifolds.

Multizone control: Cordless with optional multizone operation for flexible light and privacy control. 

Best for: Any window or door type regardless of frame - even caravan windows!

Thermal blinds are your best friend when winter hits, but they also have year-round benefits, helping to keep rooms cool and comfortable during the summertime. For more tips on keeping your home cool during summer, checkout our Keeping Your Home Cool During a Heatwave blog! 

Whilst blackout blinds do a great job at keeping the heat out of your home during the summer months, they’re not designed to serve a thermal function, and therefore don’t perform as well as thermal blinds when it comes to insulating your windows. We cover everything you need to know about blackout blinds and their ability to keep your home cool in this blog post.

Choosing an effective thermal blind is a step in the right direction when it comes to upping the energy efficiency of your home, but there are also factors, such as installation, that can improve the overall insulative effects! We first recommend ensuring your blind fits your window perfectly to maximise insulation and prevent heat loss. Another pro tip is fitting your thermal blinds as close to your windows as possible, minimising the space in which cold air can linger and seep into your home. This means fitting pleated, Roman and roller blinds inside the recess, or opting for our no-drill pleated styles which clip directly onto the windows themselves can be more effective at improving the energy efficiency of your home. 

Thermal blinds are designed to create a barrier between your home and the outside world. In winter, they block cold air from entering through your windows, while trapping warm air inside. In summer, they keep heat out and trap cool air inside your home, creating a more comfortable environment.

Their construction - whether it’s a thick fabric lining, honeycomb structure, or foil backing - reduces heat transfer, so you can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer with less reliance on heating or air conditioning, in turn lowering your bills!

Thermal blinds come with a range of benefits: 

Thermal blinds are a simple but effective way to cut down on your energy bills. By regulating your home's temperature and reducing heat loss, you’ll need less heating in winter, and less cooling in summer.

Thermal blinds aren’t just great for winter, they’r e effective tools for year round temperature control. Close your thermal blinds when the temperatures drop, and let them do the hard work of keeping the warmth in. No need to worry about being too warm in summer though, as the same blinds will block out the sun’s rays and keep the cooler air in during the warmer months.

Pro Tip: Pair your blinds with a pair of thermal curtains to double up on energy efficiency at your window’s edge!

Thermal blinds provide privacy while giving you full control over how much light you let in. Choose blackout options for a complete light block, or go for light-filtering fabrics if you prefer a soft glow. For ultimate flexibility, honeycomb blinds with multizone controls allow you to adjust the light from the top or bottom of the window. 

With a variety of styles, materials, and colours, thermal blinds can complement any decor scheme. Whether you’re going for a modern look with roller blinds or a traditional, cosy feel with Roman blinds, there’s a thermal option to suit your home.

Not a fan of DIY? No problem! We offer no-drill thermal blinds like our Perfect Fit, Clip Fit and Stick Fit honeycomb styles, as well as Twist&Fit roller and Roman blinds. They’re easy to install, damage-free, and perfect for renters or anyone who wants to keep things simple. 

Thermal blinds are an investment in both comfort and savings. They’re durable, long-lasting, and come with a 5-year guarantee at 247 Blinds, so you know you’re getting quality and peace of mind. 

For larger windows, roller or free-hanging blinds work well. For doors or smaller spaces, Perfect Fit or Clip Fit honeycomb blinds are ideal, leaving your window sills clutter-free.

Thermal blinds come in a variety of textures, patterns, and colours, so be sure to choose a style that complements your room’s decor. Want to try before you buy? Order unlimited free samples to see how they’ll look in your home, free first class postage included! 

Thermal blinds are an investment that pays off in energy savings. Made to measure options ensure the perfect fit for maximum insulation, and with our DIY measuring and fitting guides, you can save on installation costs. For a budget-friendly option, consider energy-saving roller blinds. 

Thermal blinds are versatile enough to suit any interior style. For a modern, minimalist vibe, opt for sleek roller blinds or Perfect Fit honeycomb blinds. If your style is more traditional and cosy, Roman blinds or thermal curtains will add a warm and inviting touch. 

Ready to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient? Explore our wide range of thermal blinds at 247 Blinds. From custom sizing to expert customer service, we have everything you need to find the perfect fit for your windows. Plus, with free samples and a five-year guarantee you can shop with confidence! Transform your home with the perfect blend of style and practicality - shop our thermal blinds now!