Eco-Friendly Thermal Window Treatments:Β Energy Efficient Guide
Want to upgrade your window treatments to save energy and embrace sustainability without sacrificing style? The good news is, attractive and eco-friendly options abound - from insulating cellular shades to solar roller blinds, renewable bamboo covers to natural linen curtains.
This guide will overview the top green window solutions available, detail what certifications to look for, provide tips on choosing quality materials built to last, and recommend customized curtains perfect for your aesthetic.
Transform not just the look but also theΒ energy efficiency and energy savings of your space.
Key Takeaways
- Green window coverings like cellular shades and bamboo blinds help insulate your home, leading to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.
- Look for trusted third party certifications like GREENGUARD, FSC, and OEKO-TEX when assessing sustainability claims.
- Consider the entire lifecycle of products and choose durable, quality materials even if they have a higher upfront cost. This minimizes waste.
- Stylish aesthetics and sustainability go hand in hand. Explore natural palettes and textures along with minimalist, clean-lined designs using renewable materials.
- Check Dolceweβs custom-sized curtain collection made from linen, hemp and organic cotton, now available at discounted prices. Measure your windows and order samples to find the right sustainable window treatment fit.
Why Opt for Energy-Efficient Window Treatments?
Choosing eco-friendly window coverings comes with many benefits beyond aesthetics. Here are compelling reasons to go green with your window treatments:
Save Money on Energy Bills
During cold winters, heat loss through poorly insulated windows and doors can account for up to 25% of your heating costs.
In the summertime, solar heat gain from sunlight entering your home can significantly increase your air conditioning expenses.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
By installing window shades and curtains made from sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled polyester, you minimize your carbon footprint in two key ways:
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These renewable resources require less energy and create fewer emissions to produce.
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Lowering energy use in your home reduces associated carbon emissions from power plants.
Create a Healthier Home Environment
Many conventional window treatments contain vinyl, PVC, and toxic chemicals that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Eco-friendly alternatives like cellular shades are often GREENGUARD certified for low emissions, improving indoor air quality.
Invest in Sustainable Materials and Practices
Choosing window coverings made from natural, recycled, recyclable, and biodegradable materials incorporates sustainability into your home's design. Supporting green manufacturers also moves these positive practices forward.
Top Eco-Friendly Thermal Window Covering Options
Fortunately, there are now ample options when shopping for stylish and sustainable window furnishings. Here are some of the most popular eco-friendly choices:
Cellular Shades: Insulation with Honeycomb Design
Cellular shades provide excellent insulation with their distinctive honeycomb structure trapping air inside the cells. The trapped air slows the transfer of heat and cold through the window.
Cellular and Roman shades come in varieties made from recycled plastics and plant-based materials, available in light-filtering and blackout fabrics.
Bamboo Blinds: Renewable and Fast-Growing Resource
Bamboo is one of the most renewable materials on earth. It regenerates rapidly without the need for replanting.
Bamboo shades offer a durable and attractive solution for controlling light and providing insulation. Many companies use sustainably-harvested bamboo and eco-friendly stains.
Natural Fiber Curtains: Breathable Light Control
Choices like hemp, linen, velvet and organic cotton curtains allow some natural light to filter into a room while softening harsh glares.
These breathable fabrics insulate during the winter and allow warmer indoor air to escape during summer. Plus, they are made from plants using less chemical processing.
At Dolcewe, all our curtains have made ofΒ OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, starting at $26.99
Solar Roller Shades: Reflect Heat Before it Enters
Solar roller shades have special reflective coatings to prevent UV rays and heat from entering your home. This type of window covering can lower indoor temperatures by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Solar shades let in natural daylight yet block infrared radiation for improved insulation.
Beyond the Material: Eco-Conscious Choices
When selecting sustainable window treatments, it helps to look beyond the fabric or wood type. Consider the entire product lifecycle through an environmental lens.
Look for Trusted Certifications
Various independent certifications validate the eco-friendly claims made by manufacturers. These include:
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GREENGUARD: Certifies products with low chemical emissions, improving indoor air quality.
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OEKO-TEX: Indicates textiles tested for harmful substances and produced in environmentally friendly facilities.
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FSC: Denotes shades and blinds containing wood from responsibly managed forests.
At Dolcewe, all our curtains have made ofΒ OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, starting at $26.99
Invest in Quality and Durability
Windows are long-term investments. Opting for better quality materials, even at a higher upfront cost, leads to durability and longevity. This reduces waste from replacing window treatments often. It also minimizes future production impacts.
Eco-Friendly Style Guide
You do not have to sacrifice aesthetics in your home for sustainability. Here are some attractive styles that pair nicely with green materials:
Natural Color Palettes and Textures
Natural textiles like jute, linen, bamboo and hemp have beautiful earthy palettes. Layer different shades of ivory, tan and light brown for visual depth. Play with light-filtering effects.
Minimalist Designs and Clean Lines
Focus window treatment form on functionality and let the sustainable materials shine through subtly with clean lines and negative space.
Upcycled and Repurposed Materials
Incorporate unique touches like fabric made from recycled saris or retired fire hoses. Support artisans specializing in upcycled window covering craftsmanship.
Shop Eco-Friendly Thermal Curtains at Dolcewe
At Dolcewe, our designers understand how to blend form with function when selecting thermal window solutions suited for your space. We offer customized curtains made from natural linens, hemp, and organic cotton to help insulate your windows beautifully.
Custom Size Starting at $26.99
All of our eco-friendly drapery is made to order based on your exact window measurements. This results in less waste and a perfect fit.
10% Off Your First Order, Free Shipping $199+
Sign up for the Dolcewe newsletter to receive a 10% off promo code for first-time shoppers. Standard shipping is free across the US for all orders above $199.
Take the first step towards increasing comfort in your home while decreasing energy waste and emissions. Browse our catalog of budget-friendly organic window treatments today. Have any questions? Reach out now to be connected with a green home expert.
