So, you’re looking for curtains to keep your rooms nice and cosy? Choosing a thermal lining for your curtains or Roman blinds is an easy way to help reduce energy loss through your windows – and save you a few pennies on your heating bill at the same time.

Tests have shown that 80% of energy is lost through your windows and that good quality thermal curtains can help retain 30% of that heat. In short, you can shave roughly 20% off your annual utility bill, simply by fitting thermal curtains.

For added effectiveness, choose interlining as well as a thermal lining. An interlined and thermal curtain or Roman blind will help to keep even more heat in, at the same time as giving your curtains a fuller and plumper look.

The only real difference between thermal and blackout lining is that blackout lining has an extra acrylic layer to block out the light. This actually makes blackout lining more effective as a thermal insulator than thermal lining but it will prevent light from streaming through the fabric; which is an attractive look for most rooms other than a bedroom.  For more information on blackout linings, click here

If you want the thermal properties, at the same time as letting a little bit of light through then go for thermal lining.

Thermal lining is just a little bit more expensive than standard cotton lining (around 5-10% more), but the added long term benefits when you inevitably start saving money on your energy bills it’s going to be well worth the investment.

Thermal lining is made using a poly/cotton mix (blackout lining made from 100% natural materials doesn’t yet exist). Most curtain companies offer white and off-white colour thermal lining and choose the best colour to match the fabric you’ve chosen.

Some people considering thermally lined curtains are concerned by the way that their curtains will hang. Don’t be. Thermal lining is a fraction of a millimetre thicker than cotton lining and will hang well.

Click here to take a look at the Natural Curtain Company’s range of fabrics – all available as both thermal curtains and thermal blinds.

To avoid mistakes, your curtain pole or track should be in place already. If you make calculations without a pole or track, you are more likely to get incorrect measurements. We advise you use a metal tape measure for accuracy. Measurements should be in cm to the nearest 1/2 cm. Please double-check your measurements.

1. Measure Width

If you have a pole, measure the distance between the finials (the decorative baubles at the end of a pole).

If you have a track, measure the total length of the track.

2. Measuring Curtain Drop

Before you start, you have to decide where you want your curtains to finish. For floor-length curtains, we suggest curtains 1.5cm longer than floor-length. If your floors are uneven, make sure you measure each side of the window and choose the longest measurement. For sill length curtains, we suggest either 15cm below the sill or 1-2cm above it.

Measuring Drop for Tab Top and Eyelet

For tab top or eyelet curtains, measure the drop from the top of your pole to where you want your curtain to finish. (Please note:tab top and eyelet headed curtains cannot be fitted to a track.)

Measuring Curtain Drop For Pleated Headings (all except Tab Top & Eyelet)

The total drop for pleated headings is measured in 2 parts – the eye drop and the heading height.

Part 1. Eye Drop

This is the distance from the eye (where the curtain hook attaches) to where you want your curtain to finish.

Part 2. Heading Height

The heading height is the distance from the eye to where you want the top of your curtain to be.

For tracks, we suggest a heading height just above the top of your track so that it is not visible above the top of the curtain.

For poles, we suggest a heading height from 2cm above the eye to just above your curtain pole according to your own taste. Curtains will hang best with a smaller heading height.

How to measure for blinds

1. Inside Recess

• 1. Measure width A-B at the narrowest point so your blind can hang freely
• 2. Measure Drop C-D
• 3. Note which side you would like the cord – right or left

2. Outside Recess

First check for obstructions that might stop your blind hanging freely and then decide on the amount of fabric to overlap the top and sides of the window recess. We recommend at least 5cm for both.

1. Measure the width you decide on, A-B
2. Measure the drop you decide on, C-D
3. Note which side you would like the cord – right or left