The Tension Rod Hack That Will Help Keep Your Home Warmer In The Winter

One of the most common problems a home may have in the winter is drafty windows and doors. If the air feels colder around your windows, it may be one of the signs that your windows are causing your heating bill to skyrocket. Whether the cold is a result of single-pane glass that isn't very insulating or improper seals causing drafts, it's safe to assume you should find a way to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. A simple method that addresses both of these potential issues at a door or window is to mount a tension rod over the door or window and hang a curtain from it for added insulation.

This may not be one of the lesser-known curtain hacks to keep your home warmer, but it is a classic for a reason: Curtains can significantly reduce heat loss in a room. Of course, proper installation and the right curtain materials are key to getting the benefits. While conventional curtains provide some insulation, shopping specifically for curtains that have thermal properties will help you get the best results from this hack. Thermal curtains, which contain heat-retaining layers, are the best choice for stopping drafty windows and doors, and they are the most effective for insulating a room. Some thermal curtains can even reduce heat loss from your home by as much as 25% compared to regular curtains that only reduce up to 10%. If you are considering thermal curtains, though, you will need a heavy-duty tension rod, as thermal curtains can be very heavy due to all of the layers.

To begin, you want the smallest possible gaps between the curtain and the wall, ceiling, and floor so air doesn't easily flow around the fabric. This can be done by installing a tension rod inside the window or door frame, and then using a small curtain that touches the sides of the frame all the way around. Or, if your window or door is on a small wall, you can just extend a tension rod from wall to wall to cover the entire area with an insulating curtain. Both methods will trap cold air on one side and warm air on the other, keeping you comfortable.

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VIRAL TENSION ROD HACK – WINTER EDITION 🥶 this is an absolute game changer & my only regret is not doing it sooner. Shop the items i used in my bio 🙌🏼 #tensionrod #doorcurtain #energysavingtips #hallwaydecor

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Besides choosing the right materials for practicality, you should consider the colors of the curtains and the tension rod. After all, saving on heating bills shouldn't mean sacrificing style. There are plenty of curtain colors that will look gorgeous alongside the white walls in your home. Help the curtain disappear into the space with a monochromatic look between the walls and fabric, or choose complementary colors to add some contrast to the space. If you are uncertain, opting for white curtains is a safe bet for a luxurious feel. As for the rod, match its finish with other hardware in the room, or find a color similar to the window frame to help it blend in. With the right strategically hung curtains, your home can be comfortable, gorgeous, and affordable.