Should You Keep Curtains Open Or Closed In The Winter? The Answer Might Surprise You

Every little thing matters when you're trying to keep your home warm in the cold winter months. You may have an ideal heating setup or have even taken steps to install weather-stripping to keep your indoor space comfortable. But getting the best results requires seemingly minor choices as well, such as whether to keep your curtains open or closed. It might be surprising, but this isn't an either/or kind of situation. To stay warm and cozy in your home during winter, you'll want to combine open-curtain times with periods when your curtains are closed.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of window covers stay in the same position throughout the day, despite the ability to move them around. But although it's common to do so, keeping your curtains permanently open or closed is a trap you don't want to fall into if you're hoping for optimal temperatures in your home. The way heat enters and flows through your home isn't always the same. There are times when it's better to keep your curtains wide open and times when it's best to draw them.

For a toasty home this winter, keep your curtains open during those sunny days. By doing so, you are inviting warmth from the sunlight into your home, helping to increase the inside temperature. Even when it's freezing outside, sunlight still packs a punch when it comes to heat, albeit weaker than in the summer. Your windows act like a greenhouse, absorbing this heat to amplify the temperature inside your home. However, during the night and when the sky is overcast, you don't really gain sunlight benefits. This is when it's better to insulate your windows and keep the curtains closed. This will trap the heat inside instead of letting it escape.

So, now you know when to open and close them, but the type of curtain you have can also contribute to the indoor temperature. For the best results in the winter, you'll want to pick heavy or thermal curtains, as they do the best job at aiding insulation. Curtain colors can also play a significant role, so choose your fabric shade carefully. Warm hues such as red, orange, and yellow do not just add a pop of color to your room, but they also absorb the most heat, strengthening your home's defenses against frigid winter air.