Best Window Treatments for Cold Weather | Improve Comfort & Insulation

Lexi Westingate | Blinds Chalet Design Team

Updated: Jun 9 2026

Best Window Treatments for Cold Weather image

Cold weather can make rooms uncomfortable, increase heating costs, and create noticeable drafts near windows. Because windows are often one of the largest sources of heat loss in a home, choosing the right window treatments can help improve comfort and energy efficiency throughout the winter months.

The best window treatments for cold weather provide insulation, reduce heat transfer, and help create a barrier between the cold glass and your living space.

Explore our collection of insulating window treatments and energy efficient window coverings designed to help improve comfort year-round.

Why Windows Matter During Cold Weather

Even modern windows allow some heat to escape during winter. Older windows, large glass areas, and drafty window openings can significantly increase heat loss and make rooms feel colder than the rest of the home.

Properly selected window treatments can help reduce this heat transfer and improve overall comfort near windows.

Best Window Treatments for Winter Insulation

1. Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are widely considered one of the best window treatments for cold weather. Their honeycomb-shaped cells trap air and create an insulating barrier that helps reduce heat loss through windows.

Excellent insulation performance

Helps reduce drafts

Available in single-cell and double-cell designs

Suitable for most window types

Learn more: Do Cellular Shades Save Energy?

2. Double-Cell Cellular Shades

Double-cell cellular shades contain two layers of insulating air pockets, making them one of the most energy-efficient window treatment options available.

Homeowners in colder climates often choose double-cell shades for maximum insulation performance.

3. Cellular Shades with Side Tracks

Side tracks help reduce gaps along the edges of the shade, improving insulation and reducing air movement around the window.

This combination can provide some of the strongest thermal performance available in a window covering.

4. Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters provide solid coverage and can help reduce heat loss when closed. Composite and wood shutters create an additional barrier between the room and the window.

Shutters are particularly popular for homeowners seeking a long-lasting and permanent-looking window treatment.

5. Roman Shades with Insulating Liners

Roman shades made with heavier fabrics or insulating liners can help reduce drafts and improve comfort during winter.

The added fabric layers create a more substantial barrier than many traditional blinds.

6. Layered Window Treatments

Combining shades with decorative drapery panels can increase insulation by adding multiple layers over the window.

This approach is often used in particularly cold climates where maximizing comfort is important.

Best Window Treatments for Drafty Windows

Window Treatment	Draft Reduction	Insulation Performance
Double-Cell Cellular Shades	Excellent	Excellent
Cellular Shades with Side Tracks	Outstanding	Outstanding
Plantation Shutters	Very Good	Very Good
Roman Shades with Liner	Good	Good
Layered Treatments	Very Good	Very Good

Cellular Shades vs Shutters for Cold Weather

Both cellular shades and shutters can improve comfort during winter, but cellular shades typically provide better insulation due to their honeycomb cell construction.

Shutters remain an excellent option for homeowners who prioritize durability, aesthetics, and long-term value.

Can Window Treatments Lower Heating Costs?

Energy-efficient window treatments may help reduce heating costs by minimizing heat loss through windows. Actual savings vary depending on climate, window quality, home insulation, and heating system usage.

Homes with older windows or large glass areas often experience the greatest benefits from improved window insulation.

Estimate potential savings: Energy Savings Calculator

Cold Weather vs Hot Weather Window Treatments

Fortunately, many of the same window treatments that help during winter also improve comfort during summer.

Cellular shades help reduce winter heat loss and summer heat gain.

Solar shades help manage sunlight and heat during warmer months.

Layered treatments provide year-round comfort benefits.

Learn more: Best Window Treatments for Arizona Heat

What Makes a Window Treatment Energy Efficient?

Honeycomb or cellular construction

Multiple layers of material

Insulating liners

Reduced air gaps around the window

Proper fit and installation

Learn more: Best Insulating Window Treatments

Best Rooms for Insulating Window Treatments

Bedrooms

Living rooms

Home offices

Sunrooms

Rooms with large windows

Older homes with drafty windows

Related Energy Efficiency Resources

Best Insulating Window Treatments

Energy Efficient Window Treatments

Do Cellular Shades Save Energy?

Best Window Treatments for Arizona Heat

Noise Reduction vs Energy Efficient Window Treatments

Energy Savings Calculator

Final Thoughts

The best window treatments for cold weather help reduce heat loss, improve comfort, and support lower heating costs. Cellular shades are often considered the top choice because of their insulating honeycomb design, while shutters, Roman shades, and layered window treatments can also provide meaningful benefits.

Choosing energy-efficient window treatments can make rooms feel warmer, reduce drafts, and improve comfort throughout the winter season.

Cold Weather Window Treatment FAQs

What are the best window treatments for cold weather?

Cellular shades are often considered the best window treatments for cold weather because their honeycomb cells help reduce heat loss and improve insulation.

Do cellular shades help keep rooms warm in winter?

Yes. Cellular shades trap air within their honeycomb cells, helping reduce heat transfer through windows and improve winter comfort.

Do window treatments help reduce heating costs?

Energy-efficient window treatments may help reduce heating costs by reducing heat loss through windows and improving insulation.

Are shutters or cellular shades better for cold weather?

Both can improve comfort, but cellular shades generally provide greater insulation due to their honeycomb construction.

What window treatments help reduce drafts?

Cellular shades, especially double-cell shades and shades with side tracks, are among the most effective window treatments for reducing drafts.

Details	Standard	Guaranteed to Last	Guaranteed to Love
Pricing	FREE	$	$$
Warranty Duration
3 year limited warranty	✓	✓	✓
5 year limited warranty		✓	✓
Warranty Coverage
Defects	✓	✓	✓
Parts	✓	✓	✓
30 Day Returns(in-store credit)			✓

Details

Standard

Guaranteed to Last

Guaranteed to Love

Pricing

FREE

Warranty Duration

3 year limited warranty

✓

5 year limited warranty

✓

Warranty Coverage

Defects

✓

Parts

✓

30 Day Returns(in-store credit)

✓

Guarantee
What Is Covered Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that: The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated. All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed. Who Is Eligible This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable. Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement. Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty. What Is Not Covered Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect. Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance. Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture. Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use. Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects. Warranty Limitations This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms. Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure. How to Request Service Blinds Chalet Customer Care [email protected] (480) 470-1127 Please include: Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email A brief description of the issue The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product. If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired. In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade. Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer. If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

Guarantee

What Is Covered

Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that:

The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated.
All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed.

Who Is Eligible

This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable.

Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility

If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement.

Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty.

What Is Not Covered

Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect.
Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance.
Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture.
Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use.

Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects.

Warranty Limitations

This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms.

Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure.

How to Request Service

Blinds Chalet Customer Care
[email protected]
(480) 470-1127

Please include:

Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email
A brief description of the issue
The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue

Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees

BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product.
If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.
If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Love
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years. 30 Day Returns If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).

5 Year Guaranteed to Love

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.
30 Day Returns
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).