When winter settles over Chesterfield or the winds whip across the Peak District, it doesn’t take long to notice the cold creeping in around your windows. If you’re looking for a simple, renovation-free way to warm up a chilly room, you’ve probably come across two popular options: cellular blinds and thermal curtains.

The short answer? Both help, but well-fitted cellular blinds usually insulate better, while properly installed thermal curtains still deliver impressive improvements. For the warmest result, many Derbyshire homeowners use both together.

At Etienne, we supply a wide choice of British-made blinds and curtains, all crafted to fit your windows perfectly—because good insulation starts with a good fit.

What the Evidence Says Curtains reduce winter heat loss by around 10%

The US Department of Energy reports that simply drawing your curtains on winter evenings can cut heat loss by roughly 10%.

Window coverings can reduce heat loss by up to 33%

Research from the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA) found that the right blinds and curtains can reduce heat escaping through glazing by as much as 33%, with cellular blinds ranking among the most effective options.

Thermal curtains still deliver excellent gains

Long, heavy, lined curtains—especially those installed with a pelmet or side returns—can make a huge difference and help rooms across Buxton, Matlock and Bakewell feel noticeably warmer on cold nights.

Correct installation is essential. Whether you choose curtains or cellular blinds, they must be fitted close to the window to stop warm air disappearing behind the fabric.

Daily routine matters

In winter across Derbyshire and South Yorkshire:

Open blinds/curtains on sunny days to let in free warmth.

Close them at dusk to trap the heat you’ve gained.

Why Windows Lose So Much Heat

Glass has very low insulation value, which makes windows one of the biggest sources of heat loss in homes across Chesterfield, Sheffield and Nottinghamshire.

Window coverings work in two ways:

They increase insulation (thermal resistance).

They stop draughts by creating a barrier of still air at the window surface.

Cellular blinds achieve this by trapping air inside their honeycomb cells. Lined curtains create a similar insulating layer when drawn.

Cellular Blinds vs Thermal Curtains Cellular Blinds

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Pros:

High insulation performance due to air-filled cells.

Best when installed snugly within the window frame or paired with side channels.

Can be motorised to open at sunrise and close automatically at dusk—ideal for dark winter mornings in Chesterfield.

Offer excellent light control, especially top-down/bottom-up options.

Cons:

If gaps are left at the sides, their performance drops significantly.

Thermal Curtains (https://etienne.org.uk/image-uploads/uikit_image_src-1905.jpg)

Pros:

Heavy, lined curtains provide measurable winter warmth.

Adding pelmets and side returns helps block draughts.

Softens acoustics and creates a cosy, layered interior.

Cons:

Curtains that hang over radiators can trap heat at the window instead of allowing it to circulate into the room.

So… Which Keeps a Room Warmer?

If you want sleek lines, automation and precise daylight control, cellular blinds (particularly British-made, made-to-measure versions) are hard to beat.

If you prefer a softer, more luxurious look—and additional sound absorption—opt for lined thermal curtains with a pelmet and side returns.

For the warmest result? Use both.

A cellular blind close to the glass + thermal curtains with a pelmet gives you the best performance available without touching the glazing. This is one of the most effective winter setups for homes across Chesterfield, Buxton, Dronfield, Sheffield and Mansfield.

Practical Setup Tips for Homes in Derbyshire & South Yorkshire

1. Prioritise fit and sealing

Choose made-to-measure cellular blinds with side channels for maximum insulation.

For curtains, install p elmets and side returns. This prevents warm air escaping behind the curtain.

2. Choose the most insulating type

Double-cell or deep-cell blinds provide the highest thermal performance.

3. Use schedules or smart controls

Open coverings on bright winter days.

Close them before dusk to conserve heat.

In summer, keep blinds closed on south-facing windows to prevent overheating—especially useful in sun-exposed Peak District homes.

4. Avoid blocking radiators

Keep curtain fabric clear of radiators so heat can circulate into the room rather than being trapped at the window.

See the Difference in Person at Etienne

If you’d like to understand what thermal curtains or cellular blinds could do for your home, we’d love to show you.

Visit our showroom or book a free consultation to explore:

Our range of British-made blinds and curtains

Fabrics and thermal linings

Smart control options

Perfect-fit solutions for tricky windows

We help homeowners across Chesterfield, Buxton, Sheffield, the Peak District and Derbyshire stay warmer in winter, cooler in summer and more comfortable year-round.