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When it comes to living in a more sustainable way, small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference. From monitoring energy usage to turning the lights off in unused rooms and switching over to long-lasting LED bulbs there’s plenty we can all do to help.
Let’s explore some of the more sustainable choices you can make in your home when it comes to your windows.
According to research by English Heritage, 18% of a home’s heat loss is through the windows. So choosing the right window dressing can have a big impact on helping to keep your home insulated. But it’s not just heat loss that window dressings can contend with – in the summer months, windows can be a major source of heat gain too. Finding a window dressing that can tackle both problems will help maintain a more comfortable temperature all year round.
Fully lined curtains are a great way to tackle heat loss. Close them to reduce draughts and block the heat of the sun on very sunny days.
Shutters offer a little more flexibility. They’re effective at reducing draughts and filtering the sunlight but can do this without blocking views and light completely.
Specialist blinds with a honeycomb structure trap heat in honeycomb shaped cells to create a barrier at the window. Duette® blinds, the original honeycomb blinds, are our most effective solution to heat loss, reducing it by 55% according to product tests carried out in the University of Salford’s Energy House Laboratory in 2023.
Learn more about the benefits of our Thermal blinds.
Buying durable, long-lasting products is a smart, sustainable choice. When it comes to window dressings, it’s better to get it right first time with products that don’t just fit well but are fit for purpose and designed to stand the test of time. You can learn more about our quality standards and why we believe made to measure is best here.
When you’re buying for the long-term there are a couple of things to bear in mind:
Flash in the pan fashions are best avoided when buying for the long term. Look for classic styles, such as shutters or simple wooden blinds. Or opt for neutral tones, or timeless patterns such as florals, stripes and checks. Velvets, linens and cottons all have longevity in interior design. Painting walls is relatively cheap and easy and can transform a room around the window dressings you’ve chosen for a brand-new lease of life.
Regular cleaning will help prolong the lifespan of all window dressings, so you won’t need to replace them. There are a few simple steps to follow:
Keep the window area clean – regular vacuuming and dusting will keep dirt to a minimum and stop it transferring to your blinds, curtains or shutters.
Regularly vacuuming and dusting works for most window dressings too. Go gentle and use the lowest setting to prevent damage.
Don’t use water on metal-based products and mechanisms to avoid rusting. A dry cloth is a much better option.
Keep mechanisms running smoothly with silicon spray.
We’ve more detailed cleaning guides for our different blinds, curtains and shutters offering tips and advice to help keep things clean!
Upcycling is a great way to repurpose furniture. A lick of paint can transform an old chest of drawers or a chair, and it means you won’t need to throw your old furniture away or go out and spend money on new items.
We can also look for recycled materials when we’re buying new items for our home. Recycling has come a long way in a short space of time, and there are increasingly more options to choose from when it comes to window dressings.
In the past, polyester fabrics were often looked down on as cheap and low quality. However, technology has moved on and having recycled polyester fabrics in fashion and interiors collection is a must-have for many brands. Fabrics such as faux linens and silks, look just as good as the real thing but contain recycled materials.
Other initiatives such as Better Cotton and FSC® show that a brand has made a long-term commitment to sustainability, and we’re delighted that Hillarys is a proud member of both.
Salford Energy House Thermal Performance of Window Coverings Testing. University of Salford: Grant Henshaw, David Farmer, Bill George. March 2023
Research into the Thermal Performance of Traditional Windows by Chris Wood, Bill Bardass and Paul Baker, English Heritage Research Report, October 2009
Take a look at more style inspiration and practical advice
Discover our growing range of naturally sustainable options for blinds.
Upcycling furniture is a fantastic way to give your home a new lease of life, add personality, reducing waste and creating an item that is truly unique.
Learn more about how to make sustainable style choices at home with Oliver Heath
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