How to Make Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

Thermal lined rod pocket curtains

Saving energy for heating and cooling is not only good for the environment, its good for your budget. Older windows that are not energy-efficient allow heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Replacing the windows may not be possible, but constructing your own energy-efficient window treatments is. Energy-efficient window treatments will keep out drafts and have the added benefit of darkening a room for anyone who does shift work and needs to sleep during daylight hours.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Thermal drapery fabric
• Drapery lining
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Iron and ironing board
• Curtain rods and brackets

Instructions

1. 

   Determine the length and width of the curtains by measuring your windows from the top of the window frame to whatever length you desire. To be effective, the curtains need to cover the bottom window trim or about 1 inch off the floor.

2. 

   Calculate fabric required by multiplying how many widths of fabric by the length. Standard fullness for curtains or draperies is one and one half times the width of the window. Add 12 inches to the finished length and multiply by the number of widths required. Purchase equal amounts of thermal drapery fabric and energy saving lining. The lining fabric is sometimes called thermal lining.

3. Cut lengths of the thermal face fabric according to the calculated measurement. Cut the lining fabric 4 inches shorter than the length of the face fabric.

4. Hem the face fabric by folding up 4 inches at the bottom and then folding up again. Hem lining fabric by folding up 2 inches and then folding again to make double 4-inch hems

5. Place fabric and lining with right sides together. Match the top edges of the fabric. The lining will be shorter than the face fabric.

6. Sew the sides of the fabric and lining. Turn right side out and press the side seams.

7. Fold down 1/2 inch at the top and press. Fold down 3 inches. Sew across the bottom folded edge. Measure down from the top of the curtain and mark a sewing line at 1 1/2 inches. Sew across this line. This makes the rod pocket for your curtain rod.

8. Mount the curtain rod brackets on the wall. Thread rod through rod pockets and install on the window.

Tips & Warnings

• Using thermal fabric plus thermal lining can make a 10-degree F difference in the warmth or coolness of your room.

References

• Online Fabric Store: Drapery Lining Fabric
• Factory Direct Drapes: Drape Lining