- First, choose a cellular shade. These come in single, double, or triple cell shades; the more cells there are, the more insulation there will be. Cellular shades alone reduce heat loss by up to 31%!
- Hang the shades inside the window frame, a half-inch from the glass, with gaps of only a quarter inch on either side. To take advantage of solar heat gain, raise and lower the shades with the sun.
- Next, add sheers. Sheers hung on a double rod add privacy and light control when the shades are raised to capture the sun.
- Drapes alone cut heat loss by approximately 10%. When choosing drapes, look for ones with a tightly woven fabric and a lining. Hang them about an inch from the window with a 4-inch overlap at the center.
- To tie your window layers together, choose a valance or cornice to button up windows even more by trapping air along the top of the window.