Feeling cold drafts around your doors? Does your heating or cooling seem to constantly run without keeping your home comfortable? A thermal insulated door curtain could be the simple solution. These specialty curtains create an insulating barrier over doorways to seal out drafts and regulate indoor temperatures.
With some expert advice on selecting the right materials, sizing, and installation method, you’ll be able to choose the perfect door curtain to meet your needs. Read on to learn insider tips that will help you pick the best thermal insulated curtain for blocking cold air and saving on energy costs.
Pick Insulating Materials That Keep Heat In and Cold Out
The first step in choosing an effective thermal door curtain is understanding the different material options. The right fabrics will seal gaps, trap air, and prevent drafts from infiltrating into your home. Here are some of the most common and best performing insulating fabrics to look for:
Vinyl
Vinyl door curtains are affordable, durable, and easy to clean. The thick plastic helps block airflow while retaining their shape over time. Vinyl also repels moisture and mildew. You can find clear vinyl styles as well as options with decorative patterns and colors.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric often used in thermal curtains. It offers good insulation properties to prevent heat transfer. Polyester can also reduce noise from the outside. Eye-catching printed polyester curtains can make a stylish statement in an entryway while still blocking drafts.
PVC
PVC or polyvinyl chloride plastic is naturally transparent but also comes in frosted options. PVC curtains are waterproof and flexible while still maintaining their shape. The material is inexpensive and a good insulator against cold.
Cotton
Tightly woven cotton is an excellent natural fiber choice for door curtains. Breathable cotton still provides a barrier to cold air when crafted into a dense weave. Fluffy thermal cotton options filled with silk fibers offer warmth without being overly heavy.
Nylon
Known for its durability and stain resistance, nylon makes a sturdy material for door curtains. It holds up well in high traffic areas while insulating against drafts. Blackout nylon can also block light in bedrooms or media rooms.
Acrylic
Acrylic fabric is soft to the touch but performs well as an insulator. It retains its shape even after washing. Machine washable acrylic door curtains are easy to maintain while still preventing cold air from seeping in around doors.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a plastic-based fabric resistant to mold and mildew. It makes a good thermal barrier on doors in damp climates. The material won’t rot or deteriorate from moisture. Polypropylene is also economical and available in a range of opacity.
Measure Door Frames For Proper Sizing and Coverage
Once you’ve selected an ideal fabric, the next crucial step is getting the size right. A door curtain needs to be big enough to fully cover the entire door opening. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame to account for any tapering or inconsistencies.
Be sure to note the exact height of the door as well. Include any decorative trim or molding that surrounds the frame in your measurements. Having extra length and width in the curtain allows for overlap on the sides and top to prevent air passing through.
Allow for Overlap on All Sides
It’s important to have at least 2-3 inches of fabric overlapping the door frame perimeter. This provides a seal that stops air moving in and out around the edges of the curtain. Without adequate overlap, cold drafts can still sneak through on windy days.
Take Measurements in Multiple Spots
Since door frames are rarely perfectly square, take width measurements at the very top, middle, and bottom points. Use the widest width in your calculations. For the most accurate height, measure from the top of the frame to the floor on both sides and use the longest length.
Consider Any Obstructions on Frames
Make note of door knobs, handles, hinges or any other hardware that the curtain will need to go around. If there are any protrusions or decorative elements on the frame itself, keep those in mind when deciding curtain size so full coverage is possible.
Pick Installation Hardware for Easy Mounting
Thermal door curtains come with various hanging hardware to fit on your door frame. Each mounting style has its own advantages. Here’s an overview of the most common options:
Adhesive Strips
Self-adhesive Velcro-like strips come attached to the top edge of many door curtains. Just peel off the backing paper and press onto the frame for an instant hold. This method is easy to install but doesn’t allow for repositioning later on.
Velcro
Curtains and door frames with Velcro tape offer a detachable method. The hook and loop style adheres securely when pressed together but can be separated to take curtains down or adjust positions as needed.
Grommets
Metal or plastic grommets reinforce holes along the top hem of the curtain. Hooks can thread through the grommets to hang on a door. This allows the curtain to slide left or right for access through the doorway while remaining in place.
Tabs
Some thermal curtains have small fabric tabs sewn into the top edge. These slide over existing door hardware, like knobs or handles, for easy mounting. Door operation isn’t affected once the tabs are in place.
Rod Pocket
A rod pocket or sleeve runs across the top of the curtain, allowing it to hang from a spring tension or adjustable curtain rod. This method lets you slide the curtain open for door access but keeps it up out of the way.
Enhance Effectiveness With Special Features
Basic thermal door curtains block drafts, but some added features can make them even better insulators. Here are a few useful options to look for:
Magnet Edge Seals
Tiny embedded magnets along the side edges of the curtain help seal corners and prevent airflow. The magnetic attraction pulls the fabric together for a tighter fit into corners.
Weighted Bottom Hem
Adding weight to the bottom hem with beads, sand, or other dense materials allows the curtain to hang straight down for a snugger fit along the bottom. This helps prevent cool air sneaking in under the edge.
Split Styles
A split in the center allows each side of the curtain to move independently, making it easy to walk through the doorway without fully drawing the curtain open every time.
Insulated Lining
Some curtains feature an extra layer of insulation quilted or laminated to the backside. This added thermal barrier boosts the curtain’s ability to prevent heat transfer through the door.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
It’s easy to accidentally reduce your curtain’s effectiveness if you’re not careful during selection and installation. Here are some key mistakes to steer clear of:
Not Covering the Entire Door Area
Even small gaps on the sides or top of the frame allow cold air to get through. Be sure your curtain overlaps the full width and length of the door area.
Too Loose of a Fit
Billowy fabric with excessive room to flap around won’t form a decent barrier. Choose a curtain that fits closely around the frame to seal tightly.
Waiting Until It’s Cold Out
Don’t wait until winter to install your curtain. Hanging it during warmer weather allows you to test the fit and make any adjustments before the cold hits.
Assuming Cheaper Is Better
While you can find inexpensive curtains, spending a bit more means getting better quality materials that last longer and insulate better over time.
Forgetting About the Top Edge
Since warm air rises to the ceiling, overlooking coverage along the top of the door frame will lead to wasted heating and cooling from air escaping above the curtain.
Find the Perfect Spots to Install Thermal Door Curtains
Wondering where to use your new insulating curtains for maximum benefit? Here are the best locations to reduce energy loss and improve indoor comfort:
High Traffic Exterior Doors
Any doors that people go in and out of frequently to get outside are prime candidates for curtains. Maintain indoor temperatures while allowing passage.
Doors With Poor Seals
If you feel cold drafts coming from a door, installing a curtain is the perfect solution. The fabric will seal up any problematic gaps letting air through.
Older Homes With High Heating Bills
Houses that waste a lot of energy due to poor insulation and leaks benefit greatly from added barriers like door curtains to prevent heat loss and save on costs.
Blocking Noise
In addition to their temperature insulation abilities, door curtains also muffle sound. Place them in busy entryways that tend to allow noise indoors from outside areas.
Ready to tackle cold weather and high energy bills? With the expert tips above guiding your selection, you can confidently choose a high quality thermal insulated door curtain.
Look for thick, durable insulating fabrics in the perfect size to overlap your door frame. Mount your curtain securely with easy-to-install hardware, and take advantage of added features like magnets and weight for better sealing.
In no time, you’ll be cozier and more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling costs down. Don’t let cold drafts whistle through your home any longer. Measure your door frames and order the ideal thermal door curtain today to take control of your indoor climate!