The First Big Frost Mistake Everyone Makes with Windows – and the Sophisticated $54 Draft Fix Designers Love

Windows seem to work against us when we're trying to keep warm indoors over winter, leaking cold air and making our heating work harder. Luckily, ugly weatherstripping and insulating films are not the only answer.

The stylish frost fix? Layering blinds, such as the sleek thermal roman shade from Wayfair, with curtains for a doubled-up barrier against cold air transfer that looks just as good as it performs. It's deceptively simple, yet strikingly chic.

Here's why the right combination of window treatment ideas is so effective, and the first frost mistakes to miss for a cozier home this winter.

The $54 Frost Fix That Stops Drafts and Looks Great Doing It

Unlike fiddly thermal window film from Walmart, thermal blinds available at Wayfair are more practical and look far more intentional than a hastily applied barrier for insulating windows, making a home feel like a sanctuary, rather than making a home less cozy.

Layering window treatments by adding thermal curtains, available from Wayfair, adds another thermal barrier that softens your space. It is the effortless curtain hack for a warmer home this winter.

Jordan Benjamin, president at Done Rite Services, says that this approach 'works similarly to layering clothes in that it traps small pockets of air to act as insulation to limit heat or cooling loss to windows.'

For this to work, however, he says that the blind needs to sit as close to the window as possible while avoiding the common thermal blind mistake of the fabric touching the glass (which could result in mold). A one-inch gap is sufficient.

The important part is to remember to layer and pick the correct materials to reap the most benefit.

Although window blind ideas alone will trap some air transfer to make heating more efficient, Dan Simpson, owner at Air Treatment Company, adds, 'When layered over the blinds, curtain ideas add another level of insulation by stopping air movement between the window and the rest of the room. Together, they can reduce heat loss and help your furnace or heat pump maintain a stable indoor temperature with less effort.'

When selecting your window treatments, Dan says cellular or honeycomb-style blinds are best, 'because their air-pocket design adds measurable insulation. I often recommend energy-efficient models such as the Home Decorators Collection cordless cellular shades from The Home Depot or SelectBlinds honeycomb shades, which perform well for their price.

'For homeowners decorating on a budget, basic roller blackout blinds from Walmart or IKEA can still make a big difference when layered with thick curtains. The key is ensuring a snug fit to minimize gaps around the window frame. Those small air leaks can drastically reduce the insulating effect.'

Alternatively, you can find trim-at-home shades from Amazon.

Thermal blinds have the added benefit of being easier to adjust than full curtains, Dan adds.

'Blinds are also practical from an HVAC standpoint because they don’t interfere with airflow like long curtains sometimes do. Many homes have vents, radiators, or baseboard heaters placed directly below windows, and heavy drapes can block heat from circulating properly,' he explains.

'Thermal blinds avoid that issue entirely while addressing the primary source of heat loss. They’re also easy to adjust, open them during sunny hours to let radiant warmth in, then close them at dusk to trap that heat.'

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Meet the Experts

Jordan Benjamin

Jordan Benjamin is an HVAC and plumbing expert and the President of Done Rite Services, and HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical company in Tucson, Arizona. He has over two decades in the HVAC trade and has owned Done Rite Services since 2015.

Dan Simpson

Dan Simpson has over a decade of experience in the HVAC industry and is a co-owner of Air Treatment Company, a HVAC service company that has proudly served Virginia communities for more than 58 years.

There are several other ways you can layer in interior design to keep a home warm all day, including adding throws, bedding, and rugs to your home to block drafts and insulate in style.