Did you know your curtains could be saving you money year-round? Far from just an attractive way to improve the atmosphere of your home, window treatments could save you big on the warmest and coldest days of the year.

Are you using curtains in the most energy efficient way possible? With many Australian households seeing a utility bill increase of up to 20%, you can't afford not to. Read on to find out how to save!

The Right Curtain

Selecting the correct style of curtain and method of hanging is essential. Energy-efficient curtains often have a core of dense material designed to insulate. You can buy curtains that have a energy-saving lining which has been coated onto the back of the fabric, or buy lining fabric that is attached behind your drapes.

To save the most on energy, curtains must be mounted as close to the walls as possible. Reducing the amount of air between the window and curtain helps prevent air from escaping from around the edges.

Reduce the Draft

If your windows are old or lack a proper seal, temperature fluctuations can be a problem. Even moderate climates can see a loss of heat with drafty windows.

Heavy, thick, or insulated curtains can help reduce heat loss by 15-17% when drawn closed at night. Energy-efficient curtains create a draft barrier and prevent temperature transference from the cold of the window glass.

Choose the Correct Time of Day

When the sun is out, open curtains to allow natural heat to penetrate through your windows. Solar energy can be a powerful heater, but leaving the curtains closed can prevent that heat from getting through.

To maintain privacy in your home while still seeing heating benefits from the sun, consider hanging a sheer second panel behind the first. Pulling back the heavy protective drapery while leaving a sheer panel will maintain a privacy barrier without compromising sunshine. This combination is what we call Double Curtains and having two layers of fabric also doubles the insulation benefits.

Keep it Cool

In the hot days of summer, using curtains can prevent the sun from overheating the inside of your home. Curtains have thick layers of woven fabric which are one of the best window covering solutions to insulate your home throughout the year.

Keeping the interior from heating up during the warmest part of the day means your air conditioner or fans don't have to work as hard to cool your home. Try leaving curtains open on the shaded sides of the house, while drawing them closed over windows in direct sunlight.

Use Less Artificial Light

In warm seasons, longer days allows you to take advantage of natural light in the evening. Ambient natural light uses no electricity, unlike lamps and light fixtures. Try to use natural light during the day to cut electricity costs, only drawing curtains closed when direct sunlight threatens to warm the interior of the house.

Sheer curtains are perfect for summer, too. They allow you to enjoy the use of natural light without compromising your privacy. Sheers allow breezes to pass through, which can help to move stagnant air and keep the house comfortable.

Time For New Curtains?

Do your curtains pass the energy test? If not, don't fear. A simple update of the draperies in your home could mean big savings on your next utility bill.

Looking for an affordable window treatment upgrade? Visit our guide on how to chose the right curtains for your home.

There's a trend in curtains right now that leans toward the simple, yet elegant look. The curtain of choice looks to be the wave fold. Also known as ripple fold or S fold curtains, they provide a very contemporary look without being too outrageous or flashy.

Curious? We'll cover a little bit about what these curtains are and how they work, then dig into where they fit and how you should use them.

What are S Fold Curtains?

S fold curtains are unique in the sense that they open and close smoothly. As the name implies, the curtains look just like a wave or long "S" pattern that continues as long as the length of the window it's covering.

This soft flowing wave effect allows the fabric to drape beautifully and the overall look creates a very contemporary and on-trend finish. Wall to wall and ceiling to floor s fold curtains can truly transform a space, adding softness to a room with the fabrics movement and texture.

The track that the curtain uses is slim, meaning that it can fit into small spaces between windows and the ceiling. This is what makes the S fold so great for taller windows or any window that is situated without much space for a curtain rod.

Additionally, if your windows are generally small, S folds can help you create the illusion of size. Hanging your curtain rod closer to the ceiling and letting the curtain drape down past the window will give the impression that your windows are larger than they are.

Things to Consider

There are a couple of things to keep in mind when you're choosing your S fold curtains. The first thing is the fabric.

Try to find a fabric that's light, airy, and soft. Stiff fabrics can be clunky and take up a lot more space. A softer material, however, will fold up nicely and hang beautifully.

Beyond that, you have the freedom to choose any fabric, design, or placement that you want. These curtains are timeless and go will with modern interiors just as well as traditional ones, so there's nothing holding you back.

Need More Advice?

Curtains are a huge element in the feel of any room. S fold curtains or otherwise, we have the knowledge and information needed to help you make your next decision.

There's no harm in getting a little advice about how to make your home as beautiful as possible. See what we have to offer.

Big, bright windows are a major selling point for all homes. Once you move in, those beautiful windows can run up your utility bills and leave you wanting for privacy.

Window treatments are a great way to protect your privacy and save energy. The best window privacy options reflect your style and allow natural light in.

Not sure what window treatments will work for you? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Dollar Curtains + Blinds has all the window privacy options to suit your tastes and needs.

Read on for a list of options that will work well for your home.

Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are made of panels of fabric that cover the width and length of your windows. They are ideal for people with specific tastes because they are highly customisable.

Choose from sheer or opaque fabrics, all of which are able to maintain their original quality after exposure to the bright Australian sun. Roller blinds can be opened and closed through chain control, spring-loaded operation, or motorisation.

If you're looking for versatility and easy customisation, these blinds will work for you.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are traditionally an opaque window covering made from blockout fabrics. They are designed to be raised to let light in during the day and lowered at night to protect your privacy.

Roman blinds have beautiful fabric folds when drawn open and create a more decorative look. Depending on the fabric you choose, roman blinds can have a modern or traditional appearance.

Venetian blinds are the most traditional of all the window treatments. This is a window treatment to go for when you're working with a tight budget.

Venetian blinds consist of slatted blinds that can be opened or closed through the use of a cord. They can be the sole window treatment, or complemented with the use of curtain panels.

Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains allow light in during the day while allowing for daytime privacy. They also allow you to look out and take in surrounding views. These curtains are made of very sheer fabric that is opened or closed through a pulley system that pinches or pleats the fabric together. This sheer fabric acts to diffuse and soften the natural light.

Sheer curtains are great for adding height to rooms with low ceilings, and for softening up the look of bare walls and windows. They are ideal to layer with blockout curtains or blinds so you can achieve day and night time privacy as well as light control at night time with the blockout fabric.

Interior Plantation Shutters

There are many different types of shutters available for the interior of your home, but plantation shutters are one of the best. These shutters are hinged to the window and consist of slatted blinds inside a frame.

Plantation shutters are super versatile. You can open the blinds within the shutters, or pull or fold the shutters away from the window to allow lots of light to come in. Close them at night for privacy.

Use Any of These Window Privacy Options

Protecting the privacy of your home doesn't mean you have to sacrifice natural light and style. Window privacy options make the most of natural light, style, and privacy so you'll have a home that is both beautiful and secure.

They also have the added benefit of energy savings during those sweltering Australian summers. Want to learn more about window privacy options that are perfect for your home? Contact us today for your free in-home measure and quote.