Windows can be one of the biggest areas of heat loss in a home, while large areas of glazing can also allow rooms to become uncomfortably warm in the summer.
Thermal honeycomb blinds are an excellent solution for improving insultation around your windows while also providing light control, privacy and style options. But how do they work, and how effective are thermal blinds?
What are thermal honeycomb blinds?
Honeycomb blinds are made from a pleated fabric which forms a series of honeycomb-shaped cells.
When the blind is lowered, each honeycomb cell traps a pocket of still air. As still air is a natural insulator, these pockets create a thermal layer between the window and the room, helping to slow down the transfer of heat.
In winter, this can help reduce the amount of warmth escaping through the glazing. During summer, the same principle can help slow down heat entering the room from outside.
Our pleated blinds use this honeycomb structure, with different styles and fixing options available to suit different windows, rooms and requirements.
Why choose thermal blinds?
Around 18% of heat loss in homes occurs through windows*, so choosing an effective window covering plays a really useful role in improving temperature control and helping to reduce energy bills.
* Source: https://bbsa.org.uk/householders/energy-saving/
Honeycomb blinds are particularly effective in rooms with:
- South-facing windows
- Large areas of glazing
- Conservatories and extensions
- Roof windows and skylights
- Rooms that are particularly cold in winter or warm in summer
How effective are thermal blinds?
The effectiveness of a thermal blind depends on factors including the fabric, glazing and how closely the blind fits to the window.
For example, a honeycomb blackout blind in the Perfect Fit system can reduce heat loss by up to 32%* – this is due to the close-fitting design of Perfect Fit blinds. The blind sits neatly within the window frame and moves with the window, creating an insulating layer very close to the glass, helping to prevent the heat moving between the window to the room.
*Source: https://bbsa.org.uk/householders/energy-saving/
Honeycomb blinds are available in different cell configurations, dual-cell designs can further increase the effectiveness of the thermal properties:
Single-cell honeycomb blinds use one layer of air pockets within the fabric, providing an insulating barrier while maintaining a slim profile.
Dual-cell honeycomb blinds use two layers of honeycomb cells, creating additional air pockets and an increased insulating layer. Therefore, these blinds can be a particularly effective choice where thermal performance is a priority.
More than just thermal insulation
Although thermal performance is a key benefit, honeycomb pleated blinds also provide excellent light control and privacy.
They are available in a range of fabrics, colours and light-control options, including light-filtering and blackout fabrics. You can also choose from different operating and fitting styles depending on your windows.
Free-hanging pleated blinds:
Free-hanging blinds offer a versatile option for both standard windows and larger openings. They can be operated manually or motorised for added convenience.
Tru-Fit and Perfect Fit blinds:
Honeycomb pleated blinds can also be fitted using systems such as Tru-Fit and Perfect Fit, creating a neat, integrated finish within the window frame.
These systems can be particularly useful for tilt-and-turn and turn windows, as the blind moves with the window when it is opened or tilted. This means you can open the window without having to move the blind separately.
Take a look at our pleated blind for windows blog for further examples of where different honeycomb blinds are best suited.
Are honeycomb blinds right for your home?
If you’re looking for window coverings that can help improve insulation throughout the year, honeycomb pleated blinds are well worth considering. Their honeycomb structure helps reduce heat transfer through the window, helping to retain warmth during winter and keep rooms cooler in the summer.
If you’re looking for the best blinds to keep heat out during the summer months, honeycomb blinds are a great option because if you keep them closed during the hottest parts of the day can effectively help reduce heat entering the room, while also cutting glare and providing privacy.
With manual and motorised free-hanging options, as well as Tru-Fit and Perfect Fit systems, these thermal blinds can be tailored to suit different windows and rooms, and help keep your home a comfortable temperature all year-round.
If you’d like to explore the options available, get in touch with our team to find the right solution for your home, we’d be more than happy to help.
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