Insulated Blinds and Shades

Beat the heat in summer and block the cold in winter with the right insulated window shades. And while it’s nice to save energy, lots of choices are both practical and pretty, so you don’t have to surrender your style!

It makes sense that having blinds and shades help control temperatures in your home. But did you know that some blinds and shades are better than others at keeping your home warm or cool? Sure, Roman shades and wood shutters can help block the elements. But there are other options that might better meet your insulation needs.

Insulated Cellular Shades

The best insulated window shades are cellular shades. They have a unique honeycomb shape that traps air and helps keep your home comfortable and protected from the outside temperatures.

Here are some things to keep in mind with cellular shades: 

Fabric is Better

Make sure your cellular shades are created with fabric. Unlike paper, cellular shades' soft fabric is crush resistant and wrinkle-free.

Cell Sizes: Choose Double Cell For Maximum Insulation

Different cell sizes, including double cells, allow you to choose the best level of insulation for your needs. 

Options for Sliding Doors

Cellular shades are also available in a vertical orientation for sliding glass doors or patio doors. That means you can match your vertical cellular shades with your horizontal ones—so all your windows are insulated. And coordinated!

Learn more about Graber Cellular Shades.

Insulating with Solar Shades

With their modern aesthetic, solar shades offer a certain cool factor. They also are a great insulated window shade, as they manage heat, daylight, and glare for optimal indoor comfort. This is due to their unique technology that blocks the sun’s rays while allowing you to view outdoors.

When picking out Solar Shades, there are different levels of openness to keep in mind.

The View Goes Both Ways with Solar Shades

It’s important to remember that whatever view to the outside you have during the day, that’s the view passersby have to the inside of your lighted home at night. If privacy is desired, but you don't want blackout solar shades, include drapery in your design scheme. 

Learn more about Graber Solar Shades.

More Choices for Insulated Window Blinds and Shades

Tailored Roman Shades

The most stylish way to beat the heat and cold is with a fabric tailored Roman shade. Custom made to fit your window, Graber Tailored Roman Shades use the power of fabric to insulate against the cold and cut down on drafts.

A Very Simple Shade

Graber Roman Shade design is simple and dependable—just a set of control cords coupled with rings sewn into the fabric. This simplicity makes the Roman shade design perfect for showcasing a beautiful fabric.

Some things to remember about Tailored Roman Shades:

• There are hundreds of Graber fabrics to choose from
• The best insulating fabrics are thick or heavy fabrics
• Coordinate your tailored Roman shades with drapery in a matching fabric
• Lift options include motorized lift, cordless lift, and continuous-loop lift

Learn more about Tailored Roman Shades.

Wood Shutters

The most classic of all window treatments, shutters are a great way to keep out the cold. Their heavy wooden components make shutters an excellent buffer against winter’s cold.

A Design for Many Settings

While shutters have a very classic look, their simplicity and clean, straight lines also make them an excellent choice for a modern design scheme. A white or off-white shutter can present the ideal backdrop for modern or retro elements. Choose from dozens of colors and finishes for your real wood shutters.

Easy Control

Shutters are very practical and easy to operate. To control incoming light, grab hold of a louver (slat) with your fingers and lift or lower. It’s that simple.

Graber Wood Shutters are of the highest quality:

• Our three-step drying process guarantees the straightest possible wood
• Lumber is sustainably harvested in North America
• Made from basswood, the premier hardwood for constructing blinds
• Milled at responsibly-managed sawmill in Grayling, Michigan

Learn more about Graber Wood Shutters.

How Fabric Color Impacts Insulation & Energy Efficiency

Dark color fabrics 

• Absorb more solar radiation to increase energy savings during colder months
• Reduce interior glare
• Maintain view to the outside

Light color fabrics

• Reflect more solar radiation during warmer months
• Optimize natural light by allowing more daylight through the fabric
• Provide diminished view-through in the daylight