Do Shutters Keep out the Cold?
Keeping your home warm during the colder months is essential, not just for comfort but also for reducing energy bills. One question many UK homeowners ask is: do shutters keep out the cold?
The answer is yes, insulating shutters are an effective way to reduce heat loss and improve your home’s energy efficiency. In this post, we’ll explore how shutters help with insulation, compare them to other window treatments, and identify the best shutters for winter.
How Do Shutters Insulate Your Home?
Shutters create a physical barrier between your window and the interior of your home. This barrier helps slow the transfer of heat, keeping the warmth inside and the cold out.
Why Shutters Are Effective:
- Reduces heat loss through windows – especially single glazing.
- Prevents draughts from seeping in around window frames.
- Improves thermal retention when closed at night.
A 2018 study by English Heritage revealed that well fitted shutters reduce heat loss by 58%, beating both heavy curtains and blinds as the best way to keep out the cold – even on top of double-glazed windows.
Which shutters are best for keeping the heat in?
Key Benefits:
- Energy efficiency – Helps maintain indoor temperature and reduce heating bills.
- Noise reduction – Acts as a sound barrier for busy streets or urban areas.
- Privacy and light control – Versatile design allows you to adjust as needed.
- Stylish appeal – Shutters add a timeless, elegant look to any interior.
Shutters vs Other Window Coverings for Insulation
How do shutters for energy efficiency compare to curtains or blinds? Here’s a quick breakdown of how popular window treatments stack up in winter:
- Shutters
– Insulation Level: High
– Style: High
– Maintenance: Low - Heavy Curtains
– Insulation Level: Medium-High
– Style: Medium
– Maintenance: Medium - Thermal Blinds
– Insulation Level: Medium
– Style: High
– Maintenance: Low - Standard Blinds
– Insulation Level: Low
– Style: Medium
– Maintenance: Low
Shutters outperform most options in terms of insulation and durability- making them an ideal long-term investment.
Shutters can help you to reduce your energy bills
Not all shutters are created equal when it comes to insulation. Here are some of the best shutters for cold weather performance to reduce your heating bills:
Top Choices:
- Solid panel shutters – Provide full window coverage and excellent insulation.
- Tier-on-tier shutters – Let you open the top panels during the day for light, while keeping the bottom panels closed for warmth.
- Café-style shutters with lined curtains – A hybrid solution that offers both insulation and flexibility.
Materials Matter:
- Timber shutters offer better insulation than vinyl or MDF.
- Consider composite materials if moisture resistance is needed (e.g. in bathrooms or kitchens).
Tips for Maximising the Insulating Power of Shutters
To get the best results from your shutters in cold weather:
- Close them as soon as the sun sets to trap warmth inside.
- Pair shutters with thermal curtains for added insulation.
- Ensure a snug fit – poor installation can let cold air sneak in around edges.
Get your home ready for winter with Broadview Blinds
Whether you’re retrofitting an older property or upgrading a modern home, insulating shutters offer a stylish and effective solution to reduce heat loss and keep your space warm.
At Broadview Blinds, we offer a wide selection of shutters for energy efficiency—perfect for beating the chill without compromising on style. Our expert team can help you choose the right option for your home and budget.
Contact us today on 01202 679012 to learn more or book your free consultation.