As the temperatures drop in Lafayette, keeping your home cozy and your energy bills under control becomes a top priority. Winter can be unpredictable in Louisiana—chilly mornings, cold drafts, and higher heating costs can make your home feel less comfortable. But there’s a simple, effective way to keep the warmth in and the cold out: investing in energy-efficient smart window treatments.
At Made in the Shade Lafayette, we specialize in helping homeowners find custom window coverings that enhance comfort, boost efficiency, and add style to every space. The right window treatments do more than look beautiful—they act as insulation, reduce heat loss, and can even help lower your energy bills. Let’s explore how you can stay warm and save money this winter with custom window blinds, shades, and shutters.
Why Energy Efficiency Starts with Your Windows
Did you know that up to 30% of a home’s heat loss happens through its windows? Even high-quality, double-pane windows allow heat to escape. During winter, that means your heating system has to work harder—raising your utility costs. Energy-efficient window coverings provide an added layer of insulation, trapping warm air inside and keeping cold drafts out.
For homeowners in Lafayette, where winter temperatures can fluctuate, window treatments are an essential part of maintaining year-round comfort. Whether you’re upgrading your living room, bedrooms, or office, choosing the right products makes a big difference in both comfort and cost savings.
Best Insulating Window Treatments for Winter Warmth
Cellular Shades
Also known as honeycomb shades, cellular shades are among the most energy-efficient window treatments available. Their unique design traps air in individual cells, creating a barrier between your home’s interior and the cold air outside. This helps stabilize indoor temperatures and reduces the need for constant heating. Plus, they come in a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and opacities to match any décor.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters offer timeless beauty and excellent insulation. Crafted from durable materials like wood or composite, their thick louvers create a tight seal when closed, blocking cold air from seeping through the glass. Shutters also increase your home’s value and add a custom, built-in look that suits Lafayette’s classic Southern charm.
Roman Shades
For a blend of elegance and function, Roman shades bring soft fabric folds that add insulation and visual warmth. Lined versions provide even more energy efficiency, while unlined options create a light, airy feel. Choose from rich textiles and custom styles to complement your interior while improving comfort during cold months.
Drapery
Drapery panels are one of the most effective and versatile home comfort window solutions for winter warmth. Layering drapery over shades or blinds provides maximum insulation and aesthetic appeal.
Heavier fabrics like velvet or thermal-lined options can significantly reduce drafts and retain indoor heat. Drapery is also a beautiful way to add personality and color to your living spaces.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are sleek, modern, and surprisingly effective at improving insulation when properly fitted. Pair them with side channels or layered drapery for additional thermal protection. Many roller shade fabrics also offer energy-efficient coatings to reflect heat back into your room—ideal for Lafayette’s cooler evenings.
Motorized Shades
Take your comfort to the next level with motorized shades. These smart window coverings can be scheduled to open during sunny hours to let natural light warm your home, then automatically close at night to lock in heat. Smart automation adds convenience, saves energy, and enhances your home’s modern appeal.
Layering for Maximum Insulation
If you want to maximize warmth and style, consider layering your window treatments. Combining shades or blinds with drapery not only boosts insulation but also creates a designer-inspired look. For example, pairing honeycomb shades with elegant drapery panels traps more heat while giving your space a luxurious finish.
In Lafayette, where winter is mild but humidity can fluctuate, layered window treatments help balance temperature and moisture while keeping your home’s style consistent. Our experts can help you design custom combinations that match your aesthetic and performance needs.
Additional Energy-Saving Tips
- Use sunlight to your advantage. Open your shades during the day to let sunlight naturally heat your home, then close them at night to retain warmth.
- Seal window gaps. Even the best window treatments can’t stop drafts from poorly sealed windows. Make sure caulking and weather stripping are intact.
- Choose thermal fabrics. Ask about insulated linings and thicker materials designed to block cold air and hold in warmth.
- Automate for consistency. Use motorized solar shades to create a schedule that maximizes energy efficiency throughout the day.
The Benefits Go Beyond Winter
Energy-efficient window coverings don’t just help in winter—they’re valuable year-round. During Lafayette’s hot summers, these same products work to keep your home cooler by blocking harsh sunlight and UV rays. That means your home stays comfortable in every season while you save money on heating and cooling costs.
By upgrading your window treatments now, you’re making a smart investment in your comfort, your home’s value, and your winter home energy savings.
Why Choose Made in the Shade Lafayette
When you work with Made in the Shade Lafayette, you’re choosing a local team that brings the showroom directly to your home. Our design experts offer personalized, in-home consultations to help you find the perfect balance of beauty, performance, and budget. We carry a wide selection of top-quality blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery from trusted brands known for durability and energy efficiency.
We take pride in helping Lafayette homeowners enhance their living spaces with stylish, functional, and energy-smart drafty window solutions—installed with precision and backed by exceptional service.
Act Now Before the Cold Sets In
Winter comfort and savings start with your windows. Don’t wait until the cold arrives—schedule your consultation today and discover how custom window treatments can transform your home. The sooner you upgrade, the sooner you’ll start saving on energy costs and enjoying a warmer, more inviting space.
Request a Free Consultation today with Made in the Shade Lafayette and let our experts help you design window treatments that are both beautiful and energy efficient. Stay warm, save money, and fall in love with your home all over again!
