How Roman Shades Can Help Cut Heating Costs This Winter

Windows lose a lot of heat in winter. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that well-chosen window coverings can lower that loss and make rooms feel warmer without raising the thermostat. Cellular shades lead on insulation, but Roman shades also help when you pick the right build and use them on a daily schedule. If you’re shopping for shades in Los Angeles or anywhere with cool nights, the same science applies.

Why windows feel cold

Glass conducts heat much faster than insulated walls. Warm air near a cold window cools and drops, which creates a small draft that people notice as “chill.” Interior window attachments add resistance to heat flow and calm those air currents. National labs and the DOE have studied these effects for years and confirm that attachments can save energy, with real results depending on product type, fit, climate, and how you operate them.

How Roman shades help

A Roman shade is a continuous fabric panel that lowers over the window. That fabric layer forms a still air pocket between the cloth and the glass. It reduces conduction through the window and limits the rolling air loop that makes you feel cold. While cellular shades are the top performer, tightly installed versions can cut window heat loss by about 40% and trim heating use by roughly 10%. A Roman built with heavier materials and a snug mount still provides worthwhile savings and comfort.

Features that matter for winter

• Lining and interlining: Add a thermal or blackout liner. The extra layers raise the effective R-value compared with a single fabric. DOE points out that heavier, tighter coverings perform better than light, loose ones.
• Tight fit at the edges: Inside mounts with side channels or well-sized outside mounts reduce side gaps. A cornice or valance at the top helps block warm air from slipping behind the shade. Research on sealed draperies shows that edge control reduces convective heat loss. The same approach helps Roman shades.
• Top-down/bottom-up or automation: Flexible control makes it easier to follow a daily open/close routine, which increases real-world savings. Studies show behavior and schedules strongly influence outcomes.
• Look for energy labels. The Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) label lets you compare expected efficiency for window attachments. Choosing rated products makes performance more predictable.

Daily habits that cut your bill

Simple routines go a long way in heating season:

• Open shades on sun-facing windows during the day to collect free heat.
• Close them at dusk and on cloudy days to slow heat loss overnight.

This day/night pattern is the operating strategy recommended by experts. If you add motors and schedules, you’re more likely to keep this routine even on busy days.

Roman shades vs. other options

If you want the single best interior insulator, cellular (honeycomb) shades are hard to beat. DOE reports that tightly installed cellular models can reduce window heat loss by 40% or more, which translates to noticeable heating savings.

Roman shades, though, offer a warmer, tailored look and can approach better performance when you combine a dense face fabric, thermal lining, and good edge control. They also layer well with lined drapery for extra sealing at the sides.

Buying tips for Roman shades

• Measure for coverage: If you use an outside mount, extend the shade at least a couple of inches beyond trim on each side. If you prefer an inside mount, ask for side channels to limit gaps. That tighter fit boosts winter performance.
• Pick the right fabric stack: Choose a tightly woven face cloth plus a thermal or blackout liner. Add an interlining if you want even more body and insulation. DOE explains that heavier, layered coverings cut heat flow better.
• Plan your control: Top-down/bottom-up lets you admit daylight up high while keeping lower glass covered. Motorized options help you keep a steady schedule that supports savings.
• Check for AERC labeling: Use the label to compare energy improvement values among products. It’s a simple way to narrow choices.

Also Read: How to Measure for Roman Shades Like a Pro – Learn Step by Step

Proper installation always matter

Good installation matters as much as fabric choice. Pros who regularly specify roman shades in Los Angeles know how coastal humidity, valley temperature swings, and bright winter sun affect comfort. When gathering bids, search for AERC-aware installers and fabricators.

The bottom line

Roman shades can cut heating costs when they’re lined, fitted well, and used on a simple daily schedule. If you want a design-forward option that earns its keep each winter, a properly specified Roman shade is a sound choice, especially when paired with smart controls and careful installation.

For whole-home projects, a designer who also offers custom blinds in Los Angeles can coordinate fabrics, linings, and mounts room by room to balance style and savings.