DIY window coverings

**krbshappy71** · 09-06-2011, 03:28 PM

BubbleWrap

I am going to try this, this winter. I am currently using tote lids covered in foil for windows to block the heat, but I am not liking them so much now that I've been taking them up and down off the window. Going to try this for winter months for heat conservation.

If anyone else would like to add to this thread with window covering suggestions that would be great! I tried to find a previous one that people talked about quilted window coverings and could not find it.

**MissSeetonFan** · 09-06-2011, 05:35 PM

We used bubble wrap on the coldest room in our old apartment. It was the only one with original windows, not the new ones. We used the larger bubble wrap instead of the smaller/normal size. Every time I did something to that room, I could feel a temperature difference, at least until I got used to it. It still remained the coldest room in the house but it stayed warmer than it would have. I also, eventually, put blankets up in them too.

We will probably use bubble wrap on our new apartment too.

**Spirit Deer** · 09-07-2011, 12:17 AM

I can't see where the R value of air would do much good. If it's a room where you don't mind if it's dark, IMO rigid foam insulation would make more sense.

Again if it's a room where light isn't a factor, like a spare room you're rarely in, I would use Reflectix instead. It has a reflective surface on both sides, so would reflect cold away from the window and heat back into the house, and vice versa in the summer.

**madhen** · 09-10-2011, 12:03 PM

It isn't DIY, but I was able to buy thermal curtains at K-Mart for about $6/each. That is for the long ones, about 4x8'. They have made a WORLD of difference in keeping my livingroom cool this summer, although they DO block out light.

**Spirit Deer** · 09-10-2011, 09:55 PM

I got a huge bag of thermal drapes a few years ago for $2 at a sale. I made panels for our living room, for one small window, twelve feet of larger windows, plus the patio door. We use them in the winter at night to help keep the heat in and they really do make a big difference.

**bent** · 01-31-2012, 10:19 AM

my bedroom has odd windows and as I like to sleep in a dark room the street light shines through the blinds and curtains so I did this:
I took some material a nice tiny rose pattern measured the glass section (twice- measure twice cut once) and cut the material to fit. took some liquid starch saturated the pieces, squeeze out the excess and put the pieces on the four window panes. smoothing out wrinkles it's best to start at the top left corner and work your way across like putting shelving paper down. the apt frowns on blocking access - I still don't understand that but anyway, since nothing was tacked up, taped up, they couldn't make me take them down when they inspected

to remove grab on corner and peel off- wash window and dry. easy peasy. I used an old lacework sheer on my l/r widows that face my weird neighbor across the street- I can see out and get light but he can't peer in.....

**Brat** · 01-31-2012, 02:19 PM

I used window quilts..even on double pain they made a difference...I also used used dryer sheets to back and line the curtians that I made for my kitchen..It is crazy patch pattern so used the dryer sheets as a base faberic..It keeps a lot of air out..

**shoiji** · 02-01-2012, 05:49 PM

I purchased white blankets from Family Dollar. They are very similar to felt. Ended up cutting to size to fit behind the thin curtains I already had up. The rings I use to hold the curtains up have a small clip on them. It holds the blanket and curtain at the same time. Since the sliding glass door and window has blinds you can not tell I have a cut down blanket in my window. I keep them up all year round since they also help to keep the heat out when it is hot.

Thought this would be a temporary solution since I was planning on purchasing a new sofa and would then purchase new curtains. That was a couple of years ago and have yet to purchase a new sofa.

**leighcat** · 02-01-2012, 08:29 PM

I tried that shrink wrap stuff for the windows last winter and the wind blew them right off the windows! This year we have had a mild winter but I cringe at the loss of AC out the windows when it gets hot again. Considering this house has the original jealousy windows I am giving up on any shrink wrapping or blocking. I am going to have to start replacing windows, even if it is just a couple a year.

**Stacia** · 02-16-2012, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by shoiji

I purchased white blankets from Family Dollar. They are very similar to felt. Ended up cutting to size to fit behind the thin curtains I already had up. The rings I use to hold the curtains up have a small clip on them. It holds the blanket and curtain at the same time. Since the sliding glass door and window has blinds you can not tell I have a cut down blanket in my window. I keep them up all year round since they also help to keep the heat out when it is hot.

Thought this would be a temporary solution since I was planning on purchasing a new sofa and would then purchase new curtains. That was a couple of years ago and have yet to purchase a new sofa.

That's a really good idea!

**Mr Fixit** · 03-07-2012, 04:09 PM

A lot of windows simply leak air around them due to cracks where the house has shifted, or the caulking has become old and has shrank.
Latex caulking can be purchased for cheap, less than 2 bucks, and one tube will normally do 2 or 3 windows.
This also happens around doors, corners of the house, and up by the soffets.
So when the weather gets warm, go outside and take a good close look around your windows and doors, and you will probably see a lot of cracks between the window trim and the siding where the wind can blow right through! Most people never notice this, and wonder why so much air blows through their houses, and they cant seem to keep it warm.
If you stop all of the drafts, you might find that you dont need to cover the windows. Drafts lose more heat than single pane windows becaue they allow constant air movement through your house, and this just sucks the heat right out.
Take it from Mr Fixit, you will be glad you looked!