I’ve got a balcony with a gorgeous view and vertical blinds in front of it, but it’s still a bit of a heat sink. Sealing the windows with plastic is out because I do still go out on it at times, even in winter. As a result, I’ve decided to put some drapes up in front of it to reduce some of the heat loss. Does anyone have any suggestions for what to use?
I can sew, so I don’t need anything ready-made. The windows are large – 8 feet by 7 feet, so we’re looking at quite a bit of fabric. I was considering felt or a wool blend. Velvet would be nice, but it’s expensive. I’m also considering fleece if I can find something in a nice solid or at least a print I’d be willing to put up with in my living room. My main concern is warmth, followed by appearance. I wouldn’t entirely rule out using blankets, although that’s not my first choice.
If anyone has any suggestions, I’d be interested in reading them. Right now, I’m planning on buying the fabric on Friday.
How about an alternative, double glazing? If that is too expensive, I’ve heard there is a kind of transparent foil you put on windows that should have the effect of instant double glazing.
If draught is your main roblem, you could sew “draft sausages”. Rolls of fabric, stuffed with old rags, in the shape of long narrow roll like cushions. They go on the floor or on the windowsill.
My advice is not to sew. Most discount and closeout ( and even dept. stores this time of year) will offer decent drapes for far less than the price of the fabric. This was a painfully expensive lesson for me.
If you buy dark and heavy, then hang them on a rod which is is a foot or so longer on each side of the door, you can draw them at night or while you’re not home, but still slide them completely away from the doors to get full sunlight and utility during the day.
Or try a roman shade mounted high above the door jamb which could be raised out of the way during the day. You could even buy some great fabric (tapestry?) and glue it to a roll-up bamboo shade.
If you have the patience to wait for a good offer, you could get some decent drapes on E-bay. People often sell perfectly good drapes because they just want something different to look at.
I foudn drapes that way, just last month. A beautiful set for 50 dollars. I didn’t even have to alter the length. Drapes are fairly lightweight, so the shipping costs were reasonable.