- January 12, 2026
- Rae Day
Houston may not have many cold days, but when they arrive, we sure know about it!
In my house, all it takes is a couple of cold nights to throw my heating system into overdrive.
In most homes, the windows are where we lose (or gain) the most heat.
Even well-built homes with quality windows experience energy transfer through glass. Thoughtfully chosen window treatments add an additional layer of insulation right where it matters most, and they do so in a way that can be both beautiful and highly functional.
Honeycomb Shades: Powerful Insulators for Houston Homes
Honeycomb shades are widely recognized for their energy efficiency, but not all honeycomb shades are created equal. The most effective options feature cell-within-a-cell construction. This design creates three pockets of air within the shade, making it a strong thermal barrier between the window and the room.
What many homeowners find surprising is just how design-forward these shades can be. Today’s honeycomb shades come in an enormous range of colors, textures, and even some patterns. They can feel tailored and architectural or soft and understated, depending on the fabric selection. Energy efficiency does not require compromising on style.
Roman Shades: Bespoke Beauty with Substance
Roman shades are often chosen for their hand-made charm. They are a beautiful option for cold-weather protection. Many types of fabric are appropriate for Roman shades, and they may be further customized with gorgeous trims. Roman shades add softness and style to your room.
Traditional Roman shades are lined with the same materials as draperies, providing at least two layers of fabric. They provide essential insulation while maintaining the crisp, tailored look that Roman shade lovers are drawn to. If you appreciate a bespoke aesthetic and want window treatments that feel completely personal, Roman shades offer warmth in both appearance and performance.
Lined Draperies: Plush, Luxurious, and Effective
Well-designed draperies are among the most effective insulating window treatments available. Lined draperies create depth, softness, and a sense of luxury that elevates the entire room.
Interlining is an additional layer of fabric that adds plushness and presence, helping draperies hang beautifully while also improving their insulating performance. The result is a window treatment that feels rich and substantial without feeling dated or overwhelming when designed with proportion and intention.
Automation and Working with the Houston Sun
Automation takes energy efficiency a giant step further by allowing window treatments to take advantage of the sun. Sunlight is a free source of warmth and may be used in conjunction with window treatments to maintain heat in a home. Automated shades or draperies can be scheduled to open when the sun is shining into a room.
As the sun moves and no longer contributes warmth, those same treatments can close automatically to help retain heat through the evening and overnight. Interestingly, all the window treatments recommended here to keep cold out during the cooler months are just as effective at keeping heat out during Houston summers. It is a year-round strategy that adapts with the seasons.
Final Thoughts
Every home has unique needs in minimizing temperature changes, which may be affected by window placement, construction, and your daily routines. Window treatments are one of the few elements in a home that can actively support your comfort while also enhancing beauty.
If your home’s windows are affecting your comfort level throughout the year and you would like guidance choosing solutions that are both functional and personal, I am always happy to help you explore what will work best for your space—click here to start the conversion.
