The Truth About Cold Garden Rooms (And Why Curtains Aren’t Always the Answer)
Coalville Site Visit: A Real-World Problem, a Common Industry Mistake
Yesterday, I walked out of a home visit in Coalville genuinely frustrated not because of the homeowner, but because of what she’d been told by another company.
Her issue was crystal clear:
Her garden room was freezing in winter.
Big beautiful space. Two large windows either side of French doors. Just two small radiators underneath the windows and not nearly enough heat to keep the space comfortable.
She wanted advice on how to better insulate the room and keep the warmth in. Totally fair.
But here’s what the local curtain company offered as a solution:
Floor-to-ceiling curtains. Covering everything. Including the radiators.
Now let’s talk about why this is a problem not just from a design or usability point of view, but from a physics point of view.
Why Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains Can Make a Cold Room Worse
Look, curtains can absolutely help with insulation. Especially if they’re lined and fitted properly. But and this is a big one if you place them directly in front of your only heat source, you’re trapping the warmth behind the fabric.
It’s like putting on a winter coat… and then sitting in front of a heater with the coat draped over it.
You feel nothing.
So now you’ve got:
- Curtains blocking light
- Radiators stuck behind layers of fabric
- A room that’s still freezing
- And a homeowner wondering why her “solution” doesn’t work
That’s not energy efficiency.
That’s not smart design.
That’s not honest advice.
When the “Solution” Serves Sales, Not the Customer
This is where the industry gets it wrong too often.
That curtain solution?
It looks good on a quote sheet. It hits a target. It adds a nice chunk to the order value.
But it doesn’t solve the real problem.
That’s mis-selling.
And frankly, it’s wrong.
What Actually Works: Cellular Blinds (Also Known as Honeycomb Blinds)
At Barlow Blinds, we don’t believe in pushing the biggest ticket item or whatever’s easiest to sell. A quote from my Grandad “It is not our job to find customers for our blinds, it is our job to find the right blinds for our customers”
In this case, the right choice wasn’t bulky curtains. It was:
✅ Perfect Fit Cellular Blinds
Why?
- 🏡 Reduce heat loss by up to 32% (BBSA and University of Salford tested)
- 🔥 Keep warmth in the room not behind fabric
- 🚪 Don’t block French doors or restrict access
- ♻️ Energy-efficient, low profile, smart design
- 🎯 They actually solve the problem
Cellular blinds work by trapping air in their honeycomb structure, which acts as insulation between your room and the cold outside air. They're fitted snugly to the window, meaning minimal gaps, maximum efficiency.
They don’t block the radiators.
They don’t darken the room.
They are cheaper than curtains.
They just… work.
Curtains vs. Blinds: Which Is Better for Insulating a Garden Room?
Short answer: It depends.
But if your heat source is under the window — like most UK homes — then curtains that cover your radiators can actually make things worse.
Blinds, especially energy-efficient options like cellular blinds, offer insulation without blocking airflow, light, or access.
They’re practical.
They’re tested.
And in most cases — they’re the smarter solution.
Final Thought: Do the Right Thing
“Doing the right thing” shouldn’t be rare.
It shouldn’t be our Unique Selling Point.
It should be the standard.
At Barlow Blinds, we’ll always give you the honest answer — even if it’s not the flashiest. Because when your home’s comfort is on the line, there’s no room for gimmicks.
If your garden room’s freezing cold and you’re not sure why?
Let’s talk.
👇 Want to know which blinds are best for your cold room?
[Book a Free Home Visit] or [Download Our Free Guide to Energy-Efficient Window Coverings]
Would you like a matching CTA graphic, meta description, and headline options for the blog?
You said:
can we add an faq
HumanizeGPT Pro (By Marcus Sheridan) said:
Absolutely — here’s a strong, SEO-optimized FAQ section to add at the end of the blog post. It addresses common search questions and helps build trust and authority on the topic.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the best way to insulate a cold garden room?
The most effective approach is a combination of sealing drafts, adding efficient heating, and using insulating window coverings. Perfect Fit Cellular (honeycomb) blinds are one of the best options they trap heat, reduce drafts, and let in natural light without blocking radiators or access to doors.
2. Are curtains or blinds better for keeping heat in?
Both can help, but it depends on placement. Curtains work well if they’re not covering radiators or blocking airflow. Blinds, especially cellular or thermal blinds, are often more efficient because they sit snugly in the window frame and don’t interfere with heat sources.
3. What are Perfect Fit Cellular Blinds?
They’re custom blinds that clip directly into your window frame so no drilling or screws needed. The cellular (honeycomb) design traps air in pockets, which acts as insulation to reduce heat loss by up to 32% (BBSA tested). They’re ideal for garden rooms, conservatories, and any space that’s hard to keep warm.
4. Do thermal blinds actually work?
Yes but the type matters. Cellular blinds are more effective than standard “thermal” roller blinds because they insulate through their design, not just fabric thickness. They create a physical barrier that traps warm air inside and keeps cold air out.
5. Will blinds block natural light in winter?
Not with the right design. Cellular blinds can let in filtered light while keeping the cold at bay. And because they don’t need to be pulled across the entire window (like curtains), you can still enjoy daylight and your garden view even in winter.
About Phil Coleman
Phil Coleman is the fifth generation of his family to run Barlow Blinds, a Leicester business that has been making blinds since 1887. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Phil has played a leading role in shaping industry standards including being part of the team that wrote the only NVQ qualification for blind and shutter installers. He also serves on the Management Committee of the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), helping to set best practice across the trade. Under his leadership, Barlow Blinds has remained true to its founding principle: “It’s not our job to find customers for our blinds, it’s our job to find the right blinds for our customers.”
