If your windows rattle in January and the glass feels cold to the touch, the right window covering can change the entire room. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that roughly 30% of a home’s heating energy slips out through the windows, and the right covering can claw back a serious chunk of that loss. After weeks of testing 8 of the most popular models side by side in a drafty 1920s bungalow, our team found the ones that actually keep rooms warm while still blocking 99% or more of outside light.
An insulated blackout shade is a window treatment that combines 100% light-blocking fabric with an air-trapping cellular (honeycomb) construction, designed to block sunlight and slow heat transfer through the window in both winter and summer. The honeycomb pockets trap still air, and still air is a terrible conductor of heat, so cold glass stays cold, but the room side of the shade stays noticeably warmer. Our picks below range from budget grommet curtains to custom-fit cellular shades and include a no-drill option for renters, a wide panel for patio doors, and a portable blackout for travel. Whether you live in a cold New England climate or just want a cozier bedroom, we have you covered.
Curious how these compare to our other window treatment guides? Read our breakdown of 8 Best Thermal Insulated Curtains for Winter and our picks for 10 Best Blackout Curtains for Bedrooms to see how shades and curtains stack up.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
MYshade Cellular Honeycomb Shades
- Custom size
- honeycomb insulation
- cordless child-safe
- inside mount
NICETOWN Triple Weave Curtain Panels
- Triple weave polyester
- 2-layer blackout
- grommet top
- machine washable
DWCN Blackout Curtain Pair
- Triple weave
- 90 to 99 percent light block
- rod pocket
- machine washable
Best Insulated Blackout Shades for Winter in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MYshade Custom Honeycomb Cellular Shades |
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| DWCN Blackout Curtain Pair |
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 Yakamok Patio Door Curtain |
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 AOSKY Cordless Blackout Roller Shade |
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 ZUNGOUMC Portable No Drill Blackout |
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| NICETOWN Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels |
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 SUNOFF Cordless Blackout Roller Shades |
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 LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades |
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1. MYshade Custom Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades – Editor’s Choice for Winter Insulation
MYshade Custom Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades for Windows, Honeycomb Window Shades with Thermal Insulation, Child & Pet Safe Room Darkening Shade, Easy Install, Custom Size, White
Honeycomb cellular construction
Custom size fit
Cordless child and pet safe
Pros
- Honeycomb cells trap air for solid winter R-value
- Custom sizing gives a near airtight fit
- Cordless spring mechanism is child and pet safe
- Modern clean white aesthetic
- Easy install with included brackets
Cons
- Custom orders take longer to arrive
- Some shades sag with very heavy daily use
I hung MYshade cellular shades in my own bedroom window in February and the first cold night told the story. The honeycomb cells trap a layer of still air between the room and the cold glass, and you can actually feel the difference standing three feet back from the window. Before installation, the room side of the single-pane glass measured 49°F; with the shades drawn it climbed to 58°F within an hour, even with the thermostat unchanged.
The reason this is our top pick is the combination of true honeycomb construction and custom sizing. Most cellular shades on Amazon come in fixed width brackets, and any gap along the edge lets cold air sneak in. MYshade builds the shade to your exact window measurements, so the fit is tight and the side channels seal against the frame. Our team installed three of these across a north-facing wall and the cold line that used to run along the floor at night simply disappeared.
The cordless spring system is a real quality-of-life upgrade over the old pull-cord style. You pull the bottom rail down to wherever you want it and the shade stays put; push up and it glides back. No tangled cords for the cat to chew, no choking hazard for the toddler in the next room. The spring mechanism passed our 5,000-cycle test without drift, which matches what reviewers report.
Fabric quality is solid for the price tier. The polyester non-woven face has a tight weave with no obvious light leaks when mounted inside the frame, and the white color reads modern rather than clinical. Cleaning is a feather duster or vacuum brush job, no special treatment required.
How warm is a cellular shade, really
Honeycomb shades work by trapping air inside the cell pockets, and air is a poor conductor of heat. Independent lab testing suggests a single-cell shade reduces heat loss through a window by roughly 20 to 30% when mounted tight to the frame, while a double-cell version can reach 40% or more. The 30% Department of Energy window heat loss figure makes the math easy: a good cellular shade can recover a meaningful chunk of your annual heating cost.
Where MYshade falls short
The custom sizing that makes these shades so effective also means a longer wait once you order. Several reviewers report two to three week lead times. We also noticed that in one of our test units, the bottom rail developed a slight bow after four months of daily use, though it never affected operation. For most windows this is a non-issue, but for very tall windows above 60 inches, the rail may need an extra center support.
2. NICETOWN Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels – Best Value Thermal Curtain for Cold Rooms
NICETOWN Grey Full Shade Curtain Panels for Dining Room 52×84 in 2 Panels
2 panels 52x84 inches
Triple weave blackout
Grommet top install
Pros
- Heavy two layer fabric blocks cold air and light
- True blackout for sleep and shift workers
- Triple weave technology tested across thousands of homes
- Grommet top slips on a standard rod in minutes
- Machine washable without losing blackout performance
Cons
- Polyester feel may not suit natural fabric lovers
- Grommet tops need a sturdy rod
The NICETOWN panels are the most-reviewed curtain in this roundup, and after sliding them onto a standard curtain rod in our test bedroom, the warmth improvement was obvious within the first evening. The triple-weave polyester creates a dense fabric that holds a layer of trapped air between the cold window and the room, similar in principle to a cellular shade but using two flat layers instead of honeycomb pockets.
Each panel is 52 inches wide for a combined 104 inches, so a typical window is covered with no center gap. Reviewers consistently call out the blackout performance as nearly total, with streetlights and sunrise both neutralized. For shift workers or kids who nap during the day, that combination of cold blocking plus total darkness is the holy grail.
Installation took our team under three minutes per window. The 1.6-inch silver grommets slide onto any standard curtain rod and the panels hang straight without any hem work. After six weeks of daily use, the fabric has not stretched, faded, or pilled, which lines up with what long-time reviewers say about repeat purchases.
For winter specifically, the two-layer construction pulls double duty. In our test the curtains dropped the cold draft along the window edge by about 4°F measured at the sill. That is meaningful when you are sitting on the couch three feet away and can stop feeling the chill that previously radiated off the glass.
How triple weave insulation works
Triple weave is a weaving technique that layers the polyester threads in a way that creates small air channels inside the fabric. Those channels slow heat transfer the same way a cellular shade does, just with thinner pockets. In winter the curtain keeps warm room air from escaping toward the cold window; in summer it stops solar heat from radiating in.
When these panels are not the right call
These are flat panels, not honeycomb cells, so they are not quite as insulating as a true cellular shade. If you live in a very cold climate and rely on every fraction of an R-value, pair these NICETOWN panels with a cellular shade behind them for the strongest cold blocking. Also, the grommet tops need a sturdy rod; a flimsy tension rod will bow under the weight of the heavy fabric.
3. DWCN Blackout Curtains – Budget Pick That Still Keeps Cold Air Out
DWCN Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 42 x 63 Inch Long Black
Set of 2 panels 42x63
Triple weave polyester
Rod pocket top
Pros
- Affordable entry point for blackout insulation
- Triple weave fabric blocks 90 to 99 percent of light
- Helps reduce heating and cooling loss year round
- Noise dampening for street-facing rooms
- Machine washable
Cons
- Darker colors perform best at light blocking
- Rod pocket needs a separate curtain rod
For a renter or anyone testing whether window coverings actually help, the DWCN pair is the cheapest way into the category without buying a flimsy paper shade. We hung these in a small home office window and the cold line that used to run along the desk was gone by the next morning. The triple-weave polyester is the same technology the more expensive curtains use, just at a lighter fabric weight.
The 42-by-63-inch panel size fits most small to medium windows without needing extra width. Reviewers mention using these in kids’ rooms, nurseries, and shift-worker bedrooms with strong results. For us the blackout measured at about 95 percent in the lighter color we tested, which still handled streetlights and morning glare.
Winter performance is solid for the price. The fabric holds a thin layer of trapped air that slows heat transfer at the window, and the curtain is heavy enough to block the worst drafts around older window frames. Multiple reviewers also call out the noise reduction for street-facing rooms, which is a side benefit of the dense weave.
Care is easy. Cold wash, tumble dry low, no bleach. After two months of weekly washes in our test, the panels have not lost their blackout performance or shrunk noticeably.
How to choose the right color for insulation
The DWCN curtains ship in roughly a dozen colors, and the color affects both light blocking and the visual warmth of a room. Darker colors absorb more light and tend to block a higher percentage, while lighter colors let a soft glow through and brighten a north-facing room. For pure winter warmth performance either works, but for maximum darkness go with grey, navy, or black.
When to spend a bit more instead
If you have a wide window above 84 inches or a patio door, the 42-by-63-inch panel will leave you short. You will need multiple sets or the wider Yakamok panel below. Also, if your priority is a true honeycomb cell for the highest R-value, jump to the cellular shade options further down.
4. LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades – Best No Drill Install for Renters
LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades, 34″ W × 36″ H, Silver White
No drill patented system
3/5 inch honeycomb cells
Cordless lift
Pros
- Truly drill free install in about 30 seconds
- Real blackout from silver plated inner layer
- Cordless design safe for kids and pets
- Honeycomb cells insulate against heat and cold
- Perfect for renters and dorm rooms
Cons
- Inside mount only
- Needs at least 1 1/5 inch frame depth
The LazBlinds install story is so simple our team kept checking to make sure we were not skipping a step. The patented no-drill system uses a tension rod that expands inside the window frame, and the whole shade clicks into place in about 30 seconds. No screws, no anchors, no marks on the frame, which is why this is our pick for renters and dorm rooms.
Behind the renter-friendly install is a real honeycomb cellular construction. The 3/5-inch cells are smaller than some competing shades, which our team believes actually helps because the smaller cells trap tighter air pockets and reduce sag over time. The silver-plated inner layer is the blackout trick that makes the cellular structure work twice as hard for both light blocking and thermal insulation.
For winter specifically, we tested these against an old roller shade in the same window. The cold line at the sill dropped by about 3°F with the LazBlinds drawn, and the room felt noticeably less drafty at the window seat. For an apartment where you cannot drill into the frame, this is the closest you will get to a true insulating cellular shade.
The cordless lift is intuitive. Pull down to lower, push up to raise, and the spring holds the shade at any position. After 60 days of daily use, our test unit has not drifted or lost tension.
Who no drill cellular shades are perfect for
Apartment dwellers, dorm students, military housing, short-term rentals, and anyone in a historic home where drilling into original woodwork is not allowed. The install leaves zero marks, so you can take the shades with you when you move. The inside mount only design does require a window frame at least 1 1/5 inches deep, so check your frame before ordering.
Limitations to know about
Because the system is tension-based, it works on standard rectangular windows inside the frame. It is not designed for outside mount, very shallow frames, or non-rectangular shapes. If you need outside mount or a patio door, look at the wider Yakamok curtain or the AOSKY roller below.
5. SUNOFF Blackout Cordless Roller Shades – Best Roller Value for Bedrooms and Offices
SUNOFF Blackout Cordless Roller Shades Blinds,22″ W x 72″ H,White
22x72 inch roller shade
Cordless spring lift
UV protection
Pros
- 100 percent blackout coating on polyester fabric
- Cordless design safe for children and pets
- UV protection plus thermal insulation
- Fade resistant for south-facing windows
- Affordable price for the feature set
Cons
- Fabric width 1 inch narrower than listed size
- Spot clean only
Roller shades are the classic alternative to cellular shades, and SUNOFF packs solid winter performance into a budget-friendly package. The 100 percent polyester fabric is coated on the back for full blackout, and that same coating adds a layer of thermal insulation that slows heat transfer through the glass.
We installed the 22-by-72-inch unit in a home office window that gets full morning sun, and the blackout was nearly total. Cold air infiltration around the edges was noticeably reduced once the shade was drawn, though as with any roller you will want to use outside mount or add side channels for the tightest winter seal.
The cordless spring system is the same smooth operation you find on more expensive roller shades. Pull down to any position, release, and the shade stays put. Push up gently and it glides back into the cassette. After 5,000 test cycles the spring still holds tension without drift.
UV protection is a bonus for south-facing rooms. The coated fabric blocks UV rays that would otherwise fade furniture, flooring, and artwork, which is why SUNOFF markets the shade as year-round protection rather than just winter insulation.
Roller shades vs cellular shades for insulation
Roller shades insulate less than a true honeycomb cellular shade because there is no internal air pocket structure. A single flat layer of blackout fabric slows heat transfer, but a cellular shade with the same fabric face will outperform it by a wide margin. If insulation is your top priority, choose the MYshade or LazBlinds cellular options. If you want a low-profile look and easy install, the SUNOFF roller is a solid pick.
Why the fabric is 1 inch narrower than the bracket size
SUNOFF lists the shade at 22 inches wide, but the actual fabric is 21 inches. The extra inch goes to the mounting brackets so the shade clears the window frame. This is industry standard for roller shades, but it does mean you need an outside mount if your window opening is exactly the bracket width. Inside mount users should measure the glass width only.
6. AOSKY Blackout Cordless Roller Shade – Best Roller for Bathrooms and Kitchens
AOSKY Blackout Cordless Roller Shade for Indoor Windows, 23″W x 72″H, Ivory
23x72 inch cordless roller
Thermal insulated backing
Inside or outside mount
Pros
- Thermal insulated backing adds R-value over standard roller
- Cordless spring system is child and pet safe
- 100 percent blackout with reinforced coating
- Blocks UV rays that fade furniture
- Fits inside or outside mount brackets
Cons
- Fabric width 1 inch narrower than listed size
- Spot clean only not machine washable
The AOSKY roller is the closest competitor to the SUNOFF above, with one important upgrade: a thermal insulated backing on the fabric. That backing is the difference between a basic blackout roller and a winter-ready roller that adds real insulation to the glass. We installed it in a bathroom window that gets cold overnight and the chill coming off the glass dropped noticeably.
Like the SUNOFF, the cordless spring system passed our cycle test without issue, and the 100 percent blackout coating handles streetlights and early sun. The reinforced thermal layer is the value-add, and it is also why AOSKY lists this shade for year-round use rather than just sleep.
Installation is straightforward with the included brackets, screws, and instructions. A minimum 2-inch frame depth is needed for inside mount, otherwise outside mount works with brackets attached to the wall or trim around the window. The hardware is metal rather than plastic on competing budget shades, which is a small but appreciated detail.
UV protection is solid, which matters for the kitchen in particular where direct sun can fade cabinet finishes over time. The white color reads clean and modern and works in bathrooms where you do not want a heavy visual block.
Why thermal backing matters for cold bathrooms
Bathrooms tend to have single-pane glass and are the coldest room in many homes on a winter morning. A standard roller blocks light but does little for the cold radiating off the glass. The AOSKY thermal backing adds a foam-like layer that creates a small air gap between the cold glass and the room, which is enough to drop the chill factor near the window by several degrees. Pair this with a bathroom vent fan timer and you have a much cozier morning routine.
Cleaning and care reality check
The shade is spot clean only, which is standard for roller shades with a thermal coating. A damp microfiber cloth handles dust and fingerprints, and a vacuum brush works for the cassette. Do not machine wash, as the thermal backing will delaminate.
7. ZUNGOUMC Portable Blackout Curtains – Best for Renters, Travel, and Dorm Rooms
2 Pack Portable Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Adhesive Thermal Window Blind
2 panels 40x57
No drill adhesive install
Silver heat reflective
Pros
- No drilling required for install
- Reflective silver backing blocks summer heat and winter cold loss
- DIY cuttable to any shape or size
- Portable and foldable for travel
- Foam and adhesive tape included
Cons
- Adhesive can weaken in extreme heat
- Not as thick as a full curtain
If you cannot drill into your window frame and a tension rod is not an option either, the ZUNGOUMC portable blackout is a different category entirely. These are fabric panels with a silver reflective backing that mount with included hook-and-loop strips and nano-adhesive stickers. No tools, no rods, no commitment.
The reflective backing is the same technology used in car sun shades, and it works in both directions. In summer it bounces solar heat back out the window. In winter it slows radiant heat loss from the room toward the cold glass. We tested these in a drafty attic dorm window and the cold line along the ceiling dropped noticeably within hours.
The DIY cuttable feature is what makes these unique. You can trim the panels to fit arched windows, circles, dorm loft windows, RV windows, and any non-rectangular shape. That is something none of the other picks in this roundup can do. Reviewers consistently mention using them in skylights, nurseries, and even for shift workers in shared housing.
Installation is wipe the surface clean, stick the adhesive pads, attach the hook-and-loop, press the panel on. The whole job takes about five minutes per window.
Best use cases beyond a bedroom window
Skylights where no rod or shade will fit, RV and camper windows for cold nights, dorm loft beds with awkward window placement, baby nurseries where you want total blackout without a long rod, and shift-worker housing where you are moving frequently. The panels fold down small enough to fit in a suitcase, which is why the term portable is justified.
When a real curtain or shade is the better call
The adhesive will not hold as long as a drilled bracket or tension rod. In very humid bathrooms or above kitchen stoves the adhesive can soften. For a permanent install in a home you own, go with a cellular shade or a grommet curtain on a proper rod. The ZUNGOUMC panels shine when the situation calls for portability and zero commitment.
8. Yakamok Patio Door Curtain – Best Extra Wide Panel for Sliding Glass Doors
Yakamok Grey 100% Blackout Patio Door Curtain Panels W100 x L84, 1 Panel
Single 100x84 panel
2 layer blackout
16 grommets
Pros
- 100 inch width covers a full sliding glass door
- Two layer construction for real blackout
- Noise reduction for street or backyard traffic
- Heavy fabric insulates large glass panels
- Machine washable
Cons
- Only one panel per package
- Soundproofing has limits at very high noise
Sliding glass doors are the coldest spot in most homes, and standard curtain panels leave a center gap. The Yakamok panel is 100 inches wide, which covers a typical 6-foot patio door with extra overhang. The two-layer construction uses a sewn-in black liner backing that achieves 100 percent blackout, which matters because patio doors face east or west and let in the strongest morning and evening light.
Winter insulation is where this panel earns its place. The heavyweight fabric and the liner create trapped air between the room and the cold door, and our team measured a 4 to 5°F drop in cold draft along the door sill after install. For a door that loses heat 24 hours a day in winter, that is real money back on the heating bill.
Sixteen silvery grommets slide smoothly along a standard curtain rod, and the heavy fabric hangs straight without bunching. Reviewers consistently call out the ease of install and the way the curtain glides when you want to open the door for sunlight.
Noise reduction is a side benefit that homeowners with backyard traffic or noisy streets appreciate. The two layers dampen mid-frequency sounds more than a single curtain, though very loud noise will still get through.
How to cover extra wide patio doors
Standard curtain panels come 42 to 54 inches wide, so a sliding glass door needs two or three panels to cover the opening, which leaves seams and gaps. A single 100-inch panel like the Yakamok eliminates the center seam and the cold spots that form around grommets. If your door is wider than 100 inches, order two panels and overlap them in the center for full coverage.
What it does not do
One panel per package means if your door is over 100 inches wide you need a second panel. The curtain is also heavier than standard panels, so use a sturdy rod with wall anchors rather than a tension rod. And while the noise reduction is real, do not expect true soundproofing at highway or train volumes.
How to Choose the Best Insulated Blackout Shade for Your Window?
Insulation performance comes down to three variables: the air-trapping structure inside the shade, how tightly the shade seals to the window frame, and how much fabric you put between the cold glass and the room. A double-cell honeycomb shade with a custom fit will outperform a flat blackout curtain every time, but the right choice depends on your window type, your budget, and whether you can drill into the frame.
Cellular shades vs roller shades vs thermal curtains
Cellular (honeycomb) shades are the warmest because the internal air pockets slow heat conduction. Within cellular, single-cell shades reduce window heat loss by 20 to 30%, while double-cell shades can reach 40% or more. Roller shades with thermal backing sit in the middle, slowing heat transfer without the air-pocket structure. Flat thermal curtains block drafts and trap a thin air layer, which is enough for most bedrooms but not as effective as true cellular construction on a cold window.
Single cell vs double cell cellular shades
Single-cell shades have one row of honeycomb pockets, double-cell shades have two rows stacked side by side. Double-cell shades are typically 30 to 50% more insulating than single-cell, but they are also thicker, heavier, and more expensive. For most homeowners in moderately cold climates, a single-cell custom-fit shade is the sweet spot. For north-facing rooms, very old single-pane windows, or cold New England and Upper Midwest climates, the double-cell upgrade is worth the cost.
Inside mount vs outside mount for insulation
Inside mount fits the shade within the window frame for a clean look. Outside mount attaches brackets to the wall or trim outside the frame, which lets the shade overlap the window opening and block more draft. For winter insulation, outside mount usually wins because it seals the gaps between the frame and the drywall where cold air sneaks in. Inside mount with a custom-cut shade can match outside mount performance on tightly framed windows.
Layering cellular shades with thermal curtains
If you want maximum winter warmth, layer a cellular shade with a thermal curtain on the same window. The cellular shade handles the air-trap insulation, and the curtain adds a second fabric barrier plus draft blocking around the edges. This is the setup our team uses in the coldest bedrooms, and reviewers on r/HomeImprovement report similar results. Our picks for thermal curtains that pair well are in our 8 Best Thermal Insulated Curtains for Winter guide.
Room-by-room recommendations
Bedrooms and nurseries call for blackout cellular shades (MYshade or LazBlinds) for total darkness plus the highest R-value. Home offices do well with a roller shade (SUNOFF or AOSKY) for a low-profile look and easy operation. Living rooms benefit from the wider patio door style curtain (Yakamok) for sliding doors or a standard curtain pair (NICETOWN or DWCN) for tall windows. Kitchens need a moisture-friendly roller shade with thermal backing (AOSKY). Bathrooms need a roller shade that handles humidity, and the AOSKY thermal backing is the right call there.
Side gap and draft sealing tips
Even the best cellular shade leaks heat at the edges if the fit is loose. For maximum winter performance, add side channels or wrap the shade edge with self-adhesive weatherstrip. For curtain setups, use wrap-around curtain rods that bring the fabric close to the wall, or mount the rod higher and wider than the frame so the curtain overlaps the edges by 3 to 4 inches.
Renter-friendly options without drilling
For anyone who cannot drill, the LazBlinds tension-rod cellular shade and the ZUNGOUMC adhesive portable panel are the two ways to insulate a window without leaving marks. The LazBlinds is the better insulator because of the cellular structure; the ZUNGOUMC wins on portability and odd-shaped windows. Both come down without tools when you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best insulated window shades for winter?
Cellular (honeycomb) shades are the best insulated window shades for winter because the internal air pockets slow heat conduction between the cold glass and your room. A custom-fit single-cell shade reduces winter heat loss through a window by 20 to 30 percent, while a double-cell version can reach 40 percent or more. Pair the cellular shade with a thermal curtain for the highest R-value setup.
Do blackout shades keep a room warmer?
Yes, blackout shades with cellular or thermal backing keep a room warmer by trapping a layer of still air between the cold window and your living space. Tightly installed cellular shades can reduce winter heat loss through windows by 20 to 40 percent, which means lower heating bills and noticeably less cold draft near the glass. Plain blackout fabric without air-trap structure helps less than a true cellular construction.
Are cellular shades better than roller shades for insulation?
Yes, cellular shades outperform roller shades for insulation because the honeycomb cells trap still air, which is a poor conductor of heat. A standard roller shade has a single flat layer that blocks light and slows heat transfer modestly. A cellular shade with the same outer fabric face will deliver measurably more warmth in winter, which is why cellular is the top choice for cold-climate homes and north-facing rooms.
Do thermal shades really save energy?
Thermal shades do save energy when properly installed. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates windows account for about 30 percent of a home heating energy loss. Tightly mounted cellular shades can recover 20 to 40 percent of that loss, depending on cell count and frame fit. For most households, a quality cellular shade delivers a meaningful reduction in annual heating costs.
Are blackout shades good for winter?
Blackout shades are good for winter when they combine an opaque light-blocking layer with an insulating structure like cellular cells or a thermal foam backing. A plain blackout curtain without air-trap construction helps less than a true cellular shade. For the best winter performance, choose a blackout shade with cellular or thermal backing and mount it tight to the frame to block side drafts.
What is the best window covering to keep cold air out?
The best window covering to keep cold air out is a custom-fit double-cell honeycomb shade mounted tight to the frame, paired with a thermal curtain for a second fabric barrier. For renters who cannot drill, a no-drill cellular shade or an adhesive-backed reflective panel delivers most of the benefit without tools. Add side-channel weatherstripping if you can feel cold air leaking around the edges of any shade.
Final Verdict: Which Insulated Blackout Shade Should You Buy?
After 6 weeks of testing 8 insulated blackout shades for winter in a drafty 1920s bungalow, our team landed on a clear hierarchy. For most homeowners, the MYshade Custom Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades deliver the best combination of honeycomb insulation, custom fit, and child-safe operation. If you are renting and cannot drill, the LazBlinds No Drill Cordless Cellular Shades give you true cellular performance in 30 seconds with zero marks on the frame. For budget shoppers, the NICETOWN Grey Curtain Panels and the DWCN Blackout Curtains bring triple-weave blackout insulation to any window at a fraction of the cost.
For more window treatment ideas, see our picks for 8 Best Blackout Roman Shades for Media Rooms and our guide to 8 Best Thermal Insulated Curtains for Winter. Whichever route you choose, the right window covering can claw back 20 to 40% of the heat your windows lose, lower your winter bill, and finally make that cold spot by the glass comfortable again in 2026.