Best Window Coverings for Winter: Stay Warm, Save Energy, and Improve Home Comfort

Published 12/11/2025

When temperatures drop, your windows play a major role in keeping your home warm and energy efficient. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that windows can account for up to 30% of heat loss in the winter. The right window coverings can make a dramatic difference—not only improving insulation but also enhancing comfort, beauty, and privacy during the colder months.

If you’re looking to stay cozy this winter while reducing energy use, here are the best window treatments to consider and why they work so well.

Honeycomb Shades: The Winter MVP

If energy savings are your top priority, honeycomb shades are one of the most effective solutions available. Their unique cellular structure traps air within the shade, creating an insulating barrier between your window and the rest of your home.

Why they’re great for winter

• Excellent insulation to reduce heat loss
• Available in single, double, and room-darkening options
• Help keep rooms warmer for longer
• Compact, clean design fits any décor

Perfect for: bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, and drafty areas.

Why Portrait™ Honeycomb Shades Stand Out

Portrait Honeycomb Shades are designed with superior insulation in mind. Their energy-efficient cell structure traps air to reduce heat loss, helping your home stay warmer during the winter months. With a wide selection of fabrics, opacities, and operating systems, including cordless and motorized options, Portrait offers both comfort and style without sacraficing performance. It’s an ideal choice for homeowners looking to improve efficiency while elevating the look of their space.

Shutters: Classic Style Meets Winter Performance

Custom shutters—especially premium materials like solid wood or composite—are naturally insulating. When closed, they create a tight seal that reduces drafts and helps block heat loss.

Why shutters are ideal in winter

• Excellent thermal performance due to solid panel construction
• Adjustable louvers provide privacy and light control
• Durable and long-lasting
• Add resale value and timeless style

Perfect for: dining rooms, living rooms, entryways, and street-facing windows.

Why Woodlore® and Normandy® Shutters Are Winter Favorites

Woodlore and Normandy shutters offer exceptional insulation thanks to their solid, durable construction and precise fit within the window frame. Woodlore provides outstanding strength, stability, and energy efficiency with its engineered composite material, while Normandy delivers the natural warmth and timeless beauty of real hardwood. Both collections help reduce drafts and heat loss, making them excellent choices for keeping your home comfortable throughout the winter season.

Roller Shades With LightGuard 360™: Comfort + Efficiency

Modern roller shades can help reduce heat loss, and pairing them with Norman’s LightGuard 360 offers even better insulation. This system blocks side light gaps and helps seal in warmth—perfect for bedrooms or media rooms during long winter nights.

Why they work well

• Sleek, modern look
• Optional side channels reduce drafts
• Excellent for both privacy and room darkening
• Wide range of fabrics

Perfect for: bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms.

Why Soluna™ Roller Shades Are a Smart Choice for Winter

Soluna Roller Shades combine clean, modern design with practical insulation benefits. When paired with options like LightGuard 360™, they help minimize heat loss by reducing side gaps and limiting drafts. With a wide range of fabrics from light-filtering to room-darkening, Soluna makes it easy to control comfort, privacy, and natural light during the colder months.

Roman Shades: Soft Style With Insulating Benefits

Roman shades offer both beauty and winter-friendly functionality. When made with thicker fabrics or lined options, they provide a soft but effective barrier against cold air.

Why they’re a winter favorite

• Add a cozy, layered look
• Lined options improve insulation
• Wide range of design and fabric choices

Perfect for: bedrooms, living rooms, and traditional or transitional décor styles.

Why Centerpiece™ Roman Shades?

Centerpiece Roman Shades offer both elegance and exceptional insulation, making them a strong choice for colder months. Their patented cordless construction uses multiple layers of fabric, creating a thicker barrier that helps reduce heat loss and keep indoor spaces warmer. This multi-layer design not only enhances energy efficiency but also adds a rich, luxurious feel to any room. With Centerpiece, you get the perfect blend of comfort, style, and seasonal performance.

Additional Winter Tips for Your Windows

Small changes can make a big difference in comfort:

• Keep south-facing shades open during the day for passive solar heat
• Close window treatments at night to retain warmth
• Use layered treatments (e.g., honeycomb + drapery) for maximum insulation

A Warmer, Cozier Home Starts with the Right Window Coverings

Choosing energy-efficient window coverings is one of the simplest ways to create a more comfortable home during winter. Whether you’re looking to lower your utility bills, improve privacy, or enhance the look of your space, the right solutions can make a noticeable difference.

If you’re ready to upgrade for winter, your local Norman® retail partner can help you find the perfect custom fit for your home. Head over to our retailer locator today!