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How to make the switch from summer to winter curtains: Refresh your home this season

A winter curtain refresh brings warmth, texture, and better insulation. Simple layers, richer fabrics, and thoughtful styling create a cosy home.

Updated on: Nov 7, 2025, 13:53:28 IST
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HOMEMONDE Solid Blackout Curtains 9 Feet Long Set of 2 - Thermal Insulated Curtains for Long Door, 70% Room Darkening Drapes for Living Room, Bedroom, 108 Inches, (Beige, 274.32 x 118 CM)View Details...

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BFAM Store Thermal Insulated 100% Blackout Curtains for Bedroom with Black Liner, Double Layer Full Room Darkening Noise Reducing Rod Pocket Black Out Curtain 2 PC (Dark Grey, 5 FT (60INCH))View Details...

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Urban Space Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains 7 feet Long Set of 2 Curtains, Faux Silk Blackout Curtain with Eyelet and Tieback (Door 7 feet, Set of 2, Beige)View Details...

₹1,234

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Sheer Curtains White 95 Inches Embroidered Floral, Window Treatments Rod Pocket Drapes for Living Room, Bedroom, Semi Crinkle Voile Curtain Panels for Yard, Patio, Villa, Parlor, Set of 2, 52"x95".View Details...

₹12,344

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Story@Home Door Sheer Curtains 7 Feet Long Set of 2 | Solid Printed | Semi Transparent Curtain | Net Curtains | Curtain for Living Room | (118 x 215 cm, Off White) | Perfect for Home DecorsView Details...

₹1,239

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Layered winter curtains with rich fabrics and soft sheers create warmth, add comfort, and turn any room into a snug seasonal retreat. (Aditi Taran)
Layered winter curtains with rich fabrics and soft sheers create warmth, add comfort, and turn any room into a snug seasonal retreat. (Aditi Taran)
Neha Ravi Khandelwal

Neha Ravi Khandelwal
Neha Ravi Khandelwal is a Senior Digital Content Producer, Lifestyle at HT Shop Now, where she specialises in furniture, home, and travel, turning real-world expertise into practical advice that readers can rely on.

Career journey and experience
Neha began freelance writing in 2010 and started her mainstream media journey with the Times of India in 2022, and later joined the Hindustan Times. In the past, she has led interior design projects, interned in visual merchandising at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons, and managed operations for multiple women-led startups.

To satiate her curiosity, she has completed beginner’s certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and more. She takes pride in having read over 2000 books (yes, she did count, and can share a list!) and spent 8 years practising Bharatnatyam and has even ghostwritten a book on Ladakh Tourism.

Subject expertise
With a Master’s in Interior Design and 10 years of building homes, Neha knows space-saving furniture and budget-friendly finds inside out. She instantly visualizes rooms and curates practical, stylish solutions.

In travel, she offers packing guides, luggage tips, and trip advice, all backed by research, expert input from field experts, and hands-on experience.

Education and professional background
Neha holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design and had early stints as a visual merchandising trainee at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons. These experiences shape every article she writes.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify searching through the abundance of products on the market by finding the right one suited to my readers' needs based on personal experience, user reviews and ratings. When all else fails, Neha speaks to experts who can solve the query.

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Winter always nudges me to rethink how a room feels. The quickest way to lift a cold space is through winter curtains that soften the light and block out that unmistakable chill. The fabrics we enjoy in summer never quite rise to the winter mood. Linen and cotton look fresh in warm weather but offer very little once temperatures drop. This is when I start paying attention to window insulation, heavier textures, and richer tones that suit winter home decor. With the right shift, curtains can become both a comfort layer and a styling tool. My aim here is to keep the process simple, practical, and enjoyable.

I also wanted this guide to reflect real on-ground design insight, so I reached out to Aditi Taran, the creative lead at Panorama Design Studio. She has spent the past decade shaping luxury homes with a strong focus on comfort, colour, and the mood a room creates. Her work blends thoughtful planning with a clear understanding of how materials behave through the seasons. A quick chat with her gave me practical ways to refresh a space for winter, and she shared these ideas with HT Shop Now.

The functional switch. Blocking drafts and boosting efficiency

A surprising amount of heat can slip away through bare glass. Light summer fabrics barely slow that process. Winter calls for energy-saving curtains that form a quiet insulating pocket and reduce heat loss without changing anything else in the room.

Aditi Taran explains it: “Two layers work beautifully in winter. Sheers inside to invite the sun during the day, and thicker curtains on top to keep the chill out in the evening.”

Heavier fabrics help trap warmth, and a thermal drapes lining strengthens that effect. Acrylic foam and fleece-backed thermal liners slow the escape of warm air and make a real difference to heating costs. These small changes create a calm, steady indoor temperature without feeling heavy or complicated.

Thermally insulated curtains (Top picks)

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The aesthetic shift. Colour, texture, and weight

Winter always brings out my love for deeper tones and fuller textures. Bright summer whites feel a little pale once the air cools. I lean toward jewel-toned shades like forest green, charcoal, or burgundy because they absorb light, making the room feel grounded. Aditi often encourages clients to play with richer fabrics. “Velvet and jacquard both hold warmth and add texture. They help the room feel fuller without crowding it,” she says.

Velvet curtains and heavy cotton can change the entire mood of a room with very little effort. These fabrics give the eye something to rest on and create a cosy home aesthetic that suits the season.

Styling the new drapery

Layering becomes an easy styling trick once winter sets in. I often place heavy curtains over existing sheers so I can keep the room bright during the day and warm in the evening. Roman blinds also work well when paired with sheers. Aditi captures the approach: “A Roman blind above a sheer layer gives softness, shape, and extra warmth. It keeps the window neat and adds interest.”

Full-length heavy curtains should skim the floor to support draft proofing. Closing small gaps near the wall creates the best insulation. Tie-backs help manage the added volume and keep things tidy when the curtains are open.

Top recommendations for a winter refresh

Sheer curtains
Keep daylight soft and warm while brightening the room.

Velvet curtains
Bring depth, insulation, and a calmer evening mood.

Roman blinds
Add a compact layer that shapes the window and supports insulation.

Tie-backs and hold-backs
Keep winter drapes tidy and shape the window during the day.

Practical steps and hardware check

Before bringing in your winter layers, remove and clean your summer curtains and pack them away carefully. I tend to store them in vacuum-sealed bags to keep the fabric fresh. Winter curtains carry far more weight, so the rod and brackets must feel secure. Strong rods support heavy curtains without bending. Decorative rods also help reinforce the change in mood that comes with seasonal decorating.

Curtain rods and brackets

Pro-tip: A quick steam once everything is hung allows the fabric to settle and form natural folds that improve both insulation and appearance.

With a few thoughtful swaps, your home becomes warmer, richer, and far more inviting through the colder months. Enjoy the comfort your refreshed windows bring.

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Winter curtain refresh: FAQs
Light summer fabrics let cold air move through the room. Winter curtains, especially heavy curtains with thermal liners, help slow heat loss and create a cosy home aesthetic with very little effort.
Thermal drapes help with window insulation, but I find the best results come from pairing them with sheers or blinds. This gives both warmth and a soft daytime glow.
Deep tones such as forest green, plum, or charcoal absorb light and add depth. Combined with velvet curtains or thick cotton, they create a calm winter mood.
Use sheers inside for daylight, add roman blinds for shape, and finish with tie backs to control the flow of fabric. This keeps the space warm and balanced without feeling crowded.

The author of this article holds a Master's Degree in Interior Design and has spent over a decade in research, teaching, and designing homes from scratch.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

  • Neha Ravi Khandelwal
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Neha Ravi Khandelwal

    Neha Ravi Khandelwal Neha Ravi Khandelwal is a Senior Digital Content Producer, Lifestyle at HT Shop Now, where she specialises in furniture, home, and travel, turning real-world expertise into practical advice that readers can rely on. Career journey and experience Neha began freelance writing in 2010 and started her mainstream media journey with the Times of India in 2022, and later joined the Hindustan Times. In the past, she has led interior design projects, interned in visual merchandising at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons, and managed operations for multiple women-led startups. To satiate her curiosity, she has completed beginner’s certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and more. She takes pride in having read over 2000 books (yes, she did count, and can share a list!) and spent 8 years practising Bharatnatyam and has even ghostwritten a book on Ladakh Tourism. Subject expertise With a Master’s in Interior Design and 10 years of building homes, Neha knows space-saving furniture and budget-friendly finds inside out. She instantly visualizes rooms and curates practical, stylish solutions. In travel, she offers packing guides, luggage tips, and trip advice, all backed by research, expert input from field experts, and hands-on experience. Education and professional background Neha holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design and had early stints as a visual merchandising trainee at Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons. These experiences shape every article she writes. Editorial Philosophy I write with one single goal: To simplify searching through the abundance of products on the market by finding the right one suited to my readers' needs based on personal experience, user reviews and ratings. When all else fails, Neha speaks to experts who can solve the query.Read More

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