The return of heavy curtains – and why they’re secretly energy efficient

Thick curtains can help create a barrier between the warm air inside and the cold glass of your windows - (Getty/iStock)

A staple in the Victorian era, heavy curtains were once as popular for warmth and insulation as for decoration – helping to keep draughts at bay long before central heating even existed. Over time, they fell out of favour as double glazing became the norm and minimalist interiors and sheer curtains rose in popularity.

Now, with rising energy bills a concern for many, thick curtains are making a comeback. As Stephanie Reid, fabric design manager at Ashley Wilde, explains: “Heavy curtains and layered window treatments are having a moment again as interiors move away from stark minimalism and lean back into warmth, texture, and a more considered, finished feel.”