The best examples of DIY energy-efficient window treatments you can make at home

Real-world examples of DIY energy-efficient window treatments you can make

Let’s skip theory and jump straight into real examples. When people talk about examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make, they’re usually talking about projects that do at least one of three things:

• Trap heat indoors during cold weather
• Block unwanted heat and glare in hot weather
• Reduce drafts and air leaks around frames

Here are several of the best examples, all very doable for a beginner with basic tools.

1. DIY thermal curtains from thrifted fabric

If you want an example of a project that’s cheap, forgiving, and beginner-friendly, thermal curtains are hard to beat.

Instead of buying expensive insulated drapes, you can sew (or even no-sew) your own using:

• A heavy outer fabric (thrifted curtains, old canvas, or a thick cotton sheet)
• An insulating inner layer (fleece, flannel, old moving blankets, or wool)
• Basic curtain hardware or tension rods

You’re essentially creating a cozy blanket for your windows. In winter, you close them at night to keep heat in. In summer, you close them during the hottest parts of the day to block solar gain.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that insulated curtains and drapes can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10% when used properly, especially if they fit tightly and reach the floor (energy.gov). Your DIY version can get surprisingly close to the performance of store-bought options if you:

• Make them wide enough to overlap the window frame on all sides
• Hang them as close to the wall as possible
• Add a Velcro or magnetic strip along the sides to limit drafts

This is one of the best examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make if you rent, because you can remove everything when you move out.

2. Homemade insulated Roman shades

If you like a cleaner, more tailored look than curtains, insulated Roman shades are a great example of a DIY energy-efficient window treatment you can make with a bit more patience.

You’ll layer:

• A decorative front fabric
• A layer of batting or fleece for insulation
• A backing fabric
• Wooden dowels or slats to create the folds

The shade fits inside the window frame, which helps trap a pocket of air between the glass and the fabric. That trapped air acts like a mini-insulated panel.

To boost efficiency:

• Add side channels (simple fabric strips or narrow wood pieces) to reduce gaps
• Make sure the shade sits snugly against the sill when fully lowered
• Consider a reflective lining if you’re in a hot, sunny climate

Insulated shades are one of the best examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make for bedrooms, because they also darken the room and improve privacy.

3. Magnetic interior storm panels using clear acrylic

For older windows that leak heat like crazy, interior storm panels are a powerful project. Instead of replacing the whole window, you’re adding a clear, removable “second window” on the inside.

Here’s how this example works:

• Measure the inside of your window frame
• Cut a sheet of clear acrylic (plexiglass) to size
• Attach self-adhesive magnetic tape around the frame and matching steel tape around the acrylic edge

Snap it in place in winter to reduce drafts and heat loss. Pop it off in mild weather. This is especially useful in cold-climate homes where full window replacement is too expensive.

The idea is similar to commercial interior storm windows, which research has shown can significantly improve insulation performance of single-pane windows (Oak Ridge National Laboratory via energy.gov). This is a more advanced example of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make, but it can dramatically improve comfort in drafty older homes.

4. Heat-shrink plastic window insulation kits (with a DIY twist)

Yes, the classic plastic film kits from the hardware store still matter in 2024–2025. They’re one of the simplest examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make for renters or anyone on a tight budget.

The basic process:

• Apply double-sided tape around the interior frame
• Attach clear plastic film over the opening
• Use a hair dryer to shrink it tight

The plastic creates an air gap that cuts drafts and improves insulation. You can upgrade this basic example by:

• Adding a lightweight fabric curtain in front for extra insulation
• Combining it with a DIY Roman shade
• Using removable painter’s tape if you’re worried about residue on trim

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program notes that window attachments and improvements can contribute meaningfully to overall home energy savings (energystar.gov). Plastic film isn’t glamorous, but it’s a fast, real-world example of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make in an afternoon.

5. DIY cellular-style shades using cardboard or fabric

Cellular (honeycomb) shades are popular because those little cells trap air and act like mini-insulation pockets. Store-bought versions can be pricey, but you can create a simplified DIY take.

Two common approaches:

Cardboard “honeycomb” inserts
Cut strips of cardboard and glue them together in an offset pattern to form channels, then fit the finished panel into the window frame and cover it with fabric. Not fancy, but surprisingly effective for basement or workshop windows.

Layered fabric cellular shades
Use two or three layers of fabric, sewn or glued to form pockets, then mount the shade at the top of the window with a simple cord system. This takes more time but looks nicer in living spaces.

These are more advanced examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make, but they can perform very well in both hot and cold climates when made snug to the frame.

6. Reflective and blackout liners for existing curtains

Maybe you already have curtains you like. You can upgrade them instead of starting from scratch.

Add a removable reflective liner (using reflective fabric or even emergency mylar blankets) to the window side of the curtain for summer use. In hot climates, reflective window coverings can reduce heat gain significantly by bouncing sunlight back outside before it warms your room.

For winter, add a blackout or fleece liner to trap heat at night. You can attach liners with:

• Clip rings
• Small Velcro squares
• Simple hand-stitching along the top edge

This is one of the easiest examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make if you’re nervous about measuring and sewing whole new panels. You’re just improving what you already own.

7. Exterior shade sails and awnings you can install yourself

Not every solution has to live inside. In hot, sunny regions, blocking the sun before it hits the glass is often more effective than anything you do indoors.

Real-world examples include:

• Shade sails attached to your exterior wall and anchored to posts or trees
• Simple DIY awnings made from wood brackets and weatherproof fabric
• Removable bamboo or reed screens hung over south- and west-facing windows

The U.S. Department of Energy points out that exterior shading can greatly reduce solar heat gain, especially on east and west windows (energy.gov). These are excellent examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make if your main issue is summer overheating rather than winter drafts.

8. Low-tech but powerful: draft stoppers and caulk

Let’s be honest: the best examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make aren’t always pretty. Sometimes they’re just practical.

Two simple heroes:

• Draft snakes (long fabric tubes filled with rice, sand, or scrap fabric) placed along window sills to block cold air
• Caulk and weatherstripping around frames to seal gaps

These don’t get as much attention as fancy shades, but they’re often the first projects energy auditors recommend. The U.S. Department of Energy’s home weatherization guidance emphasizes air sealing as a major step in cutting energy use and improving comfort (energy.gov).

You can pair draft stoppers with any other example of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make from this list for a big comfort upgrade.

Choosing the right DIY window treatment for your climate

All these examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make are helpful, but your climate should guide your priorities.

Cold climates (long winters, lots of heating):
Focus on stopping heat loss and drafts.

• Thick thermal curtains or insulated Roman shades
• Interior storm panels or plastic film
• Draft snakes and careful caulking

Use them strategically: open treatments during sunny winter days to let in free solar heat, then close them at dusk to trap warmth.

Hot climates (long summers, strong sun):
Your biggest enemy is solar heat gain.

• Exterior shading (awnings, shade sails, exterior screens)
• Reflective liners behind curtains
• Light-colored, tightly fitted shades inside

Keep treatments closed during peak sun, especially on west-facing windows.

Mixed climates:
You’ll want flexibility. Many of the best examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make are modular:

• Removable liners for different seasons
• Interior storm panels you pop in and out
• Curtains you can tie back fully on mild days

Materials and tools: keeping it realistic and sustainable

You don’t need a fancy workshop for any of these examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make. Most projects can be tackled with:

• A measuring tape and straight edge
• Scissors or a utility knife
• A basic sewing kit or fabric glue
• A drill and screwdriver for hardware
• Simple hand tools (hammer, level, stud finder)

For a more sustainable approach:

• Check thrift stores for heavy fabrics, old curtains, or wool blankets
• Reuse cardboard, wood scraps, and leftover hardware
• Choose low-VOC caulk and adhesives when possible

You’re not just saving energy; you’re also avoiding the environmental impact of manufacturing and shipping new window treatments.

FAQ: common questions about DIY energy-efficient window treatments

What are some easy examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make if you’re a beginner?
Great starter projects include thermal curtains from thrifted fabric, plastic film window insulation kits, and simple draft snakes for sills. These require minimal tools, no advanced measuring, and can still noticeably reduce drafts and improve comfort.

What is one example of a DIY window treatment that works well in rentals?
Removable thermal curtains are a strong example of a renter-friendly project. You can hang them on tension rods, avoid drilling holes, and take everything with you when you move. Removable reflective liners for summer are another low-commitment option.

Can DIY window treatments really save energy, or is it mostly about comfort?
They do both. While savings vary by climate, window type, and how consistently you use them, research from the U.S. Department of Energy shows that appropriate window coverings and attachments can reduce heat loss and heat gain, lowering the load on your heating and cooling system. Over time, that can translate into lower utility bills.

Are there examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make that still look stylish?
Yes. Insulated Roman shades, fabric-covered interior storm panels, and neatly sewn thermal curtains can look polished and intentional. Choosing fabrics that match your decor and keeping hardware simple and consistent goes a long way toward making these projects look like custom design, not just a quick fix.

How do I know which example of DIY window treatment will give me the biggest impact?
Walk around your home on a very cold or very hot day and pay attention to where you feel drafts or intense sun. Those windows are your priority. If you feel cold air movement, focus on insulated curtains, storm panels, and draft sealing. If you feel intense heat and glare, prioritize exterior shading and reflective liners. Start with one or two windows, test what works, then expand.

If you pick just one or two of these examples of diy energy-efficient window treatments you can make and actually install them, you’ll likely notice the difference the next time the weather swings. Warmer winters, cooler summers, and a smaller energy footprint—all from a few afternoons of hands-on work.