Building greener: simple swaps that make a difference

The romans look a bit more upscale, though, which is nice if aesthetics matter to you.

- I actually went with insulated roman blinds in our new place, but honestly, I’m not convinced they’re that much worse than cellular shades for insulation. Maybe it’s the way our windows are framed? I did a little DIY test last winter with a thermometer and barely noticed a difference between the two.
- For me, the biggest win was how much easier it was to find fabric options that fit our vibe. Roman blinds just feel less “office-y” than most cellulars.
- About motorized options: we splurged on one for a high window in the stairwell. It’s fun (and definitely convenient), but unless you’ve got mobility issues or super tall windows, I’m not sure it’s worth the price tag.
- If you’re really after energy savings, layering curtains over blinds made a bigger difference for us than swapping blind types. Not as sleek, but it works.

Just my two cents - sometimes the “best” swap isn’t what you expect...

If you’re really after energy savings, layering curtains over blinds made a bigger difference for us than swapping blind types. Not as sleek, but it works.

Couldn’t agree more on the layering - my partner was skeptical at first, but we saw a noticeable drop in drafts once we added some thick curtains over our roman blinds. I do think window framing plays a bigger role than people realize. At one of my old projects, we had super leaky sashes and no fancy blind could make up for that... sometimes it’s the basics that matter most. Still, I’ll admit romans just look better in most living spaces.

BUILDING GREENER: SIMPLE SWAPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Funny how people will drop hundreds on “energy efficient” blinds but ignore the draft whistling through 100-year-old window frames. I’m with you - curtains over blinds are a game changer, but if your windows are leaking air like a sieve, you’re basically heating the outdoors. Spent a weekend with some weatherstripping and caulk once, and honestly, it did more than any fancy window treatment ever did. Romans do look sharp though... can’t argue with that.

BUILDING GREENER: SIMPLE SWAPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Honestly, I’ve seen people spend a fortune on “eco” upgrades and then ignore the basics. You nailed it - weatherstripping is the unsung hero. Romans do look great, but if you’re still feeling a breeze, you’re just dressing up the problem. Sometimes it’s the boring fixes that actually work.

BUILDING GREENER: SIMPLE SWAPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

I totally get what you mean about people skipping the basics. Last winter, I spent maybe $20 on new weatherstripping for my old windows and it made a bigger difference than any fancy gadget I’ve tried. I do wonder though - has anyone found a cheap swap that actually looks good too? Sometimes the practical stuff just isn’t pretty, and I’m not sure where to compromise.