This Front Door Trick Will Help Keep Your Home Much Warmer This Winter, and Don't Worry, It Looks Super Stylish, Too

Ditch the drafts this season with thermal door curtains

Image of a light blue entryway with the door open and a red curtain by the door. There is a white chest of drawers with a white lamp and flower vase on it and a mirror on the wall.
(Image credit: Studio Duggan)

While a change in season is always exciting, adjusting your home to stay cozy in the colder months requires planning and preparation. Sure, it's easy to add throw blankets and plush pillows to your living room for extra warmth, but for a thoroughly cozy atmosphere, the best thing to do is cut the cold draft right at the source. Ever thought of installing thermal door curtains? Well, you should.

Thermal curtains positioned over the front door (or any door leading outside, for that matter) are one of the quickest (and can actually be the most stylish) ways to draft-proof an entryway. Why? Well, the magic of thermal door curtains is in the name: putting a thermal curtain over the front door will block the cold air from getting in and keep the warm air from escaping. And voilà — a warmer house and an excuse to add fabulous fabric to your door frame.

For everything you need to know to try this tip, read on.

Why You Should Put Thermal Curtains on the Front Door

Inside of hallway with wooden floors with a grey painted front door and a curtain installed over the door.

Even in more neutral or minimalist homes, a thermal curtain on the door can feel sleek when kept in a monochromatic scheme.

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

As temperatures drop, the front door becomes one of the biggest culprits for heat loss, yet it is also the first place guests see when they walk in. Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein says, "Using a thermal curtain here is not only practical, it is a beautiful way to soften an entryway idea and make the space feel instantly more welcoming."

From a functional standpoint, thermal door curtains act as a barrier against drafts and temperature fluctuations. They create an insulating layer of air between the fabric and the door, helping to keep warm air in and cold air out.

"This simple addition can make a surprising difference in comfort and energy efficiency, especially in older homes or those with less-than-perfect seals," adds Nina. It’s a trick that makes your curtains feel warmer, while also boosting the temperature of the whole room.

A headshot of Nina Lichtenstein
Nina Lichtenstein

Nina Lichtenstein is a residential interior designer who strives to showcase her in-depth construction and design expertise in her projects. Nina believes that home design should capture a homeowner’s uniqueness by how it serves the person. She has been celebrated for designing, renovating, and building elegant living spaces.

How to Style Thermal Door Curtains

Image of a traditional entryway painted in a burnt orange color with off-white trim. There is a checkerboard rug on the ground and a striped curtain over the door. There is a black entry table with a mirror and a lamp and vase.

Play with color and pattern to emphasize how stylish this trick can be.

(Image credit: Studio Duggan)

When it comes to styling these doorway curtain ideas, there are plenty of ways to get creative. In terms of materials and different types of curtains, Nina says, "A dense, lined fabric such as velvet, wool, or a heavyweight linen blend with a thermal backing works best."

These natural fibers add warmth, both visually and physically, while the texture invites a sense of coziness that synthetic options rarely match.

When installing thermal door curtains, choosing the right curtain rails is an essential step. "A ceiling-mounted rod that extends several inches beyond the door frame is ideal," says Nina. This ensures the curtain fully covers the entry and prevents heat from escaping around the edges.

If space allows, add a decorative holdback or curtain tieback to gather the curtain during the day, allowing light to filter through while still keeping the look intentional and tailored.

And, of course, length matters too. Let the curtain just kiss the floor or puddle slightly for a layered, luxurious feel. A small detail like that can elevate the look from purely practical to polished and inviting.

a curtain blocking a doorway

The extra fabric pulling at the ground, along with the thick pleating, gives this front door curtain an extra cozy feel.

(Image credit: Tori Murphy)

A thermal door curtain is one of those rare design choices that bridges function and feeling. "It keeps the warmth in, buffers the noise, and visually transforms the entryway into a soft threshold between outdoors and in, a gentle reminder that home is where warmth truly begins," says Nina.

Ditch the drafts this winter, and keep your entryway feeling warm (without turning up the heating).

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Olivia Wolfe
Design Writer

Olivia Wolfe is a Design Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated from University of the Arts London, London College of Communication with a Masters Degree in Arts and Lifestyle Journalism. In her previous experience, she has worked with multiple multimedia publications in both London and the United States covering a range of culture-related topics, with an expertise in art and design. At the weekends she can be found working on her oil paintings, reading, or antique shopping at one of London's many vintage markets.