UK households urged to buy dark green, navy or charcoal curtains

Brits have been urged to buy dark green, navy or charcoal-coloured curtains after forecasts of . Energy efficiency experts say the colour of curtains can play a "powerful" role in keeping a home warm.

The folks at My Home Improvements say using darker-toned curtains, such as deep navy, charcoal grey or forest green, can help trap heat indoors by absorbing and slowly releasing warmth into a room.

One of the team said: "A lot of people assume curtain colour is just about style, but when it comes to heat retention, darker colours combined with thicker materials can make a noticeable difference - especially around older or single-glazed windows."

The advice comes as the Met Office expects temperatures to be near or a little below average from Bank Holiday Monday. The forecaster says it will feel rather cool compared to recent weeks.

It comes after the end of a prolonged dry spell, with rain, showers and the odd rumble of thunder possible from today (May 21).

According to My Home Improvements, darker fabrics absorb sunlight during the day and slowly release warmth into a home during the evening and night.

It says this helps rooms to retain heat while lighter-coloured curtains tend to reflect heat instead of absorbing it. These offer less thermal benefit unless paired with special linings, according to the company.

About 7% of homes in the UK still have single-glazed windows, with heat loss said to be most pronounced in those properties.

While replacing windows can prove to be expensive, using heavier, darker curtains can be a cost-effective way to reduce heat loss, the experts said.

The expert added: "Even if you have decent glazing, the window is still the thinnest part of your wall. Something as simple as a well-chosen curtain can help keep that warmth inside - especially as temperatures drop again this week."

To back its conclusions, My Home Improvements pointed to independent studies which it said show that closing standard curtains at night can reduce heat loss by around 15-17%.

Thermal or blackout curtains can increase that to 25% or more, according to the research cited by the company. It adds: "Experts say the colour, weight and coverage of the curtain all contribute to the impact."

Experts say now would be a great time to make the switch, with cooler weather approaching, but before the rush of autumn refits.

recommends using thermal or blackout linings behind dark curtains for maximum benefit. It also suggests making sure curtains fully cover the window and frame, not just the glass.

Another tip is to close curtains before sunset to trap any warmth the sun has provided during the day.

A spokesperson for My Home Improvements said: "With colder weather returning this week, it's the ideal moment to prepare your home.

"Switching to darker, heavier curtains is a quick, affordable change that can improve comfort and help reduce heating costs - all while still fitting with your interior style."