Replacing Single Glazed Windows with Double Glazing? You'll Need New Window Coverings Too
Why Double Glazed Windows and Window Coverings Work Better Together
Upgrading from single glazed windows to double glazed windows is one of the best energy-saving home improvements Australian homeowners can make. But if you're replacing your windows and not updating your blinds, curtains, or plantation shutters at the same time, you could be leaving significant energy savings on the table.
At Blinds Downunder, we supply affordable, quality made-to-measure blinds, curtains, and plantation shutters across Australia — helping homeowners get the most out of their double glazing investment with the right window coverings.
Double glazed windows reduce heat transfer through the glass — but glass is only part of the equation. Without the right window coverings, heat still enters and escapes around and through your blinds, curtains, or shutters, undermining the performance of your new windows.
The right window coverings for double glazed windows will:
- Reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter
- Lower your heating and cooling costs year-round
- Improve comfort in every room of your home
- Complement the clean, modern look of new double glazed window frames
Why Your Old Window Coverings Probably Won't Work
When you replace single glazed windows with double glazed windows, your window frame dimensions often change. Old blinds, curtains, and plantation shutters may no longer fit correctly, leaving gaps that allow heat to bypass your new glazing entirely.
Even if your existing window coverings still fit, they were likely chosen for style or privacy — not thermal performance. Lightweight fabrics, poor edge seals, and no blockout lining can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of even the best double glazed windows.
Made-to-measure window coverings, sized precisely to your new double glazed window frames, are the best way to ensure a proper fit and maximum energy performance — though if your existing blinds still fit the frame, our fabric reskin service can give them a new lease on life without the cost of a full replacement.
Best Window Coverings for Double Glazed Windows in Australia
Outdoor Blinds — Stop the Heat Before It Reaches Your Windows
If there is one window covering that makes the biggest difference to energy efficiency in Australian homes, it is outdoor blinds. By blocking solar heat before it even reaches your double glazed windows, outdoor blinds dramatically reduce the amount of work your glazing and indoor coverings need to do.
This is especially important in Australia where intense summer sun can heat up a room through even the best double glazed windows. Outdoor blinds intercept that heat at the source — outside the glass — making them the single most effective energy-saving window covering you can install.
Benefits of outdoor blinds for double glazed windows:
- Block solar heat before it enters the glass — far more effective than indoor coverings alone
- Reduce cooling costs significantly in summer — particularly on north and west-facing windows
- Protect your double glazing investment from UV degradation and heat stress
- Create comfortable outdoor living areas — alfresco, pergolas, and entertaining spaces
- Available in a range of fabrics — from open-weave sunscreens to full blockout options
Our made-to-measure outdoor blinds are built for the Australian climate — durable, UV-resistant, and custom sized to your exact openings. Whether you need outdoor blinds for windows, alfresco areas, or pergolas, we supply and deliver Australia-wide.
Blockout Roller Blinds
The most popular and affordable indoor choice for double glazed windows across Australia. Blockout roller blinds in a full blockout fabric prevent heat transfer and eliminate light penetration — ideal for bedrooms, living areas, and home offices.
Look for:
- Full blockout fabric with a reflective or white backing
- Cassette systems with side channels for edge-to-edge coverage
- Made-to-measure sizing to fit your exact double glazed window frames
Our Full Blockout Cassette Roller Blinds are a popular product for homeowners upgrading their windows — the cassette housing and side channels create a near-complete thermal seal, maximising the performance of your double glazing.
Double Roller Blinds
A double roller blind system combines a daytime sunscreen with a full blockout blind on a single bracket. Perfect for Australian homes that need glare and UV control during the day and complete blockout at night — without compromising on style.
Curtains with Blockout Lining
Blockout curtains are one of the most effective and stylish ways to complement double glazed windows. A quality blockout lining adds a significant thermal layer, trapping air between the curtain and the glass and reducing heat transfer in both directions.
For maximum energy performance, choose:
- Floor-to-ceiling curtains that cover the full window opening
- Blockout or thermal lining for year-round insulation
- Curtains that extend beyond the window frame on each side to eliminate edge gaps
Curtains also add softness and warmth to a room — making them a popular choice for living areas and bedrooms where both style and comfort matter.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are a premium, long-lasting window covering that pairs beautifully with double glazed windows. Their adjustable louvres give you precise control over light, airflow, and privacy — and their solid construction adds an additional layer of insulation to your windows.
Benefits of plantation shutters for double glazed windows:
- Adjustable louvres for year-round light and ventilation control
- Solid panels that add thermal mass and reduce heat transfer
- Timeless aesthetic that suits both modern and traditional Australian homes
- Durable and low maintenance — built to last
Plantation shutters are particularly popular in Australian homes with north or west-facing windows where solar heat gain is a significant concern.
Roman Blinds with Blockout Lining
For a softer, more traditional aesthetic, blockout Roman blinds add warmth and insulation to living areas and bedrooms. Available in a wide range of premium fabrics to suit any interior style.
Sunscreen Roller Blinds
If your double glazed windows face north or west and you want to manage glare and UV without losing your view, sunscreen roller blinds are an excellent option. They reduce solar heat gain while maintaining natural light and outward visibility.
The Importance of Edge Sealing
One of the most overlooked factors when choosing window coverings for double glazed windows is edge gaps. Even a small gap between your blind, curtain, or shutter and the window frame allows warm or cool air to bypass the covering, reducing its thermal effectiveness.
To maximise energy savings, look for:
- Cassette systems that enclose the rolled fabric and reduce light and heat gaps at the top
- Side channels that guide the blind fabric and seal the edges
- Full-length curtains that extend beyond the window frame on all sides
- Precise made-to-measure sizing — not off-the-shelf products that leave gaps
Affordable Quality Window Coverings Supplied Across Australia
At Blinds Downunder, we believe energy-efficient window coverings shouldn't cost a fortune. We supply affordable, quality made-to-measure blinds, curtains, and plantation shutters to homeowners across Australia — from Melbourne and Sydney to Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and everywhere in between.
Every product is:
- Custom made to your exact measurements
- Made from quality, durable materials built for the Australian climate
- Competitively priced with no compromise on quality
- Easy to order online with delivery Australia-wide
How to Order New Window Coverings for Your Double Glazed Windows
- Measure your new window frames — width and drop for each window
- Choose your style — outdoor blinds, blockout roller blinds, curtains, plantation shutters, double rollers, or Roman blinds
- Shop our ranges and get an instant online quote — no sales calls, no pressure
- Order online and receive your made-to-measure window coverings delivered Australia-wide
Frequently Asked Questions
Are outdoor blinds worth it with double glazed windows?
Absolutely — outdoor blinds are arguably the most effective energy-saving window covering you can install. By blocking solar heat before it reaches the glass, they reduce the load on your double glazing and indoor coverings significantly, especially on north and west-facing windows.
Do I need new window coverings when I replace my windows with double glazing?
In most cases, yes. New double glazed window frames often have different dimensions to your old frames, meaning existing blinds, curtains, and shutters won't fit correctly. Even if they do fit, old window coverings are unlikely to provide the thermal performance needed to complement your new double glazing.
What are the best window coverings for energy efficiency in Australia?
Outdoor blinds offer the greatest energy savings by stopping heat at the source. Indoors, blockout roller blinds with cassette systems and side channels, blockout curtains, and plantation shutters all offer excellent thermal performance. The best choice depends on your room orientation, style preference, and budget.
Are plantation shutters worth it for double glazed windows?
Yes — plantation shutters are a premium, long-term investment that pairs exceptionally well with double glazed windows. Their adjustable louvres and solid construction add insulation, light control, and lasting style to any room.
Do you supply window coverings across all of Australia?
Yes — Blinds Downunder supplies made-to-measure outdoor blinds, roller blinds, curtains, and plantation shutters across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, and Darwin.
Are your window coverings affordable?
Absolutely. We offer competitive pricing on all made-to-measure products without compromising on quality. Get an instant online quote to see pricing for your specific window sizes.
Start Saving Energy Today
Replacing your single glazed windows with double glazing is a great first step. Pairing them with the right made-to-measure outdoor blinds, roller blinds, curtains, or plantation shutters is how you maximise that investment and start seeing real energy savings.
Shop our ranges and get your free online quote today →
Blinds Downunder — Australia's online destination for premium made-to-measure blinds, curtains, and plantation shutters.
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