Box window pelmets to reduce heat loss

[Peterkornek]

Homemade timber box pelmets keep the heat inside.

• The project
• How to keep your home warm in winter
• More inspiration for your winter project

The project

Let me begin by stating that I am not a carpenter, or any tradesman related to that line of work. I am, in fact, a retired accountant.

We live in a very cool climate region of NSW and while we have blockout curtains, we have noticed that some heat still escapes. The reason, of course, is that air rises and drifts across the ceiling until it finds an avenue of escape behind the curtains and through the glass windows. To prevent this loss, I decided to install pelmets. Now, custom-made pelmets are very expensive and only covered the front of the curtains and not the top. Solution: install complete wrap-around pelmets.

These were easy enough to make and the cost to “seal” the windows in our lounge, kitchen and dining rooms was less than a single prefabricated metal pelmet.

The materials used are milled Pine for the tops of the pelmets. The sides are Pine mouldings, in this case moulds that blend with other furniture.

A note on my personal experience here. Wood of all kinds is a natural product and will warp. The degree may vary from non-existent to extreme - avoid extreme. I found that even with precise measurements of the elements of my pelmets (the top and three sides, the pelmets are designed for wrap around curtains), there came a point at which some wood putty was required. There are many types of this product available. I found one that matches the colour of the Pine.

Here's a corner detail showing the small amount of putty required. The mitred corners were cut using a mitre saw to ensure a 45-degree angle. The pelmets were finished with Sikkens Timber Finish (to match existing window furniture).

Revealing the wrap-around effect. I can honestly say that installing these box pelmets over the windows of our windows has made the house warmer by reducing heat loss. Easy enough for anybody with modest skills like mine.

How to keep your home warm in winter

Experienced Workshop member Adam talks rubber seals, door snakes, heavy curtains and how to track down cold draughts in How to keep your home warm in winter.

More inspiration for your winter project

Community member Leanne transformed a plain wall in her living room by installing a fireplace and feature wall. 

 

For more clever tips on keeping your home cosy and warm, check out How to winter-proof your home and How to choose heating for your home. Feel free to start a discussion if you need any questions answered. We're here to help.