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In the UK, properly insulating your windows is an essential step to maintaining a warm, energy-efficient home. Windows are often one of the points in a building where most heat is lost – a single pane of glass can lose nearly 10x as much heat as the same area of an insulated wall.

By ensuring your windows are well-insulated, you can significantly reduce heat loss, lower your energy bills and keep your home cosy during the colder months. Whether you’re thinking about window insulation film, new windows or window coverings, here are four effective insulation techniques to help you get started.

Install blinds or curtains

Blinds and curtains aren’t just for decoration; they play an important role in insulating your home too. Heavy curtains, especially those with thermal linings, can act as an extra barrier against heat loss, trapping warmth inside your home. 

Similarly, blinds, especially cellular or honeycomb designs, provide an additional layer of insulation by trapping air between the window and the room. Closing your blinds or curtains at night can help retain heat, while opening them during the day lets sunlight naturally warm your rooms. It’s important to note that curtains and blinds can get expensive, especially if you have large or unusually shaped windows.

Apply weather-sealing strips

Weather sealing strips are an affordable and effective solution to prevent drafts and heat loss around your windows. These self-adhesive strips can be applied along the edges of your windows to seal any gaps where cold air might enter. 

By creating a tight seal, weather strips reduce the amount of heat escaping, making your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. They do need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear, so it’s worth checking them every autumn to make sure that they’re still working properly and keeping the heat in.

Implement window film

Window films are an easy-to-apply solution for improving the insulation of your windows, whatever size or shape of window you have. Film for window insulation acts as an extra layer, reducing heat loss in winter and reflecting heat away in summer. This helps to maintain a consistent indoor temperature all year round. 

Insulated window films, in particular, are designed to enhance the energy efficiency of your home by minimising heat transfer. They also come in lots of different designs, provide UV protection and reduce glare, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. 

Try double and triple glazing

For a more permanent solution, consider upgrading to double or triple glazing. Double-glazed windows have two panes of glass with a layer of gas, usually argon, trapped between them, acting as an insulator. Triple glazing adds a third pane of glass, offering even more insulation. 

These windows are highly effective at reducing heat loss, lowering energy bills, and providing better soundproofing. While the initial investment may be significantly higher, the long-term savings on energy costs and the added comfort can make double or triple glazing a worthwhile consideration for homeowners.

Try window insulation film in your home

Properly insulating your windows is key to creating a warm, energy-efficient home. By adding an extra layer of protection with a window insulation film, you can significantly reduce heat loss in winter while reflecting heat away in summer. This can help you to maintain a consistent indoor temperature all year round.

At Purlfrost we offer a wide range of window films, such as frosted window film, mirror window film, solar window film and much more that will help keep your home warm all year round.

If you’re looking for more ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, insulated film for windows can help you save money and stay warm this winter. Explore our collection of window insulation films today!

Art Deco glass is a striking window design that’s been popular ever since the early 20th century. Known for its bold geometric patterns, vibrant colours and luxurious finishes, Art Deco glass is often seen in grand structures like churches, 1920s homes and older buildings.

Let’s explore the history of Art Deco glass, its defining characteristics, the costs associated with installing it and how you can achieve the same stunning effect with more affordable alternatives like Art Deco glass window film.

Art Deco glass’s historic context

Art Deco glass started out in the 1910s in Paris, during a period of innovation and change in the arts. The movement, which reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s, was part of the Art Nouveau period. 

Instead of flowing lines and organic shapes, Art Deco created a more modern style, with its emphasis on geometric patterns, symmetry and sleek, streamlined forms. The style quickly spread across the globe, influencing everything from architecture to fashion. And Art Deco glass was born as part of the new style.

Notable designers like René Lalique and Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann played a big role in making Art Deco glass popular. Lalique, in particular, was famous for his use of frosted glass and bold, decorative designs. His works often featured natural elements like flowers, animals and women, all created in the iconic Art Deco stained glass style.

Characteristics of Art Deco glass

Art Deco glass is instantly recognisable by its use of bold colours, geometric patterns and luxurious finishes. Zigzags, chevrons, sunbursts and floral designs are popular styles, often in vibrant colours like deep blues, rich greens and striking golds. These elements are usually combined in symmetrical, repeating patterns that are neat and ordered.

The production of Art Deco glass often involves advanced techniques such as sandblasting, acid etching and the use of moulds to create intricate patterns. Frosted and mirrored finishes were also popular, adding to the luxurious feel of the designs. The result is a type of glass that is not only beautiful but also a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of the era. One of the challenges with modern glass that’s created today is that there are less people making it, so it can be more expensive to get made from scratch.

The costs of installing Art Deco glass

While Art Deco glass is undeniably beautiful, it comes with a hefty price tag. Installing authentic Art Deco glass can be a big investment, with prices in the UK ranging from £200 to £1,000 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design and the quality of the materials used. This makes it a costly option if you’re replacing or installing Art Deco glass.

In addition to the high material costs, installing Art Deco glass often requires skilled labour, as the intricate patterns and techniques used in its production demand a high level of expertise. This is far less common today than it was when Art Deco first became popular. This further drives up the cost, making it a luxury that not everyone can afford.

Achieving the Art Deco look with window film

For those who love the look of Art Deco glass but don’t have the budget to install it, Art Deco-inspired window film is a great alternative. You get the look of Art Deco glass without the cost or disruption of getting glass installed. 

Installing window film is a straightforward process that doesn’t require the expertise needed for authentic Art Deco glass. The film can be easily applied to any window or glass surface, transforming your space with minimal effort. Plus it’s easy to maintain, clean and replace, making it a great choice to get the Art Deco look without the hassle.

Explore our range of Art Deco inspired window films today! 

Making changes to your home, no matter how big or small, can make a huge difference to the look and feel of your house. One of the most simple and small improvements you can make is introducing house numbers. 

Door numbers play a huge role in helping visitors and delivery drivers find where you live. While house numbers are practical they can also be used to emulate the look and feel of your home on its exterior as well as its interior. The exterior of a home can be forgotten when renovating, but door numbers, including window film house numbers, can be easily used to compliment the colours of your home and garden and elevate its style.  Not only this, but window films are a cost effective renovation option as you don’t need to replace your windows and they help retain heat, resulting in reduced energy bills.

Whether you’re looking for a more traditional feel, or you want to implement modern door numbers, there are a range of house number ideas you can take inspiration from.

1. Vertical stacking numbers 

Vertical stacking numbers are a great way to add elegance to your home while ensuring guests and delivery drivers can fully view your house number. They can be used on walls, windows and glass doors. Frosted window film provides a simple way to achieve this look and is ideal for placing on windows next to your front door. This works well for more modern and newly built properties.

2. Vintage tiles  

Ceramic or porcelain tiles are excellent for adding some charm to your home’s exterior. You can find hand-painted tiles with intricate designs or opt for classic blue and white patterns. Arrange them vertically or horizontally, depending on the style of your entrance.

You can also achieve a similar look with Victorian stained glass house numbers, offering a long lasting and easy application door number option. 

3. Modern Metal Plates

For a sleek, contemporary look, metal plates are a great option. You can choose from stainless steel, brushed aluminium, or even copper house numbers. Combine these with minimalist fonts for a clean, polished appearance. A metal plate can also be backlit for a subtle glow at night that adds sophistication to the outside of your home.

A similar look can be achieved with gold or silver window film numbers, allowing you to add modern door numbers to your home at an affordable price.

4. Garden Planters

If your home features lots of greenery and plants, or you’re looking to create a more floral front for your home, a garden planter is a great option. Simply paint or attach numbers to the front of the planter, or have them etched into a stone sitting within the plants.

Planters can also be attached to walls or near windows allowing you to bring your garden to life, right up to your front door. Coloured window films can be used to compliment your garden and add colour to your home, even in those greyer months. 

5. Illuminated Numbers

Illuminated house numbers are a stylish and practical option that adds better lighting and security to your home, as it’s easier to see at night, helping to deter crime. You can choose from LED or solar-powered options, ensuring your house number can be seen at night.

6. Mosaic Numbers

Add a splash of colour and creativity with mosaic house numbers. Use small tiles, glass pieces, or even stones to create a vibrant, eye-catching design. This is a perfect project for DIY enthusiasts, allowing you to personalise your house number with colours and patterns that reflect your style.

7. Floating Numbers

Add depth and a contemporary edge to your home with floating house numbers. 

These door numbers are mounted on pegs to create a gap between the number and the wall to generate a floating effect. 

This is an excellent option for new builds where owners are looking for a more modern and sophisticated feel for their home. It’s also a great way to help your property stand out and ensure guests and delivery drivers can find your home, as these provide a clear view of your house number, unlike typical new-build door numbers that appear quite small.

8. Traditional mailboxes 

Traditional mailboxes provide a great opportunity to easily showcase your door number. They usually come in black and white and are highly durable, offering a safe place for your keys and post. 

If you’re one for simple living, especially in the countryside, more popularly known as ‘cottage-core’ traditional mailboxes may be the option for you. They’re a great option for properties with long drives or hidden down country roads. You can mount these on walls, fences, gates, posts and sheds where delivery drivers can easily find your place of residence and drop off post. 

9. Extra large house numbers 

Extra large house numbers are ideal for bigger houses, or properties with longer drives where smaller door numbers would look out of place and hard to see. Extra large house numbers come in a range of sizes and fonts, allowing you to match them to the style of your home. You can also implement these horizontally or vertically.

10. Window film house numbers 

Number stickers are a great way to easily showcase your door number and add style to your home. Whether you have a more modern or newly built home, or you have a more traditional terraced house or cottage, window film can be easily adapted to suit the style of your property. You can choose from a range of window film options like patterned window film, frosted window film and stained glass house numbers to create the right aesthetic for your home. 

Window film can also come in a range of different sizes allowing your door number to be easily viewable, removing the difficulty of finding your property. New builds are notorious for having difficulty with deliveries as drivers can find it hard to pinpoint your home. Larger house numbers may make this easier and increase your chances of a smoother delivery process while making it easy for family and friends to find you.

At Purlfrost we have various options you can choose from, including bespoke house numbers where you can choose your design and tailor the size to your home’s needs.

Explore our range of Door number stickers today!

 

If you love the look of a medieval interior but you’re not sure how to replicate it at home, or you live in a period property and want to decorate in a way that celebrates the history of the property, it can be tricky to get right.

It can be expensive to replicate the look of a medieval interior too – after all everything was handcrafted, made to measure and solid back then – so if you’re looking to do it on a budget, it’s important to balance out cost with the finished look. Here’s everything you need to know about this interior style that’s rooted in history, but with modern options.

Medieval lighting

Mention medieval lighting, and your first thought is probably traditional candlelight, chandeliers or stone hallways lit by burning torches. While real flame lighting looks incredible, modern lighting is way safer and more energy efficient. You can get the medieval lighting look in a more modern way with energy efficient LED candles and chandelier lights. This means you get the medieval ambiance without compromising on modern comforts.

Patterned window film

Windows play a huge part in defining the character of medieval interiors. However, intricate stained glass windows can be seriously expensive, tricky to maintain and – if you ever change your mind – an absolute pain to change back. To achieve this look without all of the above, window film is the perfect choice to get the look – especially our medieval window film collection. With harlequin, coat of arms, stained glass and traditional scenes there are designs that work with all types of property, or you can even create your own custom design.

Solid furniture

Back in medieval times, furniture was handmade, solid and pretty chunky. Luckily, you can still get this look in modern furniture as rustic, solid styles have been on trend for a while now. Go for pieces made out of natural wood with dark metal joins and solid shapes – even better if it’s been crafted by hand. There are also touches like wood carvings and chair shapes that can give a nudge towards medieval without it feeling like you live in a castle (unless that’s the look you’re going for).

Play with pattern and texture

No two medieval households were alike, thanks to the use of luxurious materials like linen, wool and silk. However, there were trends, usually defined by what royalty were doing at the time, but because of the lack of a mass market, things were a lot more individualised.

When implementing patterns and textures, you should look for handmade and patterned wall coverings, cushions and home accessories. Go for rich colours, fabrics that were available at the time (think sumptuous silks and linens) and a hand sewn feel for the medieval look.

Get the medieval interiors look

If medieval interiors is your thing, window film is a great place to start. You can be as creative as you want, without blowing your budget or having to commit long term. Get in touch with Purlfrost today to start transforming your home into a medieval haven.

Victorian interiors are a classic style that people still love today. It’s all about rich colours, space and high ceilings. If you want to get the distinctive Victorian aesthetic in your modern home, here’s everything you need to know about this interior style.

What is Victorian interior design?

Victorian interior design is an aesthetic rooted in the 19th-century Victorian era. This style was characterised by patterns and textures, jewel tones inspired by gemstones and attention to detail. Victorian homes often feature high ceilings and large windows, embracing both architectural and interior design elements. 

Maximalist touches like wallpaper, chandeliers, tapestries, damask, wainscoting and dramatic window treatments were all part of the look. And large stained glass windows with ornate designs were a big part of this.

The history of Victorian interior design

During Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution led to mass production, making decorative products more accessible to the middle class. Victorian architecture gained popularity, inspiring people to seek or incorporate Victorian features in their homes. People still look for Victorian properties with original features when they choose properties today, wowed by the design of these homes.

Characteristics of Victorian interior design

Victorian interior design is all about luxe, richness, texture and detail. Details like parquet flooring, rich upholstery and dramatic window treatments are all synonymous with Victorian interiors. Wallpapers adorned with intricate patterns (like florals, damask or geometric patterns), ornate chandeliers and tapestries are all examples of opulent Victorian interior design too.

Extravagant furniture, especially heavier pieces with detailing like velvet, brocade, tassels and fringe are also part of Victorian interiors. Carvings and detailing are also hallmarks of elaborate Victorian interiors – especially if there were Gothic revival influences, paired with antiques and collectibles. The Victorians also loved to put a grand fireplace in their home, out of necessity as well as a design element to focus on. 

Within the Victorian era, there were different phases such as Early Victorian (1837-1860), Mid-Victorian or High Victorian (1860-1880), and Late Victorian (1880-1901), each with its own variations in design trends. They also mixed influences from different periods of time for an eclectic design feel.

How to implement Victorian interior design

Want to add some Victorian touches into your home without it feeling like a museum? There are some easy ways to get the Victorian feel into your home, with a modern twist.

Choosing to use core pieces that are inspired by Victorian interiors can help you to get that Victorian feel. Think opulent, patterned wallpaper or heavy furniture in dark wood with intricate designs. You can also look to make more of a feature of your fireplace, in the same way that the Victorians did. Instead of going for a flat, minimalist design go for a fireplace that’s carved, designed and made out of traditional materials.

Don’t be scared to mix and match influences either. Mixing a little Victorian style with modern pieces is a truly Victorian approach. They regularly mixed and matched pieces from different eras in their interiors, so there’s no reason why you can’t do this too.

They also didn’t choose lots of clashing colours, but instead preferred to use rich tones to accent and complement one another. You should pick a couple of colours for your room to centre around to avoid colour clashes. , think about different textures and materials too – damask and upholstery were popular in the Victorian period.

How can window film help you achieve a Victorian interior design?

Window film can help you to get that opulent Victorian feel without having to splash out on real stained glass windows and their maintenance. Heritage window films are an affordable way to get that decorative Victorian feel without the long term commitment. If you’re renovating your period property on a budget, then patterned window film is an ideal option.

Heritage patterned options haveemerged as a budget-friendly solution to achieve the stained glass window aesthetic synonymous with Victorian design. Purlfrost offers a variety of heritage patterned window films, allowing you to elegantly transform your windows without the cost of implementing actual stained glass. 

Explore Purlfrost’s period window films to see how you can implement Victorian styles in your home.

Stained glass is still popular today, and for good reason. People love the look of this ornate, expertly-crafted glass, especially in a period property. However, real stained glass usually comes with a pretty hefty price tag. It needs ongoing maintenance too, and isn’t always as efficient as more modern methods of glazing. This means that stained glass windows can be really expensive.

However, there are some ways that you can get the stained glass look on a budget. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways to achieve a stained glass effect on your windows.

Window film

Window film is a seriously cost-effective alternative to stained glass. It’s easy to apply, comes in a range of designs – you can even create your own – and doesn’t need extensive ongoing maintenance. You can create intricate, detailed designs that look just like stained glass and allow the light to shine through.

However, you can apply window film to modern windows so you get the look of stained glass, without the downsides. Whether you’re looking for Victorian stained glass, art deco or something abstract, there are a range of stained glass window films available. Plus, this way you can change designs so that your decor stays up to date without the prohibitive cost.

Paint or markers

For a hands-on approach, you can try using acrylic craft paint, glass paint or enamel paint to recreate the stained glass look. You need a steady hand and an ability to be patient as it can be pretty labour-intensive to recreate your designs in this way.

Start by thoroughly cleaning the window to remove grease or dust. Next, use tape to outline the design you want, creating something that looks a bit like a stencil. You need to make sure that you do this carefully. Paint within the taped boundaries, making sure that the colours stay vibrant and distinct. This DIY method allows you to customise your windows, but it isn’t always a quick fix. If art’s your thing then this might be a project that you actually enjoy doing.

Faux-lead adhesive strips

Replicate the appearance of traditional leaded stained glass windows with faux-lead adhesive strips. This budget-friendly option is easy to apply and customise to create the designs you’re looking for. Simply cut the strips to match the size and design of your windows. 

It’s a simple but effective way to get a look of stained glass without the costs involved. It can be tricky and does require attention to detail, as well as the dexterity to add the pieces to your design.

Transform your windows for less with stained glass window film from Purlfrost.

 

Have you ever noticed that your furniture looks a little bit faded? This can be caused by constant exposure to sunlight, even through your windows. You’ll notice it if you have furniture where one piece of it is regularly exposed to the sun – it’ll look lighter.

If you’re looking for a solution to fading interiors, then window film can help. Here’s everything you need to know about how window film can prevent fading.

What causes furniture to fade?

Sunlight, while essential for creating a bright and inviting living space, can wreak havoc on your furniture. Sunlight hitting furniture, upholstery and carpets regularly can effectively “bleach” the colour out of your furniture. 

Ultraviolet rays in sunlight are the most common reason for furniture fading. They can penetrate through windows and cause the most damage to the colours of your furniture. The everyday light we see also plays a significant role in fading too, gradually altering the colours of your furnishings. Solar heat caused by sunlight also contributes to faster fading.

How does window film prevent fading?

Window film acts as a UV filter, preventing these harmful rays from penetrating your windows and safeguarding the vibrancy of your furniture. It also reduces glare, which can accelerate fading, giving you a dual-layer of protection for your furniture.

By effectively blocking UV rays and reducing glare, window film ensures long-term protection against fading. Solar window film can help with heat reduction, glare reduction and UV control so that your furniture stays looking good for longer.

Other benefits of window film

While preventing fading is a big advantage of window film, there are other benefits too. Solar window film can help you reduce energy costs and consumption as well as protect from fading. They can also help you create more privacy in your living space, so you can enjoy natural light while maintaining privacy.

Window film also comes in different patterns and styles. This can seriously add to the aesthetics of your home and if you fancy a change to your decor, you can easily change your window films. They’re easy to apply and remove but stay in place as long as you need them to. Window film is a budget-friendly option, especially compared to specialist glass or designs. 

Ready to shield your furniture from the fading effects of sunlight? Find out more about our range of window film.

Living with reactive pets can be stressful for you, your pets and your neighbours. If you have dogs who bark at every passerby or cats that are constantly reacting to what’s going on outside, it can be disruptive at any time of day..

There’s a simple and effective solution to reactive pets in the home – window film. Discover the difference that a window film from Purlfrost can make when you’re dealing with reactive pets in our guide to both.

Understanding reactive pets

Reactive pets, as the term suggests, are animals that react strongly and often negatively to various stimuli in their environment. Common reactive behaviours include excessive barking, growling, scratching, or even destructive actions. 

These triggers, ranging from the neighbour’s dog to passing strangers, can create a whirlwind of stress and anxiety for our pets, leading to big disruptions to our homes’ peace and harmony. A variety of different things can trigger these reactions, but one common source of stress for reactive pets is what they see through windows.

The role of visual triggers

Visual triggers from the outside world can be a major source of agitation for reactive pets. The mere sight of other animals or strangers passing by the glass window can send them into a frenzy of barking or hissing. The stress and anxiety caused by these triggers can take a toll on your pet’s wellbeing and contribute to behavioural problems, as well as disrupting your day and possibly upsetting the neighbours too.

Window film as a solution

This is where window film comes to the rescue. Window film can effectively reduce visual triggers for reactive pets. It acts as a shield, obscuring the view from the outside while still allowing natural light to flood your living spaces. There are different types of window film options available to suit your home, style and needs, including frosted window film, patterned window film,and privacy window film. All of these can help to calm your reactive pets by blocking triggers from their line of sight.

Benefits of using window film for reactive pets

Using window film has different benefits for you, your pets and your home. They can help give you and your pets a sense of calm and security. Here’s how window film can benefit your reactive pets:

• It helps to block out visual triggers, leading to fewer reactions from your pets, and less disruption to your home/.
• Window films don’t block light from your living space in the same way that curtains and blinds do.
• Plenty of designs to fit the aesthetic and feel of your home, you don’t need to compromise on your taste when dealing with reactive pets, and you can even customise your design.
• Easy to apply, change and update as needed.
• Fits any shape or size of the window.
• Window films stay in place whether you’re at home or not, so you don’t need to worry about your pets or neighbours being stressed out while you’re at work.

Installation and placement

Proper installation and placement of window film are both important, luckily it’s easy to apply and full instructions come with every set of window film. Install the film on windows in living areas where your pets spend most of their time. 

Follow our easy window film installation video and instructions for a DIY solution to reactive pets that’s easy to master.

Additional tips for managing reactive pets

Handling reactive pets at home can be a challenging situation, but it can be managed. As well as applying window film to any sources of triggers, you can use positive reinforcement, look at moving your pets into a different room and staying consistent. Try to avoid punishment for reactiveness as this can increase anxiety and fear.

Making sure that your pet has enough training, exercise and mental stimulation can help with reactive behaviour too. If it continues to be a problem, is really severe or it’s causing a lot of distress to your pet, then speak to your vet. They can help diagnose underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatments or medications.

Remember that every pet is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It may take time and experimentation to find the right strategies to help your reactive pet live a happy and stress-free life at home.

Safety and health considerations

To ensure your pet’s safety and wellbeing, consider some key safety and health considerations when using window film. Proper ventilation and temperature control are crucial, as window film can affect indoor climate. Additionally, always choose pet-safe window film products to prevent any potential health risks (all of ours are safe)

Window film is a valuable addition to any strategy for managing reactive pets. By reducing visual triggers and creating a more peaceful environment, you can greatly improve your pet’s wellbeing and quality of life. Window film from Purlfrost is an easy and effective solution for creating a peaceful and stress-free environment for you and your furry friends.