CLINTONVILLE — Homeowners looking to cut back on energy costs can drape themselves in warmth with insulated curtains and blinds.

"Our insulated drapes have a thermal backing," said Judy Ford of Curtains Curtains Curtains in Clintonville.

"People buy them for the cold, but they have a pleasant surprise next summer. It also keeps the sun from coming in. It makes a huge difference with their air-conditioning bills. So it works both ways."

Judy and her husband, Paul, offer a variety of window treatments, area rugs and bedding in their 8-year-old showroom.

Custom consultations are available for curtains and Kirsch shades and blinds.

"We do a lot of cellular shades," Judy said. "People know them as a honeycomb type of shade. They're custom, and we fit them to our clients' windows. We bring them to their homes and help them with colors.

The cellular shades are warmest, she said.

"But anything helps."

WAGING WAR
Cellular shades may be purchased single- or double-celled, with the latter offering more insulation.

Styles include Roman, sunscreen and woven wood.

"We have Roman shades, and we can get insulated-fabric lining for those," Judy said. "Roman or cellular shades are the best insulators. We always advocate you can control the temperature in your home or office with insulated window coverings — summer or winter."

Three years ago, the Fords noticed a surge in shoppers looking for insulated-window coverings.

"Because of the high fuel costs," Judy said. "People started filling their fuel barrel and looking for ways to stretch it out. We did the same thing."

The Fords are on the going-green frontline.

"When we think of these drapes and shades, what does it translate to in terms of reducing fuel consumption?" she said. "We're waging a war against big fuel costs with our insulated-window coverings."

When they install their products or watch one leave their showroom ...

"It's, like, there goes another one," Judy said.

E-mail Robin Caudell at: rcaudell@pressrepublican.com