YOJA Thermal Room Darkening Curtain Review

In my attempts to decrease spending and increase the efficiency of my apartment heating and cooling systems, I have purchased a YOJA Thermal Insulated Black Out curtain. The single curtain arrived just days ago and I am so pleased with the insulating properties that I am planning on purchasing a set for every window and door.  Whether you are looking for an insulating curtain or a room darkening curtain, I highly recommend the YOJA.

Heating & Cooling Savings in Apartments

If you live in an apartment, as I do, you often cannot control the quality (or lack thereof) heating and cooling systems, quality of weather-proofing, and ability to control temperatures in your living area. As a tenant you are often limited in what modifications you can do for yourself. But good news! There are some things that you can do to increase energy (and money) savings.

My battles in this small apartment are constant and ongoing.  This article will focus on my terribly inefficient metal entry door and the approach of winter. 

YOJA Thermal & Black Out Curtain Panels

Whether you are in a rental unit or your own home, these curtains are a great choice.  I am surprised at how pretty they are and highly recommend them for decorating purposes alone.  But if you are looking for insulating or room darkening qualities, I think these curtains are a MUST.

YOJA Thermal Black Out Curtains - 1 panel and tie-back per pack

Room Darkening

I did not purchase this curtain for room darkening purposes. However, I was curious about the room darkening claims. As soon as the curtain arrived, I walked around the apartment - facing different windows and eventually the very bright light in my bathroom, and held the curtain over my face.  It blocked all noticeable light. Out of curiosity, and because I'm a bit strange, I also went to those windows and that bathroom light with a variety of materials over my face: towels, jeans, khakis, and blankets.  All of those materials let light through in some way.  

In my reading of reviews, I learned that if the curtain is room darkening, but is on the wrong curtain rods, light will still enter the room from around the curtain.  If complete room darkening is your goal, you should use the proper curtain rods to help with that.

wraparound blackout curtain rod example

Insulation and Temperature Control

Back to my door dilemma.  My entry door is a problem. It is metal that must have little to no core for insulation.  It is ill-fitting due to the building that has settled over the decades.  My air conditioning escapes in the summer and horrendous cold drafts blow in during the winter. My heating and cooling bills skyrocket.

I have considered using the automatic closing, magnetic, door covering but cannot due to the angle that my door opens (it opens in to the apartment).  This is likely a really good option for sliding doors or doors that open out.

magnetized door curtain

In previous years, I've used door draft stoppers - very helpful but only when I'm inside and can place it there.  I've installed my own "weatherstripping" to some limited success.  And ultimately have considered installing a blanket of some sort over my door.

The blanket idea is what led to my curtain purchase.

I have hung this YOJA curtain over my door.  I've used Command brand heavy-duty, removable hooks to avoid hammering nails into the wall. The curtain drapes flat against the door.

Since I've hung the curtain, we have had three mornings of cold temps.  I can feel a definite difference of temperature on each side of the curtain (the side against the door is much colder). so it appears that this curtain will aid in insulating.

The curtain is not long enough to hang on the hooks above the door and stop the leak at the very bottom of the door. I will continue to use a draft stopper for that.  

pretty draft stopper 

Perhaps folks would find that this curtain over the door looks silly. But I am so focused on decreasing my utility bills that I'm not concerned about it looking silly.  Frankly, the curtain is such a pretty material and drape, that I don't think it looks as bad as that ugly and cold metal apartment door. 

A sample of some of the many Yoja colors to choose from

opening graphic design courtesy of FotoJet and Pixabay

Wintertime Cat Nap Must-Haves

Gloomy and cold snow days are the best days to take cat naps.  On this snow day at home, you can be sure that I will take a nap.  I will snuggle up in the leopard print Snuggie that I received as a gift years ago.  Warm and toasty, I will rest.

Snuggie Leopard Print Fleece

Go ahead and laugh. Some people think Snuggies are funny and great joke fodder.  Oh we had jokes and then suddenly I was the owner of a Snuggie. Not only a Snuggie, but a bold leopard print version.  I quickly learned that it is the best snuggling, warm, nap item I've ever own - not counting my dog of course.  I love my Snuggie. 

Recently, however, I have considered doing a bit of redecorating.  As much as I love my leopard print, it is a little bold for me. It is not something that I leave draped over the chair when guests are expected.  I am seriously considering replacing it with a more subtle snow leopard motif.  But where would I find snow leopard nap items?

Why, on Zazzle of course.

My living room is still in the process of being decorated.  My furniture is dark, mostly black. The carpet and walls (of my rental) are beige.  I have no flexibility with wall color so the remainder of my decorating choices will come in the form of textiles.

I think this subtle snow leopard print fleece blanket will be a great accent. Both functional and decorative.

Leopard print pattern black watercolor hand paint fleece blanket by girly_trend
Check out more Leopard pattern Fleece Blankets at Zazzle

Of course I will have to have at least one matching throw pillow. I love throw pillows as accents. They are easy to switch out when you grow tired of them. Or to add seasonal touches.  To go with my snow leopard fleece throw, I've chosen this gorgeous cat pillow. 

Exotic White Snow Leopard Pillows by PhotographyTKDesigns
Browse more Snow leopards Pillows at Zazzle

Because there always needs to be a pop of color, even in my living room, here is an accent pillow with that bit of color.

I Love Cats! (Stylized Red Outline on Black) SQP Pillows by HoMeArts
Browse more Cat lovers Pillows

Finally, Zazzle being what it is - a way to personalize your own items with your own photographs or artwork - I would love to add a photo pillow of Mittens the Maleficent Kitten when she is finally released to come home. With a pillow of her lovely face, her eye color will become the sample for the pop of color in my living room.

Yes, I think I've finally decided on my living room accent pieces. Meanwhile, I'm going to go cuddle with my leopard snuggie and take a cap nap.


Disclaimer: In affiliation with Amazon.com and Zazzle.com, Dawn Rae is a content writer who may earn compensation from the sale of these products