The Best Window Coverings for Long Canadian Winters: Stay Warm and Bright in Saskatoon

When old man winter visits Saskatoon, the days grow shorter, the nights get colder, and the natural light becomes scarce. It’s the season when every homeowner looks for ways to make their space feel warmer, brighter, and more energy-efficient, and the right window coverings can make all the difference.

At Eastside Paint & Wallpaper, we proudly carry Alta Window Fashions, a Canadian brand that blends innovative design with practical comfort. From energy-efficient shades to motorized convenience, these window treatments are designed to handle our long prairie winters beautifully.Whether you’re freshening up a mudroom, finally tackling that feature wall, or starting from scratch in a new build, Eastside is where Saskatoon homeowners find quality supplies, trusted advice, and one-on-one design support to help bring their vision to life.

Why Window Coverings Matter in Canadian Winters

Windows are one of the most significant sources of heat loss in any home. In fact, they can account for up to 40% of your home’s heating energy escaping through the glass. That means choosing the right coverings isn’t just about style, it’s about comfort and energy savings too.

High-quality window treatments help:

  • Insulate against cold drafts.

  • Retain warmth inside your home.

  • Control natural light to brighten shorter days.

  • Add privacy during long winter nights.

Alta Window Fashions specializes in creating coverings that look elegant while working hard behind the scenes to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency. So, let’s go over your options.

1. Honeycomb (Cellular) Shades: Your First Line of Defence Against the Cold

If you’re looking for the ultimate in insulation and style, Alta Honeycomb Shades are a winter essential.

Alta Honeycomb Shade window coverings.

These shades are designed with a cellular structure that traps air within the pockets, creating a thermal barrier between your window and room. This simple design dramatically reduces heat loss keeping your living spaces warmer during cold Saskatoon nights and helping lower energy bills.

Alta offers:

  • Light-filtering and blackout options, perfect for any room.

  • Top-Down/Bottom-Up controls for privacy and daylight flexibility.

  • Cordless and motorized lift systems for safety and convenience.

  • Energy-efficient designs that can even qualify for Canadian energy tax credits.

2. Roller Shades: Sleek, Functional, and Versatile

If you prefer a clean, modern aesthetic, Roller Shades are an excellent choice. Alta’s collection offers a wide variety of fabrics and opacities — from sheer light-filtering materials to complete blackout.

Alta Roller Shades.

3. Sheer Shadings: Let the Light In, Keep the Chill Out

For homeowners who crave sunlight during dark winters, Sheer Shadings are the perfect balance of beauty and practicality. These elegant coverings feature translucent vanes suspended between sheer fabrics, allowing soft light to filter in while maintaining privacy.

Alta Sheer Shadings.

Sheer shades help reduce the need for artificial lighting while diffusing harsh glare — keeping your space bright without sacrificing warmth or comfort.

4. Motorized Blinds and Shades: Smart Comfort for Modern Living

As technology continues to make our homes smarter, motorized window coverings have become one of the most popular upgrades among Saskatoon homeowners.

Alta Motorized Window Shades.

Alta’s motorized blinds and shades integrate seamlessly with smart home systems — meaning you can open or close them using a remote, app, or voice command. Even better, you can schedule them to open at sunrise and close at sunset automatically, maximizing natural light while improving insulation.

Automation not only makes life easier but also helps reduce energy costs by aligning your shades with daily temperature changes.

5. How to Maximize Natural Light While Staying Cozy

In the heart of a Saskatoon winter, sunlight is a luxury. Here are a few ways to make the most of it:

  • Use light-filtering fabrics in rooms that face south or west to capture as much natural light as possible.

  • Layer sheer and insulated coverings for flexibility — open sheers during the day, close insulated shades at night.

  • Choose Top-Down/Bottom-Up designs to allow light from above while maintaining privacy below.

Honeycomb shades and sheers are especially effective in balancing brightness with warmth.

6. Style Meets Function: Window Coverings That Look as Good as They Work

Your window coverings should complement your décor — not compete with it. Alta offers hundreds of fabric choices, textures, and finishes, allowing you to customize each treatment to your home’s personality.

Consider:

  • Textured neutrals for timeless coziness.

  • Layered looks that combine sheers and drapery for depth.

  • Fabric-wrapped headrails and custom hardware for a polished finish.

Alta’s collection allows homeowners to enjoy the perfect mix of form and function: elegant design, superior energy performance, and custom craftsmanship.

7. Why Saskatoon Homeowners Trust Eastside Paint & Wallpaper

Prairie winters demand more from your home — and your window coverings should rise to the challenge. At Eastside Paint & Wallpaper, we provide in-home measurement and design consultations, ensuring your Alta Window Fashions coverings are perfectly fitted and styled for your space.

Our team understands how local conditions affect comfort, insulation, and light throughout the winter months — and we’re here to help you create a space that feels cozy, efficient, and effortlessly stylish.

Warmth, Light, and Style — All Winter Long

With Saskatoon’s frigid temperatures and limited daylight, the right window coverings can make your home feel like a retreat from the cold. Whether you’re drawn to the insulating power of Honeycomb Shades, the simplicity of Roller Shades, or the elegance of Sheer Shadings, Alta Window Fashions has an option that fits your needs.

Eastside Paint & Wallpaper is proud to bring these high-quality, Canadian-designed window treatments to our community.

Visit Us Today

Ready to make your home warmer and brighter this winter?
Visit us in-store or book a free in-home consultation to explore Alta’s full range of window coverings — crafted for the beauty, comfort, and energy efficiency every Saskatoon home deserves.

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