Kamal Ghorui
Living in a new space is often an immediate experience because you realise that windows are made to be transparent, and curtains aren’t cheap. Whether you are a student living in a dormitory, a tenant of a city apartment, or an owner going through renovations, the need for privacy often precedes the budget for making your own curtains.Whereas many people may opt for the cheaper alternative of plastic shades, there is an inventive set of individuals who are reviving a traditional window covering that comes right from their backyard. This is the use of newspapers to temporarily cover windows in an appealing way.The idea might seem unconventional at first, but it is far from a modern desperation tactic. Historically, paper was a widely recognised material for home decor.Whereas the tactile beauty of embossed paper panels and soft diffusion of light through them once made paper window coverings desirable for their light weight and delicate pattern-making qualities, today, they find inspiration from a more edgy look, newsprint with its stark typography and black and white colour palette giving it the industrial chic look.The science of thermal comfort and privacyWhile privacy might be the reason why one would use newspapers for windows, there are some environmental benefits that come with such an unorthodox choice for covering a window opening. Windows are major conduits for heat flow in a house, and when covered by paper, their climate changes significantly.This functional aspect is a major reason why it persists among energy-conscious DIYers who are looking for resourceful ways to manage their indoor temperature without installing permanent fixtures.According to the research findings presented in Window Treatments and Energy Conservation published via ResearchGate, window coverings act as an essential barrier to energy transmission. The study highlights that interior window treatments can significantly reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior environments by modifying air convection loops.
Newspapers provide a temporary barrier against heat loss and solar gain. This resourceful approach appeals to students and renters seeking immediate solutions.
By placing a newspaper against the glass, you create a rudimentary insulating layer that traps a small pocket of still air. This minimises the “weak energy performance” often associated with bare windows, helping to soften the glare and blunt the edge of a cold breeze during chilly months.The demand for adaptable, non-permanent solutions is further supported by the U.S. Department of Energy in its comprehensive guide, Energy Efficient Window Coverings. This resource confirms that temporary window coverings are highly effective at reducing solar heat gain in the summer and providing an extra layer of thermal resistance in the winter.With a newspaper, the renters or homeowners will have the chance to regulate their warmth without any irreversible alterations to their frame or any drilling on it. The only thing that needs to be done is to apply some newspaper to the pane using tape.Paper for temporary protectionA great advantage that comes with paper as an insulating agent is its convenience. The user does not need any machine, like a sewing machine, nor is there the necessity to measure anything or use a drill. Newspaper covers large areas because of its wide, uniform sheets, thus making the procedure very easy for people.Big environmental advocacy groups also stress the importance of using biodegradable materials at home. According to the EPA’s guide to Identifying Greener Cleaning Products, the use of biodegradable products is beneficial to indoor health. Replacing plastic window blinds with recycled paper is a great idea because this way you will reduce chemical exposure in the room.To those homeowners who have a flair for creativity, the use of newspapers is not just an inconvenience; rather, it serves as a source of inspiration. The amount of light that filters into your room can be controlled by arranging various sections of the newspaper, such as placing heavy and text-filled financial sections for a snugger appearance or spacious broadsheets for some open space. In some cases, people go even further and create their own “quilted newspaper” using clear tape.The truth is, the use of windows in newspapers serves to point out the reality of the importance of living in the moment. The message targets students, tenants, and cost-saving households who crave a personal and snug space right now and not after a span of six weeks when all their items will eventually be delivered.Embrace your practical heritage, and you may save yourself some cash while protecting your privacy in the process. Just remember, when you find a window open, the solution might just be looking back at your trash.
