Cool Solutions: Window Treatments to Beat Heat and Glare
Written By Armi Avila
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it can also be a time for scorching temperatures and uncomfortable heat. As temperatures soar and days get hotter, keeping your home cool becomes increasingly important. One of the most effective ways to beat the heat is by choosing the right window treatments. Not only do they enhance your home’s aesthetic, but they also play a crucial role in managing indoor temperatures and energy efficiency.
Another concern is glare, which can be a major hassle especially during the bright summer months. Glare not only affects your comfort but can also make it difficult to work, watch TV, or enjoy your favorite indoor activities.
Let’s explore some of the best window treatments to keep your home cool during the summer and manage glare effectively while enhancing your home’s style.
1. Cellular Shades: The Insulating Champions
Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are a top pick for energy efficiency. Their unique honeycomb structure traps air in pockets, creating an insulating barrier between your window and your living space. This insulation helps keep the heat out and the cool air in. Cellular shades are available in a range of opacities from sheer to room darkening, allowing you to control light and privacy according to your needs. For superior energy efficiency, elevate your honeycomb shades with Hunter Douglas Duette® Architella ® Cell-Within-A-Cell Design. View Honeycomb Shades
Hunter Douglas Duette® Architella® Honeycomb Shades
2. Solar Shades: The Modern Solution
Solar shades are designed to reduce glare and block harmful UV rays while preserving your view of the outdoors. These shades are made from a special screen-like material that allows light to filter through without heating up your room. The degree of openness in the fabric determines how much light is let in and the level of UV protection, making it easy to customize for different rooms and preferences. Solar shades are perfect for sunrooms, living areas, and offices where you want to maintain a bright, airy feel without the associated heat. Lighter fabrics are better for temperature control while darker fabrics are better for glare control and more view-through. View Roller Shades
Graber Solar Shades
3. Room Darkening Shades: Reducing Light While Maximizing Comfort
For rooms that require darkness, blocking sunlight, and maximum cooling, room darkening shades are the way to go. They not only keep the room cool but also enhance privacy, minimize glare, and improve sleep quality. They also offer superior insulating properties, helping to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. As such, they are a perfect choice for media rooms and bedrooms to control light and not overheat the space. While the material itself blocks light, seepage on the sides is unavoidable and more apparent due to the contrast of light. There are solutions to further reduce light seepage if needed.
Hunter Douglas Room Darkening Applause® Honeycomb Shades
4. Blinds & Shutters: Classic and Adjustable
With their adjustable slats or louvers, blinds and shutters offer precise control over the amount of light entering a room. By tilting the slats or louvers, you can direct light away from screens and reduce glare while still allowing natural light to brighten your space. View Blinds and Shutters
Alta Wood Blinds
5. Natural Shades: The Eco-Friendly Choice
Woven wood shades not only add a touch of rustic charm to your interiors but also help keep your home cool. Some materials are breathable and allow air to circulate while providing adequate shade. They are also more environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners. View Woven Shades
Hunter Douglas Provenance® Woven Woods Shades
7. Sheer Shades: Soft Light with Reduced Glare
Sheer shades combine the elegance of sheer fabric with the functionality of blinds. They gently diffuse light, reducing glare while allowing a soft, natural glow to illuminate your room. Letting soft light in provides gentle diffusion of light, thereby reducing harsh glare. Its elegant design and soft fabric add a sophisticated touch to any room. It also offers UV Protection against harsh UV rays. See Sheer Shades
Hunter Douglas Nantucket™ Sheer Shades
6. Smart Window Treatments: The High-Tech Helpers
For those who love integrating technology into their homes, smart window treatments offer convenience and efficiency. Motorized window coverings can be set to open and close at specific times of the day. Some systems are compatible with smart home devices, allowing you to control them via voice commands or smartphone apps. Automation ensures your home stays cool with ease. See Motorized Blinds in Action
Other Tips In Addition to Window Treatments:
- Keep the Cool Air In
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Weather Sealing: Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent drafts and leaks. Drafty windows and doors can allow hot outdoor air to seep into your home, making it harder to keep cool. Weather stripping and caulking are easy and inexpensive ways to improve sealing.
- Attic Insulation: Proper attic insulation is crucial for keeping your home cool in the summer. Heat rises, and a well-insulated attic will prevent heat from radiating down into your living space.
- Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can be a big help in circulating air and creating a wind chill effect. Set your fan blades to rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down.
- Cross Ventilation: Take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures by opening windows on opposite sides of your house to create a cross breeze. This will help to naturally ventilate your home and remove hot air.
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Air Conditioning: If necessary, use your air conditioner efficiently. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you're away from home and at night. Regularly clean or replace air conditioner filters to ensure superior performance.
Summary
Choosing the right window treatments can make a significant difference in keeping your home cool during the summer, managing glare, and enhancing comfort. Whether you prefer the sleek look of solar shades, the rustic charm of natural materials, the practicality of honeycomb shades, or the advanced convenience of smart blinds, there’s an option to suit every style and need. By investing in the right window treatments, you can enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home all summer long.
Ready to make your home summer-friendly? Let's get started! We are here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect shades to enhance your home's aesthetic while addressing heat and glare. If you live in Greater Seattle, Bellevue, or the Eastside, give us a call at 206-801-6010 or send us a message.
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