Window Shade

Best Ways To Block The Sun

Lets explore some of the many ways to find window shade. From the outside of your home you can install shade screens, window awnings, roll-up-shades or outdoor window blinds.

It's important to consider a combination of outdoor and indoor shading methods to effectively reduce heat gain and create a comfortable living environment. The best approach will depend on factors such as your climate, the orientation of your home, and your personal preferences.

Stopping the heat before it enters the house is important for keeping cooling costs down but indoor window treatments offer privacy and light control and would, to a lesser degree, help with the cooling costs.

Visit our window awnings section for more ideas about windows and outdoor shade, and don't miss the roll-up shades. The shade screen section will also have some good shade ideas. Shading the home from the outside is well covered in the rest of our site so this page will focus on the inside.

Here are some of the best types of indoor window treatments for reducing heat gain, light control and privacy:

Cellular Shades: Also known as honeycomb shades, cellular shades are designed with a honeycomb-like structure that creates pockets of air. These pockets act as insulation, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Cellular shades come in various opacity levels, allowing you to choose the amount of light and heat blockage that suits your needs.

Window Film: Window film is a thin, adhesive film that can be applied directly to the interior surface of your windows. It comes in different types, such as reflective films or low-emissivity (low-e) films. Reflective films reflect a portion of the sunlight and heat away from your windows, while low-e films help to block infrared heat while still allowing natural light to pass through.

Roller Shades: Roller shades are simple and versatile window treatments that can be effective in reducing heat gain. Opt for shades made from light-colored or reflective materials to help reflect sunlight away from your home. Additionally, blackout roller shades can provide excellent light blockage and heat reduction.

Roman Shades: Roman shades offer a classic and elegant window treatment option. They can be made from various fabrics, including those with thermal or insulating properties. Look for roman shades with a thermal lining to help reduce heat gain and enhance energy efficiency.

Blinds: Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, or horizontal blinds can be adjusted to control the amount of sunlight entering the room. They allow flexibility in managing both light and privacy.

Curtains and Drapes: Heavy or thermal curtains and drapes with light-blocking or insulating properties can effectively reduce solar heat gain and provide shade when closed.

It's worth noting that the effectiveness of window treatments in reducing heat gain can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the materials, the color and opacity of the treatments, and the orientation of your home. Consider consulting with professionals or conducting further research to determine the best window treatments for your specific needs and climate.

Follow the links at the bottom of the page to see all the different types of blinds and window treatments.