During these hot summer months, heat and sun control via shades on your windows is key to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. With or without air conditioning, climate control via window shades cuts heat and glare, helps reduce the need for cooling, and creates a soothing filter from the bright and hot conditions outside.
Shades can be, and should be, good looking as well as practical. Horizontal wood blinds in a white finish create a cool and fresh look, and allow flexible blade positions to block out light or allow in a little light as the day goes on. Unlined woven natural shades partially filter out heat and light, while lined shades provide greater protection from light and heat. Whether mounted inside the window frame or outside the frame, shades and blinds can be dressed up with valances or drapery panels.
Pleated shades or cellular/honeycomb shades offer a simple solution and a soft look, especially for bedrooms. Double or triple cell shades provide excellent thermal and energy saving qualities. Cellular shades’ monochromatic appearance is less varied or textured than wood blinds or woven shades, but if a uniform look is desired, they fit the bill nicely.
In addition to shades, traditional or plantation shutters provide excellent sun control and always look great. Although the initial cost of shutters may be higher than shades, they provide long term, permanent but flexible additions to windows and add a tailored effect to any room. Plantation shutters are one of my favorite ways to provide light and sun control for bedrooms, bathrooms or libraries/offices. They stand alone as a design element or can be combined with drapery panels in bedrooms, family rooms or dining rooms.
And when winter arrives, the same shades or shutters will help keep you warm and cozy!
A soft, natural woven shade filters light and helps keep things cool.
While more open and translucent, these woven shades still offer a layer of sun protection.
A lined, pleated shade blocks the sun and works well in a bedroom.
Traditional shutters look great in an office setting and provide flexible sun control.
White plantation shutters filter out sunlight and heat as needed during the day, provide privacy at night, or can be opened to let light in.