Having a naturally lit home or even an area in a home is a must-have for many homeowners and understandably so. Natural light is more welcoming than artificial light and it has a way of adding warmth to any space. However, the direct sunlight also has some negative effects, such as increased room temperatures (a plus in the winter, but a drawback during summer months) and potential sun damage to furniture and other belongings. Understanding the direction your home is situated and the best types of window coverings that will help control the sunlight will help protect your belongings as well as help you reduce your energy consumption and expenses.
Below we highlight some of the top window coverings that you can rely on to help control the sunlight that enters your home.
1. Shades
Window shades are one of the most popular window coverings on the market and perhaps one of the most effective when it comes to controlling the sunlight that enters your home, at least when they are closed. For the best result, install your shades as close to the window panes as possible. This reduces the chances of sunlight and heat reflecting off the window frames and sills and entering your home. To maximize the efficiency of your window shades, opt into a model that utilizes a dual layer of fabric or more. These extra layers of fabric provide better insulation reducing heat gain, and heat loss when your window shades are drawn.
2. Blinds
Window blinds offer flexibility that you do not get with shades, however, they do not control heat gain or loss as well either. Because you can adjust the opening of the horizontal slats of blinds, you have the option of controlling the amount of sunlight and ventilation that enters your home versus just having an open and closed solution. Blinds also allow you to adjust the direction the sunlight is deflected, in the summer angle your blinds upward to have the light reflected into your light-colored ceiling and in the winter have the slots angled downward to direct extra light and heat into your living space.
3. Drapes
Drapes are often lined with a fabric heavy enough to block sunlight from entering your home. They will also provide additional insulation and enhance your privacy. Reduced heat gain during the summer months and heat loss during the winter months is an added benefit of lined drapes, the value of reduction depends on the fabric weight and color.
4. Curtains
Curtains may not be as protective against sunlight as other window coverings, but they do offer some control against the sunlight that enters your home. As with drapes, the fabric type, weight, and color play a role in the effectiveness of curtains in limiting the amount of sunlight that enters your home.
5. Reflective Window Film
If you don’t like the idea of completely blocking the sunlight from entering your home by closing your window coverings then perhaps installing a window film may be the solution for you. These films will assist in controlling the sunlight that gets into your home as well as block solar heat, ultraviolet rays, and glare. The one drawback of these reflective films is that they may also distort your view.
If you are looking to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home throughout the day or reduce your potential heat gain and heat loss from your windows during the different seasons of the year, you have plenty of options to choose from. Just remember that color and material do play a big part when looking to buy your new window coverings.
At RS Window Fashions we specialize in modernizing your living space with window coverings. Serving Barrie and surrounding areas, call (705) 794-9428 to schedule a free in-home quote today!