5 ways to block sunlight from windows
Windows are an integral part of our houses; architecturally and aesthetically. They enhance the air circulation, provides ventilation, and bring the natural sunlight inside. Large windows radiate a positive and fresh vibe. And who doesn’t love to drink a cup of coffee sitting on a Parisian window!
But due to the modern lifestyle, most of us have become late risers. And getting sleep in the morning could be annoying with bare windows. Thanks to problem solvers old and new, we have a bunch of solutions available to obstruct the sunlight and get a restful sleep.
East and West facing windows get the maximum amount of sunlight. Other than the harsh rays, rooms also take in a lot of heat which increases the electricity consumption exponentially. Using proper window treatment can help you save up to 25% on your electricity bill. Here is a list of ways to block excessive sunlight effectively and efficiently without sacrificing style!
Awnings
For centuries people have been using window awnings as a functional system to prevent sunlight. You can easily customize the size of awnings to provide proper shelter. These days acrylic and polyvinyl laminates are used to make the sunshade. Other than sunlight they also prevent rainwater from getting inside. The fabric for your awning should be opaque, tightly woven, and light in color so it doesn’t absorb a lot of heat.
When we moved into our 1950’s built house it had 2 enormous awnings on the windows. The awnings were made of aluminum and made the house feel dark and dated. We tore them down within the first month.
A few summers later, our neighbors added some awnings and I thought they were crazy, but theirs were retractable and quite stylish. They used them to keep the sun and the heat out during the hours between 10:00 AM and 3: pm and then pulled them back. The energy saving alone made me wish I hadn’t sworn off all awnings.
Window Films
The best thing about window films is that they do not hamper the aesthetics of your room. It has a fairly simple installation process which can be a DIY thing too! However, it is always advised to hire professional installers because they can give you detailed information about your energy savings. You might find the initial process a bit heavy on the pocket but when you calculate your saving in energy bills, the invested amount will save you money in the long run.
Window Blinds and Shades
Blinds and shades come with a bunch of options, from different materials to sizes. Cellular honeycomb blinds, solar shades, and roller shades offer the most common and reliable protection. Other options include: roman shades, pleated shades, and wood blinds. These can be made a designed specifically for any room or you can buy remade ones and install them yourself.
You should also consider the aesthetics before making any decision because these blinds are going to sit right in front of your eyes so it should match the décor.
Today, you can find smart window blinds that automatically roll down during certain hours of the day. Understand your requirements before making any decision and explore the market to get the best deals.
Shutters
Shutters are one of the sun blocking solutions our forefathers used. For example, in Charleston South Carolina, these “Plantation shutters” were opened at night to let cross ventilate the house, and were closed to keep the heat out when the day was at its hottest.
Shutters are still used widely in certain areas of the South. They allow in the breeze without bringing in the heat from the sun. They can be opened or closed to let the desired amount of sun in and can come in lots of different styles.
Blackout Curtains
To safeguard your sleep with 100% efficiency, use blackout curtains. A good quality blackout fabric prevents both heat and light from coming inside. They are stylish and comes in a wide variety of colors. If they aren’t decorative enough for you, You can hide them behind your regular drapery.
A good window treatment can prevent your house from heating too much, help you save energy, and retain the warmth inside during winter. Make an informed decision and say goodbye to sunlight forever!