Need help with (energy efficient) blinds/shades for big windows.

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

The living room faces west so the condo gets plenty of sunlight in the afternoon-- which is good. But it also gets HOT!! Since it's a living room, I don't think I need a curtain/shade that completely blocks off the sun. I would however want something that will filter it enough and also save me on energy bills..

I repainted the walls so they're light-gray now. The approximate measurement for the window is 110 inches (W) x 70 inches (L).

What kind of shades would you recommend? Right now I have some curtains but I think they make the room too small....

Also, should I go with one big shade or multiple (2-3) shades?

Thank you.

Featured Answer

PRO

SOLARIS

10 years ago

Adding window film will improve the energy efficiency, control the glare and allow you to keep your view. Cellular shades are typically the most efficient covering but only work when they are closed. Visit www.enerlogicfilm.com to learn more about the best films available.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

PRO
Bryce Engstrom: Architect
10 years ago
You may want to look into honeycomb cellular type shades. These provide an excellent dead-air-space insulating factor that will help withing long-wave (heat generating) sunlight, but still let it plenty of visible light so the room isn't too dark.
JY Ssong thanked Bryce Engstrom: Architect
JY Ssong
Original Author
10 years ago
That is very helpful. Thank you Bryce!
Related Professionals
Barstow Interior Designers & Decorators · New River Architects & Building Designers · Pedley Architects & Building Designers · St. Louis Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Rockville Furniture & Accessories · Holliston Furniture & Accessories · New Bern General Contractors · Salem General Contractors · Midlothian General Contractors · National City General Contractors · Seabrook General Contractors · South Windsor General Contractors · Union Hill-Novelty Hill General Contractors · Winfield General Contractors · Wolf Trap General Contractors
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
I like solar shades for this application they cut down on the heat and UV rays but let you see out, I take mine down in the winter where I live because I like the heat from the sun in the winter.I like the fact that i can clean the windows but still control the light and heat. I would go one big shade to keep it simple
JY Ssong thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Angela Schneier
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
One idea would be to use a solar shade or Silhouette-style shade. Many of these allow you to see out the window, but provide good sun control. I'd also add stationary draperies panels to give the room some softness and formality. These photos show shades combined with draperies.
Window Treatment Ideas · More Info

Contemporary Living Room · More Info

Traditional Living Room · More Info
JY Ssong thanked Angela Schneier
JY Ssong
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you Patricia and Angela. I have looked into solar shades and I personally like how they look. The only reason I'm hesitant is that (even though they may block off UV rays) I'm not sure if those solar shades will also be energy efficient -- compared to honeycomb cellular shades. What do you think?
Angela Schneier
9 years ago
Solar shades will help keep your house cooler in the summer, but they won't keep it warmer in the winter. Honeycomb cellular shades will do both, but they won't let you see out when they are down. So, it depends on what is most important to you.