How to Filter Light, Prevent Glare, and Save Money
Most of us who live in coastal communities like Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Southport, Topsail Island, and Hampstead, love the ocean and the sunny Carolina blue sky.
It doesn’t take long, however, to discover that the sun affects much more than our bodies: its heat can cause the electric bill to skyrocket. The sun’s rays can also create an annoying glare on television screens or prevent daytime rest. To avoid these pitfalls, utilize window treatments that will provide sunblock for windows and address your home’s unique challenges while preserving your sense of style.
Interior
- Shades – Consider blackout shades for smaller windows. These accordion-style, pull-down window treatments come in a variety of colors to complement your décor and can prevent any sunlight from entering the room. Install insulated single or double cellular shades to experience the combined benefits of blocked sunlight and energy efficiency or Roman shades for a more traditional drapery appearance. For environmentally conscious consumers, consider bamboo or woven shades made of sustainable materials.
- Blinds – Blinds offer versatility in that they allow you to determine how much light enters the room. Select smaller slats to achieve a darker room and wider slats for more sunlight. Also consider the color of the blinds; a darker shade will block out more light. To combine the look of shades with the results of blinds, consider horizontal sheers that filter light when open, but block light when closed. Or pair blinds with traditional curtains to achieve added style and light reduction.
- Vertical Blinds – Ideal for large windows and walls of windows, these hanging slats are beautiful and functional. Select the color and material that best accentuates the theme of your room and enjoy energy savings. Simplify the process of opening and closing the blinds by installing a motorized unit, and take advantage of programmable blinds that can be set to automatically close at certain times of the day to utilize the most energy efficiency.
- Shutters – Although traditionally seen on the outside of homes, interior shutters are an attractive and highly effective method of blocking sunlight from a room. When combined with custom hardware and accents, they offer a unique way to showcase a window and its view.
Exterior
Although most window treatments are hung inside the home, you might consider the use of exterior motorized shades for large windows. Whereas shades, blinds, and curtains cover the top or sides of a window at all times, exterior shades offer an unobstructed view until lowered during certain times of the day. These custom-installed, motorized shades provide the best energy efficiency and do not detract from the appearance of the exterior of your home.
The professional designers at Strickland’s Home are happy to provide you with a free in-home consultation to help guide you. Our large showroom also features hundreds of samples and swatches. Gather your ideas and let us know how we can help you.