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What Are the Best Window Treatments for South-Facing Windows?

In this blog entry, the professional Los Angeles blinds, shades, and shutters installation team will describe what window treatments are ideal for south-facing windows in your California home or business.

What window treatments are ideal for southern facing windows?

  • Southern facing windows have the most sun exposure
  • Solar shades and cellular / honeycomb shades are the best window treatments for south facing windows
  • They reduce glare, block UV rays, and improve energy efficiency
  • They allow for natural light

What are the light issues associated with South-facing windows?

  • Windows with southern exposure are exposed to direct sunlight for the most of the day
  • They have intense glare during daylight hours
  • They cause temperature increases that can lead to higher energy bills
  • They risk UV damage to furniture, floors, and artwork
  • They provide difficulty in controlling natural light during the day

The Best WIndow Treatments for Southern-Facing Windows:

Solar Shades and UV-Blocking Roller Shades

  • Act like sunglasses for windows
  • Openness factors range from one percent to ten percent, the lower the percentage meaning less light, the higher the percentage meaning more UV ray protection
  • They block up to 99 percent of UV rays depending on shade material
  • They allow for outdoor views while reducing glare
  • They are ideal for living rooms, kitchens, and home offices

Cellular / Honeycomb Shades

  • Double cell shades increases thermal efficiency
  • Increases R-value for better insulation in both Winter and Summer
  • Can be purchased in blackout or light filtering styles
  • Ideal for nurseries, bedrooms, and any room requiring energy saving
  • Shades reduce heat loss by 40% potentially, ideal for energy-conscious households

Plantation Shutters and Blinds

  • Elegant yet functional
  • Has adjustable louvers which allow micro-control of sunlight direction
  • Available in both composite materials and natural wood
  • Provide classic aesthetic style
  • Ideal for formal rooms and sunny living rooms

Blackout Curtains and Layered Drapery

  • Multi layered drapery provides unique aesthetic benefits without sacrificing function
  • Thermal linings reduce solar glare
  • Ideal for media rooms, bedrooms, or nurseries
  • When matched with shades or blinds, layered window treatments provide both heat management during the day and privacy at night

Exterior Awnings and Solar Films

  • Awnings can block up to 77 percent of solar heat gain
  • Reflective solar films block heat and UV rays without darkening your interiors
  • Ideal for patio doors, large windows, or sunrooms
  • Best matched with interior shades with performance over multiple seasons

Smart WIndow Treatments

  • Smart blinds and motorized shades can automatically adjust based on sunlight level or the time of day
  • Smart sensors provide control over temperature and glare
  • Combined solar shades and blackout curtains area ideal for comfort on a 24/7 basis
  • Motorized / smart window treatments can easily be integrated with smart home management systems like Google Home or Alexa
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