The 7 Best Sunroom Window Treatments: Balancing Light & Comfort

October 30th, 2023

A sun room with hardwood floors and a window.

Sunrooms bring the outdoors inside. They capture sunlight in a bright, airy space to relax and unwind.

They can serve as a sitting area, a dining room, an office, or a greenhouse for plant enthusiasts.

Many homeowners use sunrooms for entertaining guests. Their open atmosphere makes them a natural gathering place.

That said, too much bright sun is a problem, even in a room designed for it. Plus, you may not enjoy the fishbowl effect of windows on three sides, presenting your neighbors with a clear view as you savor your morning coffee in your bathrobe — which you forgot to tie.

Some kind of sunroom window treatment is required — and you want it to be as airy as the room itself while giving you the right privacy and light control.

Sunroom Design & Furnishings

Sunrooms come in various styles and designs, but they tend to have several things in common:

Abundant Windows: Sunrooms have large windows that allow natural light to flood the space. These windows can be sliding, casement, or even panoramic.
Special Roofing: Sunrooms often have glass or polycarbonate roofing to maximize sunlight. Some sunrooms have a cathedral-style ceiling for an open, spacious feel.
Low-Maintenance Flooring: Flooring options include hardwood, tile, or indoor-outdoor carpet. The choice depends on the intended use of the space.
Comfortable Furnishings: The selection of furnishings varies based on the intended purpose of the sunroom. Commonly, you’ll find comfortable seating, such as sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables for a cozy sitting area.
Plants and Greenery: Sunrooms are often stocked with houseplants and flowers soaking in the natural light. Some sunrooms even serve as mini-greenhouses for gardening enthusiasts.
Light Decor: Sunroom decor includes breezy elements, such as sheer curtains, light-colored paint or wallpaper, and items that create a sense of tranquility.
Light-Filtering Window Treatments: To balance the light and comfort, homeowners use window treatments like solar shades, sheer curtains, or blinds. These not only control the light but also enhance the aesthetics of the space.

The Best Window Treatments for a Sunroom

Let’s look at some of the most suitable options to help you maintain that perfect equilibrium between natural light and comfort.

1. Solar Shades

Solar shades filter harsh sunlight while allowing some natural light to seep in. These shades reduce glare and provide UV protection, making your sunroom a pleasant place to relax, even on the sunniest days.

2. Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains filter light gently, creating a soft, diffused ambiance. They’re perfect for people who prefer a cozy, dreamy atmosphere.

3. Cellular Shades

Cellular shades offer excellent insulation, keeping your sunroom comfortable throughout the year. They come in various opacities, allowing you to control the amount of light and privacy you desire.

4. Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood shades add texture and warmth to your sunroom. They’re made from natural materials like bamboo, grasses, and reeds and offer a rustic, organic feel.

5. Plantation Shutters

Shutters are a classic option for any room, including sunrooms. They provide excellent light control while lending formal elegance to the space.

6. Bamboo Shades

Bamboo shades are an eco-friendly option that brings the beauty of nature into your sunroom. They provide good light control and add tropical charm.

7. Roller Shades

Roller shades are a simple, budget-friendly solution for sunrooms. They come in various materials, colors, and patterns to complement any decor. You can automate them to open in the morning and lower when the sun is most intense.

Tips for Choosing the Right Sunroom Window Treatment

Evaluate your sunroom’s purpose. You may want to focus on comfort and ambiance if it’s primarily a sitting area. Light control and privacy may be more important if it serves as an office.
Think about your climate. If your sunroom gets too hot, you’ll need window treatments with UV protection and insulation. For colder climates, opt for energy-efficient options to keep the heat in.
Consider the scenery. If you have a beautiful view of nature, you’ll want window treatments that let you look outside, even when partially closed to filter the sun.
Choose materials wisely. Avoid fabric-based window treatments that may mildew or warp in a high-humidity area. Opt for synthetic fabrics like polyester or vinyl instead.
Explore different opacities. Solar shades are more transparent, while cellular shades offer varying opacity levels.
Match the decor. Your window treatments should complement the overall design and style of your sunroom. What colors, patterns, and materials will enhance the sunroom’s aesthetics?
Automate for convenience. Motorized options simplify light control and privacy in your sunroom via a remote or even a voice command.
Seek expert advice. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional who can provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Balancing Light & Comfort

Scenario 1: Southern Exposure

If your sunroom faces south, you’ll want to minimize direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Solar shades or sheer curtains can be a fantastic choice, providing ample protection against glare while allowing some gentle light.

Scenario 2: Northern Exposure

In the case of a north-facing sunroom, you’ll want to maximize natural light. Cellular shades or roller blinds with light-filtering capabilities are excellent options. They allow you to control the brightness while maintaining comfort.

Scenario 3: Year-Round Use

For sunrooms used year-round, it’s essential to have window treatments with insulation. Cellular shades are a top choice, providing energy efficiency and temperature control.

Scenario 4: Aesthetic Appeal

If aesthetics are your primary concern, bamboo blinds and sheer curtains can add elegance to your sunroom while ensuring you enjoy the outside view.

Who Sells Sunroom Window Treatments? We Do!

At Aero Shade, we offer all the above window treatments and more! We’re family-owned and operated and have served metro Los Angeles since 1947.

But we’re more than a mom-and-pop window treatment store. We design window treatments for local architects, Hollywood celebrities, and major universities.

You don’t have to be a celebrity to hire us. Every customer gets star treatment and becomes a member of the extended Aero Shade customer.

Call us today for a free, in-home estimate, or stop by our Los Angeles showroom to see and test working models of our products. You’ll be glad you did!

FAQs: More about Sunroom Window Treatments

Q: How do I clean sunroom window treatments?

Cleaning methods vary depending on the material. Most options can be easily cleaned with a duster or a gentle vacuum. For stains, spot cleaning with a mild detergent is usually effective.

Q: Will sunroom window treatments help with energy efficiency?

The right window treatments can significantly improve energy efficiency in your sunroom by reducing heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.

Q: Are there eco-friendly sunroom window treatment options?

Many options, such as bamboo blinds and some cellular shades, are eco-friendly and made from sustainable materials.

Q: Can I use dark-colored shades in my sunroom?

Dark-colored shades can add depth and drama to your space, but remember, they might make the room darker and absorb more heat than lighter colors.

Q: I have a lot of plants in my sunroom. Which window treatment would be best?

Consider window treatments that allow plenty of sunlight in. Sheer curtains or solar shades could be an excellent choice.

Q: Can I install different window treatments in the same sunroom?

Yes, you can. Mixing and matching window treatments can create an exciting aesthetic and provide more versatile light control.

Q: What type of window treatment is easiest to maintain?

Vinyl shades and blinds are generally easy to clean and maintain. They resist moisture and can be wiped down with a damp cloth.

Q: Can I install motorized window treatments in my sunroom?

Yes, motorized options provide convenience by allowing you to adjust your window treatments with a remote control or even voice commands.

Q: Are there child-safe window treatments for sunrooms?

Many window treatments, such as cordless shades and shutters, are considered safer for children and pets as they eliminate the risks associated with dangling cords.