5 Ways to Cover Windows in a Sunroom

Published 3/13/2023

If you’re lucky enough to have a sunroom in your home, you know the joys of spending time in this special space. A sunroom is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural light and warmth of the sun. But if your sunroom has windows that let in excessive light and heat, it can be uncomfortable to spend time in there during certain times of the year.

We’d like to explore five ways to cover windows in a sunroom so that you can enjoy the view in this space all year round!

 

What Are Your Options?

Your sunroom functions best when it can be used as an extension of your indoor living space. If the windows in your sunroom are not properly covered, the area can become too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. By covering your sunroom windows, you can control the direct sunlight and heat entering the room, making it more comfortable to use in all seasons.

One way to stylishly cover windows in a sunroom is with roller shades. Roller shades are available in a variety of colors and fabrics, so you can find the perfect look to match your sunroom’s décor. If you want more privacy or the ability to significantly reduce light on exceedingly sunny days, choose room darkening roller shades. For a softer look, try solar shades, which filter light and reduce glare while still allowing some visibility.

Roman shades are a second option for a touch of class. Roman shades are available in a wide range of fabrics and styles to suit your personal interior design aesthetic. They provide excellent light control and can give your sunroom a sophisticated look.

A third choice is honeycomb shades. They are distinct from roller shades and roman shades in their construction. Rather than a single piece of fabric, honeycomb shades are made of multiple “cells” that trap air and provide insulation. This makes them ideal for sunrooms, as they can help keep the space cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Another window-covering option for sunrooms is blinds. Blinds come in several different materials, including wood and faux wood. Premium blinds can be a beautiful option for covering sunroom windows. Choose from real wood blinds made in a variety of stains to match your décor or popular faux wood blinds that are sought after for their durability and easy maintenance.

Finally, plantation shutters are a great choice for sunrooms. Plantation shutters are known for their elegant look and ability to provide both privacy and light control. If you’re looking for a sunroom window-covering option that adds value to your home, plantation shutters are the perfect solution. These shutters are available in both hardwood and wood composite options. 

 

Sunroom Window Treatment Ideas

With so many window covers available on the market, it can be daunting to know where to start. Which brands can you trust? Which products will stand the test of time? The right sunroom window treatment will transform your space. Follow our product guide to help find the best fit for your unique needs.

 

Soluna™ Roller Shades

Norman® Soluna™ Roller Shades provide excellent sun protection in a sleek, modern design. These shades are available in a variety of fabrics, which helps keep your sunroom filled with the optimal amount of natural light. If you’re looking for a sunroom window covering that offers solar shade options, Soluna™ Roller Shades are a great choice. Solar screen roller shades come in a variety of 100% polyester solar screen fabrics with different openness levels to find the perfect amount of illumination for your home. Solar screen roller shades with a low openness level like 5% will incorporate a more tightly woven fabric with less visibility but greater light control, blocking up to 95% of UV rays. On the other hand, a shade with a higher openness level will provide more see-through capability to the outside and allow more light to enter the room.

 

Woodlore®

For the perfect combination of classic style and superior sun protection, look no further than Norman® Woodlore® Shutters. These premium shutters are made from a wood composite, so they add a warm, natural touch to your sunroom. Their solid construction also makes them extremely durable, so you can enjoy them for years to come. Additionally, Woodlore® shutters come with a built-in UV inhibitor that helps protect against warping or sagging when exposed to temperatures up to 140°F, making it an ideal option for rooms with extended exposure to sunlight and heat.

 

SmartPrivacy® Faux Wood Blinds

If you love the look of wood blinds but are looking for something more budget-friendly, Norman® SmartPrivacy® Faux Wood Blinds are a good option. These blinds are made with a high-quality material that looks and feels just like real wood. Plus, they are also designed with UV exposure in mind to help protect your sunroom furnishings from fading. Traditional blinds typically place route holes for cords in the middle of each individual slat, allowing for potential sunlight to leak through. SmartPrivacy®’s innovative design places the route holes at the back of each slat, allowing for a more complete room darkening experience when closed and preventing any pesky light leakage from ruining a relaxing experience.

 

Centerpiece™ Roman Shades

Looking for a more traditional window covering option? Centerpiece™ Roman shades are a popular choice that can add a touch of elegance to your sunroom. Centerpiece™ roman shades are available in a variety of textures and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your space. With the optional Soft fold construction, these soft shades help keep your sunroom cool and comfortable in the summer months by trapping air in its cascading pockets and creating an insulating layer between the sunroom and the window. 

 

Additional Tips

In addition to window coverings, there are a few other things you can do to manage sunlight in your sunroom.

Decorative Room Dividers

If you want to create a more intimate space in your sunroom, consider using decorative room dividers. Room dividers can help define the different areas of your sunroom and allow you to control the amount of light that enters each space. Shutters can be a great room divider in the form of bypass shutters, sliding doors that still allow views through to the other side. Vertical honeycomb shades can also work as a room divider, allowing for subtle illumination through the use of a light filtering fabric while keeping an insulating layer.

 

Outdoor Retractable Awning

An outdoor retractable awning is a great way to create shade on demand. Awnings can be retracted when you want to enjoy the sun and extended when you need protection from the sun’s rays. Durable outdoor retractable awnings are typically made from canvas or vinyl and can be operated manually or with a remote control.

If you want to reduce the amount of UV rays that enter your sunroom, consider installing UV-blocking window film. Window film is available in a variety of tints and can be applied to the inside or outside of your sunroom windows to boost energy efficiency and hinder energy loss. 

 

Is Putting Window Treatments In a Sunroom a Good Idea?

Contrary to what you may think, window treatments are a great idea for sunrooms! Not only do they provide privacy and help to control the amount of light coming into large windows, but they can also add a decorative touch. There are many different types of treatments to choose from that are both functional and stylish, so you’re sure to find a style that suits your sunroom windows.

As an added bonus, Norman® window treatments feature several cordless systems that make them safe for homes with small children or pets. An added remote control also allows you to have complete control over the level of privacy and direct light in your sunroom with the touch of a button.

So, if you’re looking for a window covering that is both practical and modern, Norman® has a great selection for sunrooms!