Sunrooms are a welcome retreat after a long day. A few easy tweaks to the room’s decor can turn it into a plush, relaxed space.
Curtains are the ideal window treatment for sunroom windows. The layered look adds visual interest to the space, while providing functionality by filtering light, heat or cold.
Light Filtering
Sunrooms are designed for loads of natural light and beautiful views, so you want a window treatment that doesn’t block or hide the view. Choose a curtain that filters sunlight and reduces glare while also looking decorative. Light filtering curtains are available in a variety of fabrics, styles and colors that look stylish, and many of them are easy to clean.
Curtains and draperies are available in an array of lengths, but you’ll want the bottom of the fabric to brush or follow a few inches below the sill, allowing you to enjoy the full beauty of your windows. Curtains and draperies with tie tops or tab tops add more casual aesthetics, and they’re easy to operate because you don’t have to worry about the drapes dragging on the floor or trapping dust.
Since you’ll be using the space during the day, a light to medium weight fabric is ideal for sunrooms, because it will allow the sun’s calming rays into the room and not reflect too much heat. You can find light-filtering drapes in a variety of styles, from cotton sheers that float gracefully on rods to modern panels with 80/20 blends of paper and polyester. Many of these fabrics have a lacy appearance, and they offer a delicate texture that’s easy to keep looking fresh.
Another popular option for sunrooms is solar or roller shades, which have a low profile that makes them virtually invisible when they’re lowered and they offer excellent UV protection. They’re available in a wide variety of styles, textures, colors and matters to coordinate with any home decor, and they can be enhanced with optional trims.
You can also consider woven wood shades for your sunroom. They’re a natural-looking, eco-friendly choice that uses renewable resources such as bamboo and jute and offer light filtering, privacy and UV protection. They’re not as insulated as other types of shades, so they aren’t a good choice for cold climates.
If you prefer to see your sunroom’s view at all times, skip the curtains and go with blinds instead. Choose faux wood blinds, rather than real wood, as they are less vulnerable to cracking and warping in a sunroom with direct sunlight.
Blackout
In addition to blocking glare and light, blackout curtains insulate windows to keep hot air out during the summer and cold air in during the winter. Insulated curtains can also help lower your energy bills. Unlike many thermal curtains, which are typically made from synthetic fabrics, blackout curtains are available in a wide range of colors and textures to match your room decor.
When choosing a set of blackout curtains for sunroom, consider the fabric, color, and length. Some of the best blackout curtains feature a textured pattern that adds to their visual appeal and offers a different texture than smooth polyester thermal fabric. They’re also more resistant to wrinkles than other curtain types and can be machine-washed for easy maintenance.
The dark color of these extra-wide curtains from Mercury Row keeps nearly all light out during testing, and they have a white blackout panel on the back for those who like a uniform curtain color from the outside. Their thick fabric is more opaque than others we tested, but they still allow some natural light to filter in during the day. They have a simple beaded chain system that lets you raise and lower them with ease. You can get them on Wayfair.
While blackout curtains offer a number of benefits, some people prefer lighter shades for their ability to let sunlight through during the day. You can find both types on Amazon in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes.
If you’re looking for something more traditional for your sunroom, try plantation shutters. These window treatments are ideal for sunrooms because they block glare, reduce heat transfer, and provide privacy. Plus, they’re a classic option that will look beautiful in your home for years to come.
Whether you’re using your sunroom for relaxing or working, you need to have a comfortable environment. Aside from blocking the sun’s harsh rays and harmful UV rays, blackout curtains are great for multipurpose rooms. They’ll cancel out noise and minimize external lighting so you can focus on the task at hand or relax in peace.
Thermal Insulation
If your sunroom has windows on three sides, you can save money by insulating the room with curtains. Using thermal curtains helps keep the warm air in during winter and the cold air out in summer, and they can also help lower your energy bills. The insulated material blocks out sound and light and keeps the sun’s damaging UV rays from entering the room. Insulated curtains are usually thicker than conventional curtains and are available in a variety of styles. Some are designed with a dark backing or lining that helps block out sunlight and reduces noise.
Ready-made insulating curtains are available in a wide range of decorative fabrics including cotton, faux suede, velvet and jacquard and can be designed as Roman shades, eyelet draperies or valances. Heavier materials and tightly woven fabrics provide higher insulating qualities, as do designs with more layers or fabric linings that reflect light. Some insulated curtains are sold as separates and can be hung with either a rod pocket or a tieback to suit your taste.
NICETOWN’s insulated curtains come in a number of solid colors and sizes, from 29 by 45 inches to 55 by 96 inches. They have 1.6-inch grommets to fit most standard curtain rods and are machine-washable. The black yarn layer in the center of this double-layered microfiber set provides insulation that blocks out up to 99 percent of light and 97 percent of heat, which is especially useful on frigid days.
The insulating properties of this set are enhanced by the black backing, which absorbs and retains thermal energy. The backing also cuts down on light and glare and helps prevent heat from escaping through the windows. This double-sided polyester fabric is available in 35 color and 10 length options to match most decor, and the attractive antique bronze grommets make a stylish finish to any window treatment.
To maximize the insulating effect of your insulated curtains, hang them several inches above the window casing and close them during winter. During the day, open them to take advantage of solar heat and then close them to keep warm air in during the night.
Privacy
The sunroom is a space for relaxing and taking in the outdoors. With grand windows and a comfortable couch, it is a place where you can read a book or sip on a cup of hot coffee. It is also a space where you can forget about your day’s worries and stress. The sunlight washing over you can help to clear your mind and make everything feel better, even if only for a little while.
The use of curtains in the sunroom is not only for aesthetic purposes, but can also play an important role in protecting your privacy from people outside your home. There are several types of window coverings that can offer privacy and protection from the sun’s harsh rays. These include awnings and shutters. An awning is an outer covering that hangs over the sunroom windows, shielding the space from view from the street. These can be opened or closed depending on your needs. Awnings are usually made from a durable fabric, and can be customized to match your sunroom’s décor.
Plantation shutters are a popular window treatment for sunrooms, as they are both stylish and practical. These are available in a variety of colors, materials and styles and can be easily installed into the sunroom’s frame. These can be opened to let in the light or closed to protect the room from the heat of the sun. These can be bought online or in store and can be custom designed to fit your sunroom’s window frame.
If you are looking for a more casual look, consider a scarf valance. This is a long piece of fabric that can be draped over a curtain rod, curtain medallions or swag hooks to add texture and color to the window without obstructing natural light. They can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and can be used alone or in conjunction with a swag curtain.
Another option for sunrooms is a blind or shade that is installed inside the frame of the window. This offers you a lot of flexibility for blocking out light, heat and cold while still providing a sense of openness. They are easy to clean and can be customized with different slat sizes and finishes. HGTV notes that dark colored blinds tend to absorb heat and may fade over time, so if you choose this option, opt for lighter shades.
Conclusion: Curtains provide both insulation and privacy for sunrooms. They also add color, texture and design to the space. They can be fabricated from light to heavy-duty materials.