5 Best Window Coverings to Keep Heat Out This Summer

After months of dreary weather and freezing cold in Ontario, we, like you, look forward to days of soaking in the bright rays of the sun. But sometimes the summer heat can be too much, making our homes hot and unbearably stuffy inside.

So how do we stay cool without spending a fortune on bills?

Don’t worry! We’ve got the key to keeping your cool (literally) without breaking the bank. Our guide to the best blinds to keep heat out will help you create a comfortable space all while lowering your energy costs.

Interior Window Coverings

There’s no shortage of options for heat-blocking blinds in the market, but here are the most popular window treatments that do their job well.

1. Venetian Blinds

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Venetian blinds, also called horizontal interior window blinds, are one of the most well-known and popular heat-blocking window shades. These window treatments consist of horizontal slats that can be tilted using a rod to control the amount of light entering a room. You can also raise or lower them completely with a cord, providing you with flexibility in light and privacy management.

Venetian blinds are available in wood, aluminum, and PVC. Wood blinds add a warm, natural look suitable for living rooms and bedrooms, while aluminum and PVC blinds are durable and moisture-resistant, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. They’re relatively cheap, easy to maintain and reduce solar heat gain effectively.

2. Vertical Blinds

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Vertical blinds are popular window treatments for large fixed windows and sliding doors due to their tall design. These blinds feature individual slats (or louvres) that hang vertically from a top headrail. They’re also highly adjustable — rotate the slats to control light and privacy levels or draw them aside completely to enjoy an unobstructed view.

Vertical blinds come in fabric, which offers a softer look, and PVC, known for its durability and ease of cleaning.

For added energy efficiency and UV protection, certain vertical blinds are designed with materials that block harmful UV rays, protecting your furniture from sunlight damage while keeping the interior comfortable.

3. Roller and Roman Shades

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Instead of individual slats, some shades are made of rolled or folded sheets of fabric. Raising or lowering them allows you to adjust the light entering the window. There are two main types of this window treatment: roller and Roman.

Roller shades have a fabric sheet rolled on a tube that unrolls when lowered. Roman blinds have a sheet of fabric folded into sections clumped above the window casing. Each section unfolds one at a time when drawn to cover sunlight.

Roman shades are often thicker, giving extensive sun blockage while roller shades are more sheer and can have precise light control with striped designs.

Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Blinds)

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Cellular shades or honeycomb shades are the latest window treatment innovations with the highest energy efficiency and a clean appearance that complements various decor styles. These window treatments feature a unique construction with pockets or cells that trap air, providing excellent insulation to reduce heat gain.

Insulated cellular shades are available in pleated or cell designs which can be single or double-layered. Pleated doesn’t have cells but a folded fabric that forms an accordion.

Flexible to your privacy and light control needs, cellular shades offer various light control options such as sheer, light-filtering, and blackout. They can be cordless—for homes with children and pets—and motorized for remote or automated adjustments.

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Tip: If your home isn’t hit by direct sunlight and you simply want to improve ventilation, consider getting casement windows. This energy-efficient window opens wide, flooding your home with fresh air and natural light. Plus, they provide a timeless look that effortlessly matches your home.

Exterior Shades

If you feel interior heat-blocking blinds aren’t enough to reduce solar heat gain or they’re just not your cup of tea, use external window treatments (or a combination of both) to create the ideal comfy space inside your home.

Awnings

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Awnings provide shade and outdoor protection from the elements. These classic heat-blocking window shades come in various styles, including retractable, motorized, and sensor-equipped options that adjust automatically to weather changes. Materials range from durable fabrics like canvas and acrylic to protective options treated to resist weather-related wear and tear.

Solar Screen Window Shades

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Solar screen window shades are particularly effective in blocking sunlight in rooms receiving intense heat, such as living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. One of the best window coverings to keep heat out, these shades block harmful UV rays, stopping solar glare and protecting furniture and precious artwork from fading.

Solar shades are made from special materials that block UV rays while still allowing light to pass through, keeping rooms well-lit without harsh direct sunlight. They can absorb and dissipate up to 97% of the sun’s heat and glare before it reaches your window glass, significantly improving indoor comfort and reducing the need for air conditioning, ultimately leading to energy savings.

They’re versatile and can be used on windows, doors, and even larger outdoor applications like patios and porches.

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Soak in the Light with Burano Doors and Windows

Savouring the summer while staying cool is easy with Energy Star–approved windows from Burano Doors and, of course, the best blinds to keep heat out and save energy.

Burano Doors offers stunning, low-maintenance windows with great energy efficiency and are customizable to your style. Get started on your project today with Ontario’s trusted choice for top-quality windows and doors at competitive prices.

Ready for a cooler summer? Get a FREE in-home estimate on windows and blinds today!