Almost two years after we bought the first set of shades for our living room/kitchen area we decided to order more for the top portions of the windows. This entire side of the house is glass and although we love the light and the openness it can create problems. The sun is now BEAMING on the south side which is great, as it heats the concrete floors and keeps the house toasty when it’s cold but nobody wants the long-term effects that UV light has on your rugs, paint, upholstery, artwork and cabinetry. Solar shades really are the perfect answer, as they block all that nasty UV but still allow for a view to the outside. It was a big job but we got them up yesterday and they’re already making a difference. Take a look….
They create a nice pleasant glow during the day….
And help lighten and brighten the space at night. Without the shades the wall of windows becomes a HUGE BLACK WALL in the room and it sucks up all the light leaving the space very dark. These help immensely! ….
I’ve had lots of people ask me how we feel about having all those windows and aren’t we afraid someone is going to see us. (LAUGHING)
All I can say is if anyone wants to play peeping tom…. go right ahead. Hopefully they’ll get an eye full. It never EVER bothers me.
I LOVE THEM!
Stacey, Wow do I love your house and all your design choices, it’s amazing!
I can relate ,and agree, our floor to ceiling windows are fantastic but, in summer months it’s HOT in a small bedroom (loft like ) that faces west, it’s a scorcher. Fantastic sunsets but in hot summer months w/ o any window coverings, we melt!
My question: love the look of the solar shades in your living room so clean and simple. Did you forgo night privacy for daytime view?
I have an ocean view so see through makes sense but I like the idea of privacy while watching tv, or whatever.
Please share name of the manufacturer of the solar shades & where or how you purchased them? Are they electric? I see no cords. Thanks!
Hey Girl!
The solar shades were the best option for us because it didn’t make sense to have a house with all these fabulous windows with a view, and then to cover them up and not be able to see outside.
We did forgo the privacy issues. Screw it! I figured if someone really wanted to look over my fence and be a peeping tom they can just enjoy me walking around in my PJ’s. I never even think about it. We are lucky in that we have fences and courtyards all around the house so really it’s pretty protected from outside eyes.
If you have an ocean view… you’d love having these. It blocks all the heat and UV but still allows you to see the beauty right outside your house. I’ve hung them everywhere I could.
I ordered them from blindsaver.com and they’re Levolor. They do have silver ball chain cords but they’re so slim I never notice them. Just measure your windows and order online and they ship right to you house. They’re super easy to install.. and we have huge windows. I hung most of them myself. :-) LUCKY YOU TO HAVE AN OCEAN VIEW!!! Sounds beautiful!