Summer is coming and with it comes higher energy costs due to cooling.

Did you know, during the summer months it is recommended to close the curtains or close the blinds on southern facing windows to help eliminate heating through passive radiation -that’s the direct sunlight that comes into your home. Light from windows with a northern exposure only allow in indirect light, which doesn’t carry the same amount of energy. (Naturally you’re going to reverse this, if you’re one of our friends in the Southern Hemisphere).

Have you ever been driving or walking down the street and accidentally become a peeping Tom? Oh me neither, I would never accidentally look inside someone’s wide open windows. Oh, who am I kidding, it’s like when someone has a talkshow on at the doctor’s office tv; it is nearly impossible to keep my eyes straight ahead when someone’s family drama is framed by their wide open windows. Don’t give us lookie-loos the opportunity share in your family antics and trust me, we all have antics. Even if the budget is tight, there are plenty of options to cover up your windows to keep out the sun, the heat, and nosy neighbors.

When choosing shades or blinds for a window, there are options to keep in mind.

Do you want a room darkening or blackout effect? Perhaps you just want to filter the light.

Budget options for blocking out the light, heat, and nosy neighbors.

Mini blinds are the go-to when it comes to inexpensively covering windows. Just be sure to check the box to determine whether they are intended for room darkening or light filtering. Just remember that inexpensive blinds are dust magnets and must be dusted regularly or they’ll be unattractive in short order.

Photo Credit: Teresa

If you’re budget is small, matchstick shades are a relatively inexpensive option for regularly shaped windows. If dusted regularly these can last for years and can be much more attractive than mini-blinds.

Finally, you can get creative with DIY. Make your own curtains -sheer fabrics work well for light filtering, heavy for room darkening / blackout effects. Don’t be scared to repurpose sheets or blankets, just remember that it’s all in the delivery. Using thumbtacks pressed into the wall, may be effective, but it won’t be attractive. Or you can be like Teresa and try something really unique. She used a mirror to cover a small bathroom window.

What about arched windows?

Photo Credit: Amazon

For room darkening, it’s hard to beat wood or faux wood blinds. If your home is newer, it may have decorate arched windows, like mine. For years I struggled with kids who got up at the first hint of dawn. Now I know that there are shades made specifically for these windows. They are available in cellulose for light filtering or wood / faux wood for room darkening and blackout. The latter choice will give you the most effective results if you’re looking to reduce passive heating.