Natural light can transform a workspace—boosting mood, reducing energy bills, and creating a welcoming, modern environment. But too much light or glare can be just as disruptive as not enough. The key to achieving balance? Custom natural treatments tailored to your office’s layout, lighting needs, and workflow.
At Made in the Shade Virginia Beach, we help local business owners find smart, stylish solutions for commercial interiors. Whether you’re designing a collaborative co-working space or updating a medical office, the right window coverings can improve comfort, privacy, and performance.
In this article, we’ll explore how natural light management impacts productivity, and how various window treatments—like solar shades, dual shades, and motorized options—can be used to enhance your office. If you haven’t already, check out our related article on how we helped an architecture firm redesign their entire office with custom solutions.
Why Natural Light Matters in the Workplace
Studies show that natural light in the office is directly linked to improved:
- Focus and alertness
- Mood and morale
- Energy levels
- Sleep patterns
- Job satisfaction
It also helps businesses reduce artificial lighting costs and cooling expenses. But unmanaged light—especially from large or east-facing windows—can result in screen glare, hotspots, and inconsistent temperatures. That’s where custom natural treatments come in.
1. Solar Shades: Light Without the Glare
Solar shades are a top choice for modern offices with large windows or open layouts. Made from specialized fabrics, these shades filter sunlight, block UV rays, and maintain outdoor views.
Benefits of Solar Shades:
- Reduces glare without darkening the room
- Maintains privacy during the day
- Protects furniture and flooring from fading
- Creates a clean, professional appearance
- Eco-friendly window coverings
You can choose from different “openness” levels, depending on how much light you want to let through. For example, 1% openness blocks more light for east- or west-facing windows, while 5% allows more visibility.
Offices in coastal cities like Virginia Beach also benefit from solar shades’ ability to regulate heat, keeping your space cool even on bright summer days.
2. Dual Shades: Flexibility and Privacy
If your office needs more versatility, dual shades (also known as zebra shades) are a stylish solution. These shades feature alternating bands of sheer and opaque fabric, which align to create varying levels of light control.
Why Offices Love Dual Shades:
- Switch easily from filtered light to full privacy
- Sleek, contemporary style for executive offices or conference rooms
- Ideal for hybrid workspaces or video calls
They’re an especially good fit for creative offices, design studios, or consulting firms that want a blend of natural light and the option for privacy.
To see how we implemented this in a real workspace, revisit our workspace transformation case study.
3. Motorization: Smart Light Control at Your Fingertips
For busy offices, motorized window treatments offer the ultimate in convenience and control. With remote control access or app-based operation, you can raise or lower shades automatically at different times of day—or adjust them on the fly with a voice command.
Advantages of Motorized Shades:
- Hands-free operation for hard-to-reach windows
- Syncs with your smart home and office system
- Reduces wear-and-tear compared to manual shades
- Improves accessibility for all staff members
Motorization works beautifully with a range of products including natural woven shades, roller shades, and bamboo window shades—allowing for a beautiful, cohesive look throughout your workspace.
4. Cordless Lift for a Clean and Safe Finish
Corded blinds and shades are not just outdated—they’re a safety hazard and can be a liability in commercial settings. That’s why many of our commercial clients choose custom natural treatments for a cleaner look and peace of mind.
Cordless options are ideal for:
- Medical and dental offices
- Childcare centers or family-friendly spaces
- Public-facing lobbies or storefronts
All of our cordless options are compliant with the latest window covering safety standards and available in a variety of finishes and fabrics to match your branding.
5. Decorative Upgrades: Wood, Shutters & Textiles
Window treatments do more than control light—they shape your brand’s atmosphere.
For a classic, high-end aesthetic, consider wood blinds or shutters. These add architectural interest to executive offices, reception areas, or client lounges.
Looking for something softer? Natural roman shades or fabric shades provide texture and warmth while still offering excellent light control and privacy.
How to Choose the Right Office Window Treatments
Choosing the right commercial window coverings comes down to understanding your space’s needs. Consider:
- Sun orientation – Which direction do your windows face?
- Use of each room – Do you need full privacy, light filtering, or both?
- Employee comfort – Are your staff members struggling with glare or uneven temperatures?
- Technology – Would you benefit from automation or smart controls?
That’s where we come in. During your free in-office consultation, we’ll walk through your space, take measurements, and recommend the best products for your specific layout, light exposure, and interior design preferences.
Why Virginia Beach Businesses Trust Us
At Made in the Shade Virginia Beach, we serve the entire Hampton Roads area, including Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, and beyond. We carry exclusive lines from trusted vendors like Graber, Norman, Alta Window Fashions, Insolroll, and Horizons Soft Treatments.
Every product we install is:
- Professionally measured and custom-fitted
- Available in cordless and motorized options
- Backed by product warranties
- Installed by trained professionals
Our motto: We’ll Bring the Showroom To You! And we mean it.
Ready to Upgrade Your Office?
If you’re ready to enhance comfort, productivity, and design in your office, let’s get started.
We’ll help you select the perfect combination of window treatments for your space—whether it’s a high-rise suite, shared coworking space, or private studio.
Request a Free Consultation – We’ll Bring the Showroom To You!
