Virginia Beach summers are hot, bright, and humid, and your air conditioner feels it. The right energy-efficient window shades can help your home stay more comfortable while giving your cooling system a break. Julie here from Made in the Shade Virginia Beach, and in this post I will show you which styles help most and how to get the most from them.
At Made in the Shade Virginia Beach, we help homeowners choose shades that fit their windows, their style, and their daily routine. We’ll Bring the Showroom to You! With a free in-home consultation, you can see samples in your own light before you decide.
How Do Energy-Efficient Window Shades Help Virginia Beach Homes?
They reduce how much heat comes in through your windows in summer and how much escapes in winter. That matters because the U.S. Department of Energy says windows can account for about 25 to 30 percent of a home’s heating and cooling energy use. The right shades help your HVAC system work less hard.
Custom shades can help in three ways:
- Block heat gain in summer: Lowered shades reduce the sun’s heat coming into the room.
- Slow heat loss in winter: Some shades trap a layer of air at the window, which helps keep warm air inside.
- Control light: You get natural light without turning the room into an oven.
In Hampton Roads, afternoon sun through west-facing windows can heat a room fast. That same sun also fades hardwood floors, rugs, and furniture over time. Shades give you a simple way to manage both. Learn more on our energy efficient options page.
Which Energy-Efficient Shades Work Best?
The best shade depends on the room, the direction the window faces, and how you use the space. Here are the styles we recommend most often.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are also called honeycomb shades. Their honeycomb pockets trap air, which adds a layer of insulation at the window. This helps keep rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Cell options vary by product line, from single to double cells.
- Light-filtering and blackout fabrics give you flexible light control.
- Cordless and motorized options add safety and convenience.
Solar Shades
Solar shades block UV rays and cut glare while keeping your view. They are a smart pick for large windows, sunrooms, and oceanfront homes with lots of glass.
- Pick an openness level to control how much sun comes in.
- Reduce glare without making the room dark.
- Help protect furniture and flooring from fading.
Natural Woven Shades
Natural woven shades are made from materials like bamboo and grasses. They add warmth and texture and give you some insulation. Add a liner for more privacy and light control.
- Soft, natural light fills the room.
- A liner adds privacy and helps reduce heat transfer.
- Natural materials give any room a coastal feel.
Sheer Shades
Sheer shades pair the soft look of drapery with the control of blinds. They filter light, and their layered design adds a little insulation.
- Adjust the light and privacy as you go.
- Motorized options work with smart home systems.
- A good fit for rooms where you want a bright, airy feel.
Dual and Zebra Shades
Dual shades, also called zebra shades, have alternating bands of solid and sheer fabric. Line up the bands for privacy, or shift them for soft light. The layered fabric adds a bit of insulation too.
- Go from full light to near darkness with a tap or a pull.
- A sleek look that suits modern homes.
- Layers help reduce heat transfer through the glass.
Not sure which style is right for your windows? Julie can bring samples to your home and show you each one in your own light. Request a free consultation to get started.
Why Should You Choose Custom Shades for Energy Efficiency?
Custom shades are made to fit your windows, so there are fewer gaps for heat to slip through. A snug fit helps a shade do its job. You can also choose colors, fabrics, and styles that match your décor, including roller shades in the fabric that works best for each room.
We carry products from trusted brands like Graber, Norman, and Alta. Features include:
- Cordless lift systems: Safer homes and a cleaner look.
- Motorization: Works with many smart home systems. See our motorized window shades page for details.
- Durable fabrics: Built for daily use year after year.
How Can You Get the Most Energy Efficiency From Your Shades?
A few simple habits make a big difference. Try these four:
- Close shades during extreme temperatures: Lower them during the hottest hours in summer. Close them at night in winter to hold heat in.
- Layer your window treatments: Pair shades with drapery for more insulation and a richer look.
- Consider motorization: Motorized shades adjust on a schedule, even when you are not home. That makes it easy to lower them before the afternoon sun hits.
- Adjust for the seasons: In winter, open shades on south-facing windows to let in sunlight and warmth. In summer, keep them lowered during peak sun.
Where Do Energy-Efficient Shades Work Best in a Virginia Beach Home?
They help most where the sun hits hardest. Here are a few places we see them make the biggest difference:
- Sunrooms and screened porches: Solar shades inside, or outdoor shades on the outside, cut the heat and glare.
- Oceanfront homes in Sandbridge and the North End: Floor-to-ceiling glass lets in a lot of sun. Solar roller shades keep the view and lower the glare.
- Newer homes near Town Center and Kempsville: Large windows in open floor plans often work well with matching cellular or roller shades.
Energy-Efficient Window Shades: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most energy-efficient window shades?
Cellular shades are usually the top choice for insulation because their honeycomb pockets trap air. Solar shades are great for blocking heat and glare. The best pick for you depends on the room and which way the window faces. Julie can help you choose at your consultation.
Do cellular shades really help lower energy bills?
They can help. By adding a layer of insulation, cellular shades can reduce heat transfer at the window. How much you save depends on your windows, your home, and how you use the shades.
Do solar shades help keep a house cooler in summer?
Yes. Solar shades block part of the sun’s heat and glare before it warms the room. They also help protect floors and furniture from UV fading. You still get a view, because you can pick an openness level that suits you.
Can motorized shades help save energy?
They can. A schedule lowers your shades before the sun gets strong, even if you forget or are not home. For many homeowners, that steady routine is the biggest benefit of motorized window coverings. You also get cordless safety and simple control.
Does Made in the Shade Virginia Beach serve Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Suffolk?
Yes. We serve Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and the surrounding Hampton Roads area. We bring samples to your home, and our own team measures and installs.
Ready to Cool Down Your Home With Energy-Efficient Window Shades?
If hot afternoons and faded floors sound familiar, the right shades are part of the answer. Ready to see how they look in your home? Request your free in-home consultation with Made in the Shade Virginia Beach. We will bring the samples to you, in your own light, so you can make the right choice before anything is ordered.
We’ll Bring the Showroom to You! Book online at madeintheshadevb.com/free-consultation/ or call Julie directly at (757) 563-3372.
Made in the Shade Virginia Beach is locally owned and operated by Julie and James Boswell, serving Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and the Hampton Roads area.
By Julie Boswell, Made in the Shade Virginia Beach — locally owned and operated, serving Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads
