We know with certainty the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. And, more than likely, you have already added window treatments to achieve balanced light in the East & West facing rooms in your home. Bravo! But what about the other rooms? Do you have windows that are facing in other directions or a combo of both? In these cases, we’ll need to get creative. Let’s discover how to attain balanced light in any scenario and create the ideal atmosphere in your home. 

Facing East = Early Mornings

Oh, how rude! If your bedroom has East facing windows, the sunrise can affect your morning slumber. No need to hide under the covers, try adding a blackout or room darkening shade solution to keep the sun from entering. Don’t let the sunshine wake you up too early!

While we are on the subject, it’s not only our bedrooms that face East. To conquer the morning sun in other rooms of the home, create balanced light with light filtering shades. This way, you can enjoy protection from the harsh morning sunlight and bask in soft filtered sunshine throughout the day. 

Facing West = Hot & Bright

West facing windows don’t affect our sleep but present a different issue. As the morning fades into afternoon, the sun’s rays are intensified. This means majorly hot temperatures paired with blinding light. Once the afternoon is upon us, so is the glare, and usually at eye level. Don’t forget that windows can magnify the heat causing you to run for comfort to another space in the home. Don’t be chased out of your favorite spot! We have ideas to help with the hot days and bright evenings.

In recent years, smart home technology has made customizing window treatments simple. This innovative solution is popular among clients with West facing windows who want the luxury of scheduled light control. Allow smart shades to rise and fall according to your timeline. Simply block out sunshine when it’s a nuisance or invite filtered light in to enhance the room’s atmosphere. By automating window treatments, you can easily avoid being uncomfortable and create balanced light without lifting a finger. 

South Facing Windows = The Sun Never Stops

South facing windows have some of the same characteristics as West facing, the sun can seem unbearable at times. Unlike West facing windows, South facing windows deal with sun all day long since the sun moves across the sky and never leaves. With that said, as much as we enjoy the morning light warming up our home, that warmth can become a burden. 

Once the afternoon rolls around, constant sunlight has become too much. The need for a solution is evident and our top down feature fits the bill. Above, notice how the sun is now filtered across the ceiling providing light, but also preventing the heat and direct rays from heating up the room. This treatment solves the problem and adds a beautiful element of style.

North Facing Windows = Oh, the Glare

What about North facing windows? Do they need special treatment as well? Although they seem to have their act together…always providing light, no direct rays, the temperatures don’t get too extreme. There’s only one problem- the glare. When North facing windows bring light…they go overboard. It’s a blinding light and it’s constant.

For the glare of North facing windows, you’ll need window shades with a sheer option. The brightness is invited in but is filtered by the shades so no harsh light. Sheer shades provide a softer light and protect home furnishings from UV rays. 

Walls of Windows…

A room with a combination of windows calls for a treatment with a combination of features. There’s always one room that requires special attention, right?! We can provide balanced light anywhere with one of our favorite products, dual shades. Here’s how.

Duette® Honeycomb Shades with Duolite®

By offering access to a range of light control, from filtered light to room darkening, dual shades are the perfect choice. While the window shade filters light continually, other windows can benefit by implementing the secondary blackout shade when necessary. It’s the best of both worlds.

Balanced Light Is the Answer!

Now that window direction is on your mind and you know that balanced light is the answer, let’s get started! Achieve the ideal atmosphere in your home by planning window treatments around light exposure. Our experts at Bazaar Home Decorating can help evaluate your home to determine where balanced light solutions would benefit your home most. Contact us for a FREE Consultation for your Milwaukee area home.