If you’re searching for a cheap way to block heat from windows, Roman shades may be the stylish, functional solution you need. While not built with thermal technology like honeycomb blinds, Roman shades, especially those with blackout linings, still provide notable benefits in blocking sunlight, reducing glare, and making your home more comfortable during hot months.
Let’s explore how Roman shade designs can help you manage summer temperatures and whether they’re an energy-conscious upgrade for your windows.
Can Roman Shades Really Block Heat?
The short answer? Yes — with the right material and fit. Roman shades are designed with overlapping fabric folds that, when fully extended, form a soft but effective barrier between sunlight and your interior.
While SelectBlinds does not offer thermal-insulated Roman shades, our options with blackout liners act as excellent sun blocking roman shades, helping reduce heat gain by limiting light and UV rays from entering the room. While not the top-performing heat blockers, well-constructed sun blocking roman shades still deliver meaningful savings and comfort.
Choosing the Best Roman Shade for Heat Control
Roman shades with blackout linings are a strong choice if you’re looking for the best shades to keep heat out. Blackout linings are thicker and more opaque than privacy liners, allowing them to block out a significant portion of sunlight and radiant heat.
When looking for the best insulated Roman shades, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose thick, high-quality fabrics like velvet or lined cotton.
- Add a blackout lining for maximum heat reduction.
- Ensure a close fit to the window, with minimal gaps.
- Consider cordless Roman shades for added safety and convenience, especially in homes with children or pets.
- Based on your room’s lighting needs, choose either light-filtering or blackout shades
Practical Applications: Where Roman Shades Work Best
Roman shades are a stylish addition to any room. Their timeless design blends seamlessly with both modern and traditional interiors, offering a perfect balance of form and function. With a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns available, it’s easy to customize Roman shades to match your décor.
If your goal is to keep out heat and add timeless elegance, Roman shades are a great choice in:
- Bedrooms: A blackout-lined shade provides excellent light control and keeps the room cooler, even during midday. Warm window Roman shades are a great way to use colors to create a cozy ambiance.
- Living rooms: Use privacy-lined options for gentle light diffusion without the glare.
- Home offices or reading nooks: Reduce screen glare and maintain a more consistent indoor climate.
Whether you want a bold statement or a subtle accent, there’s a Roman shade to suit every aesthetic!
Design Tip: Layer with Curtains
Want better insulation without investing in specialty fabrics? Try layering your Roman shades with curtains or drapery. This technique forms a barrier at your windows, creating an air pocket between the layers that helps keep heat out, especially helpful during summer.
Layering also allows for greater flexibility in styling and functionality, and it’s one of the easiest ways to elevate your space.
What are Other Shades to Keep Heat Out?
While Roman shades are a strong contender, several other window coverings excel at heat control:
- Cellular shades (honeycomb): These are the gold standard for insulated window shades, thanks to their unique air-pocket structure. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 40% and unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 60%.
- Blackout curtains: Not only do they block light, but when layered with other treatments, they also help keep rooms cooler by preventing heat from passing through windows.
- Solar shades: Designed to minimize glare and block UV rays, solar shades are ideal for rooms with lots of sunlight.
Cellular shades are ideal for maximum insulation, while blackout curtains are perfect for bedrooms or media rooms where darkness and coolness are priorities.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Blackout-lined Roman shade options are still an effective way to reduce heat, control light, and upgrade your space. They’re especially helpful in high-sun areas, bedrooms, and open-plan living spaces.
And when layered with curtains, they offer even more seasonal insulation. So if you’re searching for sun blocking roman shades, or a cheap way to block heat from windows without sacrificing style, Roman shades are a fantastic place to start.
