Colorado experts highlight summer window coverings that cut heat and glare

AIM, a Colorado window treatment company, outlined the best coverings for summer as homeowners look to reduce glare, block UV rays and improve energy efficiency. The guidance points to solar shades, cellular shades, sheer shades and patio shades as ways to make homes cooler and outdoor spaces more usable.

Why it matters: - Colorado summers bring longer daylight hours, stronger sun and higher indoor temperatures. - The right window coverings can reduce glare, protect furnishings from UV damage and lower cooling demand. - Patio treatments can also make outdoor living areas more comfortable and functional.

What happened: - AIM, an Englewood, Colorado window treatment company, shared its summer recommendations for homeowners. - The guidance focused on solar shades, cellular shades, sheer shades and patio shades. - AIM also pointed homeowners to custom patio shades and outdoor living solutions and a free in-home consultation.

The details: - Solar shades, also called designer screen shades, are designed to reduce heat and block UV rays while preserving outdoor views. - Solar shades use specialized fabrics that allow natural light in while cutting glare and solar heat gain. - Solar shades are available with manual or motorized operating systems. - AIM said solar shades are a strong fit for open-concept living rooms, kitchens and homes with large windows. - Cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades, use a cellular structure that traps air and creates an insulating barrier. - Double-cell honeycomb shades provide even greater energy efficiency and can help reduce summer heat gain. - Cellular shades are available from Alta and Hunter Douglas. - Cellular shades can be customized with sheer, light-filtering or room-darkening fabrics. - Cellular shades can work well for large windows, specialty-shaped windows and top-down/bottom-up operation. - Sheer shades, also called privacy sheers or sheer shadings, diffuse harsh sunlight while keeping rooms bright. - The soft fabric vanes suspended between sheer panels help control light and reduce glare throughout the day. - Hunter Douglas offers sheer shading options for horizontal and vertical windows. - AIM said sheer shades are suitable for living rooms, dining rooms and large patio doors. - Patio shades come in multiple styles and fabrics and can cut heat and glare outdoors. - Patio shades can also help protect outdoor furniture from sun exposure. - Many homeowners choose motorized patio shades for easier daily adjustment. - Patio shades can be used on covered patios, pergolas, outdoor kitchens and entertainment spaces.

Between the lines: - The recommendations show how window treatments have become part of summer energy management, not just interior design. - AIM is positioning shade products as a way to bridge indoor comfort and outdoor living, which fits Colorado's strong seasonal sun. - The product mix also suggests homeowners want solutions that balance view, privacy, light control and automation.

What's next: - AIM says homeowners can schedule a free in-home consultation to explore custom window treatments. - The company continues to market both indoor shades and outdoor living solutions as part of its Colorado offerings.

The bottom line: - In Colorado, summer window treatments can do more than dress up a room; they can reduce heat, protect interiors and make homes and patios more usable.