Window coverings that cut summer heat: best choices for cooling
Two things matter most for cooling: how well a shade blocks solar heat and how much it insulates when the sun goes down. This guide walks through practical options that actually reduce cooling loads, with real product details and materials. We’ll help you pick by room type, fabric, and operation style, so you can keep rooms comfortable without cranking the AC. Internal links: For broader options, see our Solar Shades, Cellular/Honeycomb Shades, and Energy Efficient Shades collections to compare insulation performance and costs. Fact-based guidance below complements these options, including the benefits of exterior shading and SHGC considerations.⚡ Key Takeaways
- Cellular/honeycomb shades deliver the best insulation for cooling.
- Linen or textured weaves with light colors reflect more sun than dark fabrics.
- Cordless and motorized options reduce heat exposure during operation and improve safety.
- Combine interior shades with exterior shading for the largest heat reductions.
Room Darkening Zebra Shades – 7 Fabric Series
$75.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Wool & Silk Textures
- 90%+ light blocking for true room darkening
- Cordless & Motorized options
- GREENGUARD Certified for indoor air quality
- 7 fabric series with 4 stripe sizes
Light Filtering Zebra Shades – 5 Fabric Series
$70.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Not specified
- 3" solid + 2" sheer stripes
- Noise absorbing
- GREENGUARD Certified
- Cordless & Motorized
Light Filtering Roller Shades
$50.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Linen & Textured Weaves
- 60-70% light blocking
- Linen & textured weaves
- GREENGUARD Certified
- Cordless & Motorized
Waterproof PVC Blackout Roller Shades
$45.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Moisture-Resistant Vinyl
- 100% light blocking
- Mold & mildew resistant
- Cordless & Motorized
- GREENGUARD Certified
100% Blackout Roller Shades
$60.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Linen & Textured Weaves
- 4 Fabric Series (AYM, Shantung, Uluru, Arizona, Doris)
- Cordless & Motorized
- GREENGUARD & OEKO-TEX Certified
- Dual-weave options for texture
Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades
$45.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 99% glare reduction
- Energy efficient
- Cordless Lift
- 8 colors
Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades
$55.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 99% light blocking
- Noise absorbing
- Energy efficient
- Cordless
Light Filtering Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades
$55.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 3/8" & 5/8" single cell
- Energy efficient
- Privacy + light control
- Cordless safe
Blackout Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades
$65.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 99% light block
- Noise reduction
- Energy efficient
- Cordless & Motorized
Day-Night Honeycomb Shades
$80.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Honeycomb cellular fabric
- Dual-Fabric: top light filter + bottom blackout
- 99% UV Block
- Insulating and energy efficient
- Cordless & Motorized
Premier Day-Night Honeycomb Shades
$90.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Honeycomb cellular fabric
- Dual-Fabric: sheer top + blackout bottom
- 3/8" & 5/8" single cell
- 99% UV Block
- Cordless & Motorized
Premier Day-Night Honeycomb Shades
$90.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Honeycomb cellular fabric
- Dual-Fabric: sheer top + blackout bottom
- 3/8" & 5/8" single cell
- 99% UV Block
- Cordless & Motorized
Shading with trees and other landscaping near your home can noticeably lower cooling needs: the surrounding air around a shaded home can be up to 6°F cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning.
— SOURCE: Department of Energy – Energy SaverHeat-Smart Shopping Tip
Pair interior shades with exterior shading like awnings or trees. Exterior shading reduces heat gain before it hits the glass, often saving more energy than interior options alone.
— SOURCE: Department of Energy – Energy SaverLight Filtering Zebra Shades – 5 Fabric Series (AB, B5, BL2, G31, BL21)
The light-filtering zebra shades offer a balanced approach: daytime privacy with the option to let some light in. They provide flexible light control while contributing to cooling through partial shading. Choose the color and stripe density based on how much sun your windows receive and whether you want a brighter room or more diffused light.
For rooms that get strong sun, aim for lighter stripes that reflect more heat and pair with a blackout option for evenings. Cordless or motorized operation reduces contact with hot cords and improves ease of use in busy spaces.
Light Filtering Zebra Shades – 5 Fabric Series
$70.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Not specified
- 3" solid + 2" sheer stripes
- Noise absorbing
- GREENGUARD Certified
- Cordless & Motorized
Light Filtering Roller Shades
$50.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Linen & Textured Weaves
- 60-70% light blocking
- Linen & textured weaves
- GREENGUARD Certified
- Cordless & Motorized
Waterproof PVC Blackout Roller Shades
$45.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Moisture-Resistant Vinyl
- 100% light blocking
- Mold & mildew resistant
- Cordless & Motorized
- GREENGUARD Certified
Exterior shading (like awnings) can dramatically cut summertime solar heat gain, but planners should consider potential increases in winter heating when sizing and placement are not optimal.
— SOURCE: Department of Energy – Energy Saver
Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades
$45.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 99% glare reduction
- Energy efficient
- Cordless Lift
- 8 colors
Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades
$55.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 99% light blocking
- Noise absorbing
- Energy efficient
- Cordless
Light Filtering Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades
$55.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 3/8" & 5/8" single cell
- Energy efficient
- Privacy + light control
- Cordless Safe
The color and weave of window coverings affect thermal performance; lighter colors typically reflect more sunlight and reduce heat gain in many setups.
— SOURCE: Department of Energy – Energy SaverCordless Blackout Cellular Shades – 3/8" & 5/8" Single Cell
Cordless blackout cellular shades block light while trapping air in their cells to help insulate rooms. They’re a solid pick for bedrooms and media rooms where dark, quiet comfort matters. Cordless operation keeps cords away from kids and pets, simplifying daily use.
Choose a darker color to mask heat absorption in rooms with strong sun, or pair with a sheer top-down shade for flexible daytime lighting. These shades are designed to be energy efficient and easy to operate, with multiple color options available.
Cordless Blackout Cellular Shades
$55.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 99% light blocking
- Noise absorbing
- Energy efficient
- Cordless
Light Filtering Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades
$55.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 3/8" & 5/8" single cell
- Energy efficient
- Privacy + light control
- Cordless Safe
Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades
$45.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 99% glare reduction
- Energy efficient
- Cordless Lift
- 8 colors
Blackout Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades – Cordless & Motorized
These blackout shades combine dual-cell technology with top-down bottom-up control for flexible light and privacy. They block 99% of light and reduce noise, helping rooms stay cooler during peak sun hours. Cordless operation keeps cords out of reach, improving safety and ease of use.
Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and media rooms, they pair well with lighter wall colors to reflect sun while still delivering a solid blackout when necessary. Consider pairing with a lighter overhead or ceiling paint to maximize perceived coolness in the space.
Blackout Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades
$65.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Cellular fabric
- 99% light block
- Noise Reduction
- Energy Efficient
- Cordless & Motorized
Premier Day-Night Honeycomb Shades
$90.00
Brand: N/A
Material: Honeycomb cellular fabric
- Dual-Fabric: sheer top + blackout bottom
- 3/8" & 5/8" single cell
- 99% UV Block
- Cordless & Motorized
In real homes, cellular shades can yield measurable energy savings: roughly 9% for heating and about 15% for cooling, depending on the heating system used.
— SOURCE: ScienceDirectEffective cooling is about layering: interior shades that insulate plus smart operation and installation. With the right combination, you can reduce indoor temperatures on hot days without blasting the AC. Use this guide as a reference when you’re choosing between cellular, blackout, or light-filtering options. Remember to consider SHGC values and exterior shading as part of a complete cooling strategy.
For rooms with intense sun exposure, start with cellular or blackout options and add exterior shading or landscaping for maximum heat rejection. If you’re outfitting multiple spaces, cordless and motorized variants simplify daily use and improve safety for households with children or pets.
