Dr. Dotty’s Design Therapy for “Roasting in Texas” and her Window Delirium

Dear Dr. Dotty,

The 100+ degree days are here and my son’s room is turing into a sauna. The room faces East and early in the morning sun is SO bright and the room stays SO hot most of the day.  The wooden blinds in there just aren’t cutting it. What, short of black out drapes, do you recommend?  Something that is durable and neutral and affordable – I don’t want to have to change window coverings every time he wants a crazy new paint color on the walls!

Thanks,

Roasting in Texas

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Dear Roasting in Texas,

Indeed it sounds like you have one blazing decorating dilemma. Fortunately, I did my design therapist residency in Texas, so this isn’t my first “rodeo” in dishing out design therapy for this type of window delirium. I have several possible prescriptions for you (ranked from least expensive to most):

Thermal Drapery Panels from Overstock.com

One of my favorite places to search for affordable solutions is on Overstock.com. Sometimes it’s hit or miss, but more often than not, I’ve had success in

finding a great deal or two on inexpensive drapery panels. Their quality of construction is usually really good, however, if you aren’t satisfied,

they have a great return policy and are easy to work with. I just did a quick search and found these Insulated Thermal Drapery Panels for only $59. (They had a few others for as low as $29.) They come in several colors,

so you have several choices for going neutral or a little more bold. You can install these drapery panels right over the existing blinds so your son can still enjoy the benefits of being able to adjust the blinds to allow more or less light in when the draperies are open.

Don’t forget, if you choose this option, you will need a drapery rod and tie backs. You might also want to dress up the look by adding drapery rings with clips (see picture on the right) instead of using the rod pockets.

Woven Wood Shades with Black Out Lining

Whether your style is traditional, transitional, modern or eclectic, there are woven wood shades that will bring a unique finish to your design. These shades come in hundreds of finishes and with the option of including a black out lining, which will help keep that  hot sun out during the summer months. Woven wood shades are a great alternative to traditional fabric shades.  In addition to being ecologically friendly, they are affordable and come in countless colors and styles to fit whatever design style you choose.

Roman Shades with Black Out Lining

Roman Shades (pictured right) combine the up-scale beauty of soft drapery with the convenient operation of a shade. You can choose from an extensive selection of fabrics, from timeless to ultra modern, to create an atmosphere of high-style sophistication that’s sure to impress.  Roman Shades are available in several styles, from Classic Flat and Hobbled to London or Relaxed.

Cellular Shades

Cellular Shades are a stylish way to boost the energy efficiency of your home. An attractive honeycomb design creates pockets of air that insulate windows from heat and cold to lower your energy bills year round. Cellular Shades also offer great sound absorption to quiet rooms with hard flooring. Cellular shades are available in three cell sizes and four opacities. Typically, to purchase a custom treatment like this, I would recommend going through a professional retailer. There are many colors & options from which to chose, and when ordering a product like this, you want to make sure you have exact measurements (down to the 1/8th inch). If this option is appealing to you, an Interiority Complex Certified Design Therapist, such as Tara Wilt (our Chief of Design Therapy) can make a house call. She’ll come right to your home, measure, help you choose colors and options which fit your style & needs, and take care of installation and warranty. All for the same price as a big box store or online retailer!

Custom Shutters

Of course, one of the best window treatment choices for insulating against heat and cold is the custom shutter. Custom Shutters are the ultimate investment in your windows. More than a classic look that never goes out of style, custom shutters provide superior sun protection, light control and privacy.  They are available in premium hardwood and poly-satin, faux wood compounds, our interior shutter collections feature classic styling (including our popular plantation shutter style), long-lasting finishes and exceptional craftsmanship. Though custom shutters are a popular window treatment, especially here in Texas, this probably won’t be the best solution for you at this time, but something worth considering in the future.

If you need more ideas or inspiration, be sure to visit our online inspiration gallery to see a sampling of the myriad of custom window treatments we offer. If you see a solution you like and you need our help, click here to contact us today and we’ll schedule a house call to cure your window delirium right away!