What Are the Best Treatments for West-Facing Windows?
Afternoons spent inside a west-facing room can feel like standing on the beach in July: hot and bright. And if you have windows facing that direction, the low, late-day sun likely pours in through the glass, casting a golden glow that can look lovely but overpowering. If your furniture and photographs fade faster on one side of the room or your energy bill spikes during summer, your windows might be facing west.
At Custom Wood Shutters & Blinds, our clients often describe how excessive light enters their interior spaces from the west. The right window treatments, like Hunter Douglas solar shades, solve that problem, and we help you create custom solutions that make those spaces more inviting.
How Can I Tell if I Have West-Facing Windows
A simple way to identify west-facing windows is to observe which rooms are brightest in the late afternoon. Around 3:00 p.m. to sunset, these windows let in the strongest rays of the day — all throughout the year. The sunlight usually hits at an angle, creating glare and making the room feel warmer than the rest of the house.
In the morning, those same spaces might feel cooler and pleasant, but by evening, the heat builds up fast when windows aren’t shaded or treated for UV protection.
Why Your West-Facing Windows Need Extra Attention
Sun exposure on the west side of a home can feel intense and direct. That steady afternoon light can cause noticeable heat gain, fading your fabrics and flooring over time. HVAC units often work harder to offset the higher temperatures, which affects comfort and energy costs. That’s why west-facing windows need coverings that control light and heat without making the space feel dark or closed off.
And after you install them, you’ll see that the investment is well worth it.
The Best West Window Treatments for Your Home
Hunter Douglas offers a premium collection of window coverings, but here are two shades that work the best when it comes to west-facing windows:
Duette Cellular Shades: Hunter Douglas manufactures this honeycomb-style shade in the industry’s widest selection of pleat sizes, colors, textures, and opacities. Their clever design traps air, creating insulation that reduces heat transfer; during the hottest part of the day, it keeps rooms cooler and filters light gently.
Designer Solar Shades: These roller shades are specially engineered to block harsh UV rays. Choose from an impressive selection of fabrics and opacities that protect interiors from fading and discoloration, while preserving your outdoor views and controlling brightness, excessive heat, and glare.
Shop Efficient Window Treatments Near Tustin, CA
At Custom Wood Shutters & Blinds, we help homeowners discover stylish, high-quality, and efficient window treatments near Tustin, CA, that allow them to appreciate the sunlight more than ever before. With the right balance of shade, insulation, and aesthetics, you’ll enjoy your west-facing light without the discomfort of excessive heat or glare.
Visit our showroom, call (714) 838-2142, or contact us online to schedule your consultation to dive further into Hunter Douglas solar shades or cellular shades. Custom Wood Shutters & Blinds proudly serves our local communities, including Tustin, Rancho Mission Viejo, Anaheim Hills, Irvine, Yorba Linda, and Corona Del Mar, CA.
