The sun shining through the window certainly improves mood and gives a feeling of spring, but at the same time it can cause discomfort, especially in the summer. Today, the question of how to close the windows from the sun with your own hands is becoming more relevant, so we will consider several options and decide which one will be most suitable for this or that type of housing and rooms. What's good for a bedroom interior may not work for a living room. In fact, there are many options that protect the room from sunlight, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

It is also worth noting that each solution differs in cost, design, fastening principle, quality and other performance characteristics.

Installing sun protection: sun protection film

Sun protection film

The most popular among all protective coatings for windows is the usual solar control film, which is very easy to attach. As a rule, any material has both advantages and disadvantages, and this film is no exception.

• With its help, you can create coolness in the room, especially on very hot days.
• By using a sun-protection film, fading of the interior of the room is prevented.
• There is no glare on the TV screen or monitor, which affects the comfort when working or watching a movie.
• The dwelling is not visible from the street side, therefore some privacy is provided.
• If you provide additional air conditioning of the room, then you can significantly reduce the cost of electricity.
• If you stick a film from the sun on the windows, then not only good sun protection will be provided, but also the impact properties will increase. In addition, when a window is broken, the likelihood of injury is significantly reduced.
• By using a sunscreen film, you can save on electricity in autumn and winter, since heat loss is significantly reduced.
• When using such a film, its fire resistance is also important. It is worth noting that such protective coatings are capable of delaying the moment of a thermal explosion, while the treated glass is very easily broken from the inside. Do not be afraid that toxic substances will be released when the film melts, since this does not happen. At especially critical facilities, where the requirements for fire safety are increased, it is recommended to use sun-protective films of the second class of fire resistance.
• Another advantage of reflective sheeting is that it prevents magnetic radiation from entering the room. This means that it will not be possible to listen to the premises, which is also important in some situations.

Preventing Interior Fading with Sun Protection Film

Based on the list of advantages, it can be seen that such sunscreen coatings are indeed very popular among the majority of users.

The only drawback of the sunscreen film is considered to be the inability to increase the access of light to the room in cloudy weather. If the curtain can simply be removed to the side, then this cannot be done with the film.

What are sunscreen films?

There are only four types of sunlight protection films that are glued to windows.

• Mirror type inner film. This material is attached in the space between windows or directly on the glass from the inside. You can buy a product of any color with any degree of light transmission.
• Mirror film, which is attached from the outside, that is, from the street. This coating also protects the room from impact. The film can be light or metallic.
• Expensive high-quality protective films are spatter coatings, which are fixed from the inside of the room. This material is made using a special technology.
• Films of the combined type perform the function of anti-shock protection and sun protection. Such a product has a number of advantages, although it is relatively expensive.

Mounting options

There are three ways to explain how to close windows from the sun with your own hands, using a sunscreen film, with the most common being gluing the coating on the inside of the windows.

In the second case, the material is fixed in the space between windows. This film application technology is most often used at the factory in the process of manufacturing a window.

The third mounting option consists in gluing the film to the window from the street side.

Before deciding on the option of installing a sun-protection film, it will not be superfluous to consult a specialist. It is also important to take into account all the sanitary and epidemiological standards of a particular product.

A sunscreen film can save a window from vandalism

Rules for gluing film on windows

Before you close the windows with a protective screen, you need to adhere to take a few preparatory steps.

• First, the window is prepared, it is well washed with a special detergent. You should also remove the remnants of paint or glue, if, of course, there are any. That is, the gluing surface should not have visible defects.
• It is imperative to measure the window, only after that you can proceed to cutting the film. This manipulation is recommended to be done with a blade or a sharpened knife.
• After the preparatory work, a soap solution should be made, which will lubricate the window surface. The sun protection film should only be applied to the wet area of ​​the glass. The gluing process is carried out starting from the top. The material is gradually smoothed out, eliminating defects and bubbles with a plastic spatula.
• If you plan to glue the film on the outside of the window, then it should be taken into account that it should be as dense as possible.

Curtains as an alternative to film

If the option of gluing the film for some reason is not suitable, then you can hang curtains of good density on the cornice. Thus, the room will look cozy and elegant, while providing good protection from the sun.

We install roller blinds - a good alternative to film

Of course, such a design element is expensive and difficult to install, since you can additionally install cornices that can withstand heavy curtains.

It is worth noting that correctly selected curtains will give the interior a special chic and complement the design with a new solution.

The indisputable advantages of sun blinds include the possibility of opening them to illuminate the room in cloudy weather.

What curtains are there?

Today you can find a huge number of types of curtains that differ in different characteristics. Despite this, there are still several types of such products:

• ordinary curtains with tulle;
• Italian curtains that do not fully extend;
• curtains with lining material, due to which the fabric does not fade, while providing protection from moisture;
• French products that are equipped with separate sections.

In most cases, curtains are used in apartments, but this feature does not make the use of this product less popular.

We select Italian curtains for the style of the interior

Installation of blinds

A good option for protecting a room from the sun is blinds, which can be of several types.

Today it is great, according to the type of installation of the closing element, they are:

• horizontal;
• vertical;
• roll;
• pleated, such a product resembles a folded accordion;
• with a photo drawing, in fact, these are vertical blinds with a printed image. The picture can be from the outside or inside of the product;
• blinds of the Japanese type, which in appearance resemble a plain screen. They can be used to protect the ingress of sunlight into the room, as well as as a partition between separate areas in the room.

In addition, the blinds may differ in the type of material used for manufacturing. So, they can be:

• thread;
• tissue;
• multifactual;
• plastic;
• wooden;
• bamboo.

Choosing blinds - a modern and colorful way to protect windows from the sun

Other coverings for sun protection

In addition to the above varieties of sunscreen coatings, there are other products. For example, you can use ordinary foil, which not only protects from the penetration of sunlight, but also hides your room from prying eyes from the street. This option is used in exceptional cases, since most people are used to giving preference to a special film that can be glued with their own hands without any problems. In addition, foil can reduce the level of sun penetration into the room, and bright lighting is important, for example, in the kitchen. In this case, you will have to take care of additional lighting of the working area.

Often on sale you can find protective screens. When folded, they look like a roll, folded into a box, which is attached above the window. This method has some disadvantages, therefore it is rarely used in residential premises.

Many owners of apartments and houses resort to methods of protecting windows from the sun mainly in the summer season. When, such long-awaited rays of the sun in winter, in the summer they bring discomfort to our homes, making it difficult to sleep in the morning and hide from the summer heat in the afternoon.

To prevent the summer sun from turning the room into a real hell, there are several ways to protect

Therefore, at this time, it is rare to find unprotected glass windows in apartments and houses, especially on the south side. Well, for those who did not have time to do this, we offer several ways to protect windows from the sun and give them a short description. So, you can weaken the effect of the sun's rays by the following actions:

1. Make glass tinting:

2. Application of curtains and curtains to protect from the sun:

3. Using blinds.

Window tinting with sun-protection films

Tinting of glass with solar mirror films is by far the most effective and aesthetic way of protecting windows from the sun and is applied to glass both during production and after installation. The last action can be done by hand.

Mirror Effect Window Film

Internal mirror the film is applied (glued) to the glass surface from the inside of the room and protects it from the sun. The film is selected taking into account the color background of the interior and creates an overall harmony in the design of the room.

Outdoor mirrored the outer part of the windows is pasted over with a film and the glass unit is protected from the street side. Despite the fact that the outer film is very limited in color (black and light metallic), the film has increased strength, but also serves to protect glass from mechanical stress.

Outer Mirror Film

Spatter film Is a multilayer film made using advanced technology by electronically spraying a metal of a certain thickness, much less than the thickness of the film itself. Multilayer film perfectly traps ultraviolet rays, but at the same time worsens the illumination of the room.

Architectural spatter mirror film, blue Sputter SILVER Blue 15

The film is expensive and its application to glass requires certain skills and is carried out with the assistance of specialists.

All the above properties are combined in itself combination film , which has a number of properties: protection from sunlight, shock resistance and aesthetics.

The film is applied to double-glazed windows as follows:

• The process is possible only in the absence of sunlight: in the morning or in the evening.
• Before gluing the film, you must thoroughly wash the glass and degrease it.
• Separate the film from the paper and stick it on a still damp surface, smoothing it in either direction with a soft cloth or a rubber spatula to "expel" the air.
• If the glass is dry, you need to slightly moisten it with water and a weak solution of detergent.

Advice

Do not buy cheap film from dubious sellers.

Application of curtains and curtains to protect from the sun

The most patriarchal and at the same time popular and in our time, curtains and curtains are used to protect from the sun's rays. Especially when, for one reason or another, it is not possible to use a mirror film.

Curtains and drapes protect from the sun, drafts and views

The main thing is, in this case, to choose the right curtain material so that they are dense and at the same time fit perfectly into the interior of the room. Although they have some advantages, for example, they can be moved apart in the absence of the sun's rays, that is, in cloudy weather.

There are several types of popular curtains and curtains that protect the room from heat and create coziness in the room:

However, curtains and curtains have one significant drawback: they accumulate dust and require periodic washing, which, of course, is absent when using mirror films.

One of the types of blinds and curtains are Roman curtains , which are made of very dense fabric, which not only effectively protects the room from the sun, but also fits perfectly into any interior.

Roman blinds can be installed both on the wall and in the ceiling or in the window opening.

In fact, these are curtains, but they fold like blinds into beautiful folds, the width of which is individually adjustable. They also "suffer" from a common disadvantage for all curtains, that is, they accumulate dust, however, they are easy to wash and iron.

If necessary, you can collect it in a roll and also spread it when the sun's rays are especially active, and also protect you from the unwanted gaze of neighbors and citizens of dubious appearance passing by your windows.

The material of the curtains is fragile and therefore dust can only be removed from them with a vacuum cleaner or dry rags.

Application of blinds to protect windows from the sun

The use of blinds to protect windows from the sun is justified if you have not yet decided which of the above methods is right for you. Blinds can be made of bamboo, plastic, wood and fabric.

Blinds for sun protection

Blinds are very convenient to use, mobile and quickly show their properties: when needed, windows are protected from the sun and when there is no sun, they provide access to daylight. In addition, even at the moment when the blinds are completely closed, the air flow is still present. The protection does not require special care: it is enough to dip them in a washable solution once a month.

Protection of premises - a living room or office, industrial buildings and shopping centers with large areas of glazing are especially relevant in the summer months, when the sun heats up the internal volume through the windows and creates a microclimate that is difficult to tolerate inside the room. For residents of apartments or owners of country houses, protection from sunlight penetrating through the windows is especially important if they are oriented to the south. Protection from the sun on the windows in the apartment is becoming an absolute must.

The practice of creating various devices that create coziness and comfort inside a room even in the hottest noon hours goes back thousands of years - the entire historical period when people learned to build dwellings.

Many of the inventions of distant ancestors are successfully used at the present time, but there are also novelties, the creation of which became possible only in the modern age of advanced technologies. The pinnacle of technology is sun-protection windows, in which glasses are installed that change density depending on the brightness of the illumination - "chameleons". But so far they are expensive and accessible to few.

Consider various more budget sun protection options, their advantages and disadvantages. This will allow you to choose the most appropriate option.

Light protection constructions for windows

All types of protection are mechanical and are based on the ability of certain materials to absorb or reflect sunlight. The most ancient methods of protection were curtains, which over time were transformed into curtains and blinds - an invention of the inhabitants of Southeast Asia.

Curtains

Modern curtains, allowing to escape from the scorching rays of the Luminary, can be classified into classic ones - sewn from various fabrics and completely or partially blocking the light coming through the windows, and louvered curtains: "Roman", "Japanese", "day-night", the principle of operation of which based on the use of materials of different density and light transmission, or on the ability to adjust the width of the open areas of the window by dosing the flow of sunlight into the room.

Blinds

Modern blinds are one of the most effective ways to protect a space from excess sunlight during the summer months. Compared to other devices, they have a number of undeniable advantages:

• simplicity and reliability of the design;
• a variety of colors that allow you to successfully fit them into the interior of the room;
• ease of care and maintenance;
• long service life;
• a variety of engineering solutions that allow mounting on windows of a wide variety of designs;
• low cost.

In order to install some models of blinds on the windows, you do not even need to drill holes. Installation with snaps and double-sided tape takes a few minutes.

Tinted and reflective films

In most cases, for pasting glass with tinted or reflective films, to protect the premises from sunlight, they are used in office or shopping centers, when the area of ​​the windows is significant and it is more economical to use an inexpensive reflective film than blinds.

At home, reflective film is not yet widely used. This is caused, first of all, by a significant decrease in the light transmission of windows. If this function of the film successfully protects your house in sunny summer weather, preventing the air in the apartment from warming up to an uncomfortable temperature, then on cloudy or rainy days you will feel a constant oppressive twilight in the apartment, which can only be gotten rid of by turning on artificial lighting, and this is inappropriate in the daytime due to additional electricity bills.

The most advanced of the commercially available reflective films - "spatter" visually can be absolutely transparent and not create an oppressive twilight in the room, but they are quite expensive.

The process of gluing the film on glass is also quite laborious. Not everyone will stick the film on the first time with high quality and without flaws, and later, as unnecessary, will be able to carefully remove it without damaging the window glass.

Window Stickers

Window stickers are one of the types of window glass decoration that allows you to imitate a stained glass window and, in addition to purely decorative functions, can act as a sun screen. In most cases, in order to simplify the process, they buy a rolled stained glass film, the base of which is transparent or matte with a pattern applied to it. But you can also purchase individual stickers that do not completely cover the entire area of ​​the window glass and are much easier to stick without using an assistant and a special tool for gluing the film.

Stained-glass films (stickers) can significantly reduce the luminous flux only if they occupy most of the window glass and the film from which they are made has reflective or energy-saving properties.

Improvised means

Often, the owners of apartments and summer cottages, the windows of which are oriented to the south, do not bother themselves with unnecessary, from their point of view, work and expenses for the purchase of curtains, blinds or films, but use available materials to shade the windows.

The most common raw material for impromptu "light filters" are newspapers, which are fixed on the windows using buttons, staples or tape.

Another common option is to use aluminum foil. Baking foil is the most popular material at hand in the fight against the blinding sun.

Foil is also often used, which is used to cover thin roll insulation: "Penofol", "Izolon" and the like. Moreover, the effect of using these materials exceeds all expectations. Due to the fact that the foil almost completely reflects the sun's rays, the foam polyethylene substrate acts as a "thermos" and prevents the penetration of UV radiation (thermal) into the apartment.

Thus, the foil, despite the unpresentable appearance that the window, pasted over with it, acquires, in the best way, along with the reflective "mirror" film, copes with its tasks.

Wallpaper remaining after repair can be successfully used to shade windows from excess sunlight. From them, you can literally make original blinds in 20-30 minutes, which can serve the entire summer season, and in the fall, as unnecessary, they are mercilessly thrown away.

You can make accordion blinds by folding a strip of wallpaper 30-50 mm wide in folds and attaching a wooden weighting rail at the bottom to be able to straighten improvised blinds.

In order for such blinds to completely overlap the window opening, it is necessary to take a strip of wallpaper 1.5 times the length of the window (frame). or cotton thread. In this case, you will have to equip the improvised blinds with the same improvised cornice made of wooden lath, to which you attach the upper edge of the corrugated wallpaper and two wire sings through which the thread of the mechanism for raising / lowering the blinds will slide.

Such blinds should be placed with the unpainted side of the wallpaper facing the street. Plain paper wallpapers are best for making. Vinyl-coated wallpaper does not hold its shape well due to the elasticity and resilience of the outer layer. When heated in the sun, they will spontaneously straighten out. In addition, heated vinyl flooring gives off a specific odor.

Awnings

For private and country houses, awnings - fabric canopies that block sunlight and shade windows - can serve as an excellent way to get rid of excess sunlight and protect a room without hanging or sticking various films or blinds on the windows. As a rule, an awning is a stationary structure with a metal, less often wooden or PVC frame, which is designed for several years of service. The fabric stretched over the frame can be changed at the discretion of the owner, depending on his taste and changes in the exterior of the house.

For the construction of the awning, it is necessary to make sure that the frame is securely attached to the outer wall of the house and its wind resistance. The design can provide for permanently open or folding options.

Shutters

One of the oldest ways to protect a room from annoying sunlight in the summer is window shutters. In modern housing construction, they are rarely used, but in country private houses they often serve as an additional decorative element of facades, which can be used for its intended purpose - to close windows with shutters in the midday heat.

Instead of a conclusion

Any of the listed options for protection from excessive sunlight can be used both separately and in combination with other methods of protection. Tinted windows (with reflective film) can be fitted with blinds or blackout curtains, and the presence of awnings or shutters on the windows does not preclude the use of any other method of sun protection.

The choice of sun protection equipment is entirely up to you. Your tastes, preferences and financial capabilities.

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Sun protection for windows: 4 rescue options

If your apartment windows face south, you are definitely familiar with the problem that I want to talk about below. The significant discomfort caused by the scorching rays of the sun can turn a room, even with a designer interior, into a real oven.

After all, excessively bright lighting can not only irritate the eyes, but also overheat the air in the room, which raises the logical question of how to darken the windows in order to avoid such a misfortune.

Since I am not by hearsay familiar with all the "charm" of the sunny side in the house, I wanted to get rid of this problem once and for all. After asking acquaintances and breaking through many pages on the Internet, I found some of the most successful (so it seems) ways to darken the windows. I will talk about them below.

Ways to completely darken windows

I want to warn you right away: all the options described below for protecting windows have different characteristics and properties. Therefore, before rushing to buy at random, it is better to familiarize yourself with them.

Method 1. Blackout curtains

The first thing that I was advised in the process of finding the perfect protection - blackout curtains on the windows from the sun. This is one of the most affordable and budget options. And here are some simple tips to make using them even more convenient:

1. Choose a dense material for curtains, be sure to light shades.... So the curtains will heat up less, and therefore will not let heat into the room.
2. For maximum protection from sunlight, choose Blackout curtains. Such models are made of three-layer opaque fabric, they are able to fully reflect light and darken the room.

1. To ensure good darkening in the apartment and at the same time not to buy heavy dark curtains, you can successfully combine several light options with each other. Create an interesting ensemble of curtains in different materials, densities and designs and transform them into multi-layer protection.

Despite the fact that blackout curtains are excellent protection from the sun on the windows in an apartment, they also have their drawbacks:

• Firstly, such models significantly impede the flow of fresh air into the room.
• And secondly, they simply quickly accumulate dust and need constant washing.

Method 2. Curtains from lamellas

Lamellar curtains (they are also blinds) have occupied the leading position among the most demanded methods for framing window openings for many years. Depending on the characteristics of the application, they are divided into internal and external. I would like to dwell on each type separately.

Internal

The topic of interior blinds comes up especially often when the question arises "how to close the windows from the sun on the balcony"? Nevertheless, this version of curtains is no less popular for decorating openings in rooms. I think there are several reasons for this:

1. Blinds make it possible to easily regulate the amount of light due to the possibility of turning the slats, of which they actually consist.
2. They are quite easy to install on the window frame.
3. Lamella structures can fit into almost any. And in combination with bright curtains, they will create a rather original tandem.

Of the minuses, I want to note some difficulties in cleaning such products.... Someone will say that it is enough just to close them and wipe them with a damp cloth. Personally, for a significant effect, I had to wipe each panel separately.

Outdoor

External blinds are made of more durable material and wider slats. In addition to the fact that these are quite effective sun-protection systems, they will help to hide what is happening in the apartment from prying eyes (residents of the first floors, take into account).

Most often, in the manufacturing process of such a lamellar structure, galvanized metal is used, less often wood. The thing is that from constant exposure to rain, light or snow, wooden sun blinds wear out faster.

Method 3. Roller blinds

Convenience, practicality, reasonable price - these epithets are quite suitable for roller curtains (well, I love them, what can I do). What are such models good for?

1. By fixing the roller curtains not above the window, but directly on the glass unit, you will achieve the maximum adherence of the material to the window, which will eliminate the penetration of light from the sides. Naturally, the sun protection of the premises will only benefit from this.
2. A wide range of roller blinds makes it possible to decorate almost any interior and type of room.
3. Now they produce curtains with opaque, reflective and light-diffusing effects - just choose - I don’t want to! Almost all roller blinds from the sun on the windows are treated with a dust-repellent impregnation, so you will not have any problems with cleaning.

1. High-quality structures completely prevent hot rays from entering the house, thereby preventing overheating of the air in it.

So, when thinking about what to hang on the windows, do not forget about such a simple and effective option. Their installation does not take much time or certain skills. And if you wish, you can make such curtains with your own hands.

Method 4. Film

Despite the many advantages, all of the above methods of protecting an apartment from the sun's rays have one huge drawback. Such models obscure the view from the window, and this has to be reckoned with.

If a wonderful view opens up through the window opening, then you should not sacrifice it at all. Plus, you have a great alternative to standard curtains: sunscreens.

In fact, this is not a screen in the full sense of the word, but a special, almost transparent film that is glued directly to the glass. I want to immediately please the housewives: such a coating does not require any maintenance at all.

This option perfectly reflects infrared rays and helps to reduce the flow of solar heat.... At the same time, the level of lighting in the room remains unchanged.

Due to the fact that protective films are produced with different degrees of protection, you can choose the most optimal level for yourself. I even found fully mirrored models that will make your sunshade windows impervious to prying eyes (another handy solution for ground floor residents).

And finally, one more advantage of using a film. Due to this material, the glass is strengthened, and if in more detail: upon impact, it will not shatter into fragments, but will remain directly on the film. So if you are still thinking what to stick on the window, then you might have a pet.

Partial dimming options

If you do not need to completely darken the windows, but the question of how to cover the openings is still relevant, the following options will be an excellent alternative:

• Bamboo blinds. They effectively transmit diffused soft light and look great in most interiors.

• Pleated blinds. A pleated fabric model is another way to let the sun's rays into the room in a controlled manner. In addition, in some models you can comfortably adjust the height of the curtains, which is a definite plus.

Many people note the sophistication and benefits of the "day-night" model. This option is created using two types of fabric - translucent and dense. Depending on your needs, the system will create a weak or strong blackout, and will also help if you need protection from the outside.

• Awnings. Another way to hide from the scorching sun and at the same time not lose the beautiful view from the window. Awnings made of thick tarpaulin are usually hung outside the opening.

These cute and original visors won't absorb dirt or get wet. And you will have the opportunity to adjust the degree of inclination or the width of the canopy.

Do not think that such a shelter is good only for a private house, awnings are successfully used on an ordinary balcony. Believe me, even on the wall of an ordinary Khrushchev, this model will look original and unusual.

• Roman curtains. When it comes to how to curtain the windows in an apartment, I can't help but mention the Roman curtains. They have an excellent reflective effect, besides, they are quite compact and easy to use.

Summing up

I won't be able to tell you what to use as the main sun protection for the room, but I have tried to tell you about the most practical options. In principle, each of them, with the right choice and installation, can do a good job. The video in this article will tell you about additional nuances of the fight against scorching rays.

Good protection on windows - no heat problems

Perhaps in this material I have described not all possible and practical options. If you know about other options for protecting a room from the hot sun, be sure to share them in the comments.

Apartments with balconies facing south or south-west turn into "pitch hell" on hot summer days. If you do not close the windows with reliable protection from the sun, then even the air conditioner does not save, especially since many homeowners refuse it in principle, due to dubious environmental friendliness, and others simply cannot afford it from a purely economic point of view - it is not cheap itself. and consumes electricity decently.

Therefore, you have to think about how to close the windows on the balcony from the sun, without using electrical appliances to cool the room. If earlier the surest way to create coolness on a sultry day was a wet sheet fixed to the window, today you can choose one of the modern methods of protection against excessive heat radiation from entering the balcony.

Find out a few simple models on how to do it from the new article on our portal.

To make sure that the range of different types of sun protection devices is large enough, you need to consider options. However, first of all, a few words should be said about some of the features of this choice.

Which color should you choose?

An important point when choosing curtains or other devices to protect the balcony from the sun is their color, since it also affects the reflective effect.

First of all, it is recommended to abandon the dark color scheme, since such materials tend to absorb heat, so it will not only be dark on the balcony and in the rooms, but also stuffy. Thus, there is a risk of getting a small "sauna" on the balcony instead of the desired coolness, in which it is absolutely impossible to be. Therefore, black, dark blue, burgundy, dark brown and similar colors should be avoided.

Do not close the windows with curtains or blinds that have bright warm colors - orange or yellow, they will "psychologically" enhance the sunlight, and will not create the desired atmosphere of coolness.

In addition, one should take into account the creation of a harmony of the color of the protective devices on the windows with the rest.

Types of sun protection devices and materials

Due to the fact that the issue of keeping cool on the balcony of an apartment or house is quite relevant, manufacturers make various shading options. Most of them have been invented for a long time, but even today they can be found in stores in a modernized and improved form.

So, to protect the balcony from direct sunlight, the following are used:

• Curtains of various configurations and designs.
• Vertical and horizontal blinds made of different materials.
• Awnings are awnings over the window system.
• External roller shutters.
• Reflective foil and stained glass film.

All these materials or devices, in turn, are subdivided into types, which will be discussed below.

Balcony curtains

For protection from the sun and for decorative decoration of the balcony, various designs of curtains are used - they can be chosen from a wide variety for every taste. These can be ordinary curtains, roller blinds or roman blinds.

Curtains on the balcony

Hanging curtains on the balcony is probably the easiest way, especially if you can sew them yourself. They will cover the balcony well from the sun, but only if the fabric is correctly selected, not only in color, but also in composition.

The material that is least susceptible to ultraviolet radiation and high temperatures is best suited for balcony curtains - these are dense cotton and linen fabrics without a pattern, or having it on one side, the one with which the canvases should be turned into the room. The advantage of this shading method is the fact that curtains can be made according to different patterns, any configuration - this is especially important when.

balcony curtains

The disadvantages of this sunscreen device include two significant factors:

• Any fabric collects dust in its structure, which can only be removed by washing, so the curtains will have to be subjected to this process quite often.
• The second point is that the curtains of the usual cut look too simple and have no decorative effect, and those that are hung on the cornice and have numerous folds look very rich, but visually reduce the already small balcony. Therefore, the latter are recommended for use on spacious loggias, decorated in certain design interior styles.

Roller blinds

Roller blinds are quite popular for use on balconies. There are many of the varieties - in terms of design and materials of manufacture, but they got their name because when they are closed, the canvases are rolled up.

They are easy to install and look quite aesthetically pleasing on the windows, as they are produced in various monochromatic and multi-colored versions - they can be matched to any interior. The convenience of this type of curtain lies in the fact that they can be easily raised to different heights from the window sill or the opening can be closed completely by adjusting the required amount of light entering the room. Another advantage of this sun protection option is that the curtains do not visually reduce the premises, since they are most often installed exactly the width of the glass units, almost without covering the frames.

Roller blinds are made of various materials, which allows you to choose the option that is most suitable for a particular balcony and its style of decoration.

Fabric roller blinds

If roller blinds are sewn from ordinary dense fabric, in one or several layers, then they are a flat fabric that can be raised to the desired height and secured by pulling the cord. However, this option has a lot of "disadvantages" - it is dust that collects in the fabric, which means frequent washings, as well as the fact that they will have to be twisted by hand.

The most popular type of modern roller blinds is made from three-layer polyester fabric "Black Out" with satin weave. During production, this material is treated with acrylic foam, which gives it density, as well as special dust-repellent compounds.

• The first layer of material, facing the street, is designed to reflect ultraviolet rays, so it is most often white.
• The middle layer is quite dense, and thanks to this, the curtains can be opaque, and the degree of opacity varies from 5 to 100%.
• The third layer, turned towards the room, plays a decorative role. It can be monochromatic, multi-colored, or there is a certain pattern on the surface.

The uniqueness of this material lies in its ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation by almost 100%, which complies with international standards for this indicator.

The most convenient design of curtains made of “Black Out” material is called “Rollite” - it is fixed directly to the frame on top of the glass unit, so the window can be opened for ventilation both with open and closed curtains.

It is impossible not to mention the roller blinds "day-night", which, depending on the degree of openness, can completely block the light from entering the balcony, or let it in partially.

This version consists of two canvases, the stripes on which alternate - one of them is transparent, and the other has a high density. If it is necessary to completely shade the room, the canvases are displaced, while the darker stripes overlap the transparent ones, and the curtain becomes completely opaque.

Bamboo roller blinds

Bamboo curtains, produced in the form of rolls, are able to create a natural shade on the balcony, and due to the structure of the material - reliably protect the premises from overheating. In addition, such a model brings a special touch of exoticism to the interior - indoor palms or ficuses will look especially organic against the background of such canvases.

This version of curtains is made from bamboo cut into strips and treated with special compounds, and the thickness of the elements that make up the canvas can be different. They are fixed together with decorative threads.

The material is particularly lightweight, durable, UV-resistant and moisture-resistant, so the service life of such curtains is quite long. They are easy to use - it is not difficult to regulate the flow of the required amount of sunlight into the room.

Roller blinds are easy to install yourself

On sale you can find many interesting models of these protective and decorative devices. A particular advantage is opportunity. More about this - in a special publication of our portal.

Roman curtains

Roman blinds are gaining more and more admirers, and it may be because it is quite easy to make them yourself, having fabric and some simple devices.

For them, just like when sewing ordinary curtains, it is recommended to choose natural linen or cotton fabrics - the synthetic material will deteriorate under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, and all the work on manufacturing will be done in vain.

The design of Roman blinds differs from roller blinds in that when they are opened, they do not curl into a roll, but gather in the form of folds. This option is no less comfortable to use, the curtains are also compact and aesthetic in appearance. The choice of the thickness of the curtains depends on the preferences of the apartment owners - they can be very dense or have one or another degree of light transmission.

Roman blinds are also made from bamboo straw, sewn with decorative threads. Bamboo, as mentioned above, perfectly protects the room from the penetration of high temperatures into it and creates a pleasant shade. In addition, straw curtains are an excellent decoration not only for the balcony, but also for any living room.

If Roman blinds will be purchased ready-made, then you need to know that they can be manually or remotely controlled. It is clear that the second option will cost much more, and for its installation it is often necessary to invite a professional master.

Roman models of curtains can differ in their design - one of them is fixed on the frame above the window sash, and the other on the sash itself, but in the second case, frames fixing the canvas are usually fixed on the frame along the edge of the glass unit. If the curtain is fixed above the frame, then the sash will be less convenient to open, and it can easily damage the canvas.

Blinds

Blinds are a fairly common type of sun protection. On sale are vertical and horizontal models made of plastic, fabric, treated with special compounds, metal and wood. Blinds can be monochromatic, multi-colored or with different patterns.

Most often, you can see plastic blinds on the balconies, however, it should be noted that this particular material does not have the qualities that would contribute to reliable protection against ultraviolet rays, especially in cases where the balcony windows face the south side and are under the influence of the whole day sun.

roller blinds

Fabric vertical blinds have a higher density and more reliably protect the room from heat, since such material is not subject to strong heat. When the lamellas are completely closed, the heat will not penetrate into the balcony. If the fabric does not transmit light at all, then you can choose any of the light or bright shades of the blinds, but you should not choose dark colors.

Here it is necessary to clarify the point that both plastic and fabric options have the ability to accumulate dust on their surface, which is quite difficult to remove.

Aluminum blinds create a denser curtain from the sun, but, as you know, any metal has a high thermal conductivity, and, heating itself, begins to give off heat to the inside of the room. Therefore, even if the blinds are white, they will not be able to fully protect the balcony from high temperatures.

The advantage is that aluminum lamellas, compared to plastic and cloth, are easy to clean - it will be enough to wipe them with a damp sponge and then with a soft cloth.

If it is planned to equip the balcony with blinds, then wood will be the best option of all materials. Wooden slats practically do not heat up and protect the room well from the sun. However, a quality version of these curtains will always have a fairly high price.

Dust also collects on the surface of the wooden slats, but it can be easily removed with a vacuum cleaner. As you know, wood is an environmentally friendly material, therefore, during operation, it will not emit fumes that are harmful to humans, even when exposed to high temperatures. Wooden blinds are usually left in their natural shades - for a balcony it is better to choose a light color of wood, since it is not only pleasing to the eye, but also absorbs less heat.

Roller shutters

Another way to hide from the direct rays of the sun, wind, dust and noise is to install roller shutters on the balcony window, which completely cover it. (In Russian terminology, the name is often used).

In addition, they will protect the apartment located on the ground or top floor from "unexpected guests". Roller shutters have a design similar to roller blinds, but they consist of numerous strong lamellas installed horizontally and fastened together with hinged joints. When closed, these curtains form a continuous canvas, and when they are opened, they roll up into a box located in the upper part of the window.

Roller shutters are installed outside the window opening or from the inside, and the option of installing the box can be chosen according to the taste of the home owner.

If you need to solve several problems associated with a balcony window at once, then roller shutters are exactly what you need. To close the glazing, it is recommended to choose a white roller shutter that will not absorb the sun's rays.

Roller shutters are made from different materials:

• Aluminum provide protection from sunlight and weathering, which is especially important if the balcony is not glazed.
• Steel roller shutters are heavier and more durable. They are installed when the need to provide protection against burglary comes to the fore.
• Wooden options are great for protecting from the sun and street noise.
• Plastic roller shutters are light in weight and are quite capable of protecting the room from ultraviolet rays. However, when choosing them, you should definitely pay attention to the quality of the material, otherwise cheap plastic will quickly collapse under the influence of UV rays.

When thinking about installing this version of protective curtains on the balcony, do not forget that they can be fully opened, closed or slightly opened from below to the desired height. Roller shutter slats cannot be installed in different positions, as is done in the blinds, and when there is a strong heat outside the window, many people prefer to close the balcony windows completely so that it does not burst into the room.

Roller shutters can be closed and opened mechanically, that is, manually, or they can have an electric drive that allows this process to be performed remotely. It is clear that the second option will cost much more.

Awnings

Another, and, I must say, quite effective way to protect balcony windows from the sun is special fabric light awnings, called awnings. A similar shading option can be used both on an open and on a glazed balcony or loggia. The advantage of this method of sun protection is that, in addition to the shading of the window, air can enter it, and this allows you to create a comfortable atmosphere in the rooms.

Depending on the design of the balcony, different awning configurations are selected. For example, an awning in the form of a visor, lowered enough to the window frame, as shown in the first photo. In the second version, the awnings are made in the form of rigid frames on which fabric canvases are stretched. The frames are installed on a special hinge mechanism that allows them to be raised to the desired height at an angle or installed vertically, completely closing the windows.

If necessary, you can order a combined version of awnings, which will include in its design a roller blinds mechanism and a frame for stretching the awning - it will rise and fall to a certain height as the fabric is pulled. Such a system is often referred to as "broken elbow".

Each of the existing modern designs can be electrically driven, which allows you to adjust the awnings using a remote control. In addition, if desired, the system can be equipped with sensor sensors for the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and air humidity. As a result, "smart shading" itself will choose the desired angle of the visor slope.

To create the frame of the awning, strong and lightweight aluminum alloys, powder-painted, are used. As for the fabric, it is made of reliable acrylic threads that combine the qualities necessary for an awning - resistance to fading, lightness, strength, water resistance and the ability to repel dust and dirt.

Awnings installed on balconies look very extravagant and aesthetically pleasing, create real summer shade and maintain the appropriate mood.

Sun protection film

One of the least costly ways to protect your balcony from UV rays is by gluing it onto glass. These coatings are classified into four types and differ somewhat from each other.

• Films with a mirrored reflective surface, fixed from the inside of the room. This type can have different degrees of light transmission, and it directly depends on how much light it will be on the balcony and in the room.
• Another type of mirror film is intended for mounting on glass from the outside. This version of the material is designed to perform two functions - it is protection from ultraviolet radiation and from shattering glass, in the event that it is broken. Combined light and shock protection films most often have a mirror reflective surface and have a number of undeniable advantages, but their price is also quite high.

• Spatter glass coatings are a heat-reflecting material consisting of a film on which refractory metals are applied by ion exchange or magnetron sputtering. This glass tint material has excellent UV reflective properties, far exceeding that of conventional reflective mirror films. Spatter coatings are fixed on the glass from the side of the room, which is very convenient for self-installation. Their main drawback is their high price.

Despite all the indisputable advantages of expensive films, the most popular are the simplest reflective materials that are affordable even for a family with a small income. These films can be purchased at almost any supermarket or hardware store.

A similar film is glued from the inside to a damp window glass. And since it is quite inexpensive, it can be removed for the winter period, and new sheets of material can be fixed on the window next summer.

Homemade paper blinds

Another affordable sunscreen option is homemade paper blinds that any housewife can make. The easiest way to make such protective curtains from ordinary ones. Most often, after repair, extra sheets of this finishing material remain, and, not finding use for them, they are sent to gather dust in the closet, although they can make excellent blinds.

If the balcony is large and the glazing area is considerable, then it is quite possible to purchase one or two rolls of the wallpaper you like at an affordable price. First, you need to measure the height of the glass unit and add 300 ÷ 400 mm to this value - this is necessary for making folds. In addition to wallpaper, you will need a thread for stitching shoes or a thin rope of the desired color, as well as double-sided tape and ordinary plastic clothespins - they need to be prepared according to the number of double-glazed windows.

Such curtains can be made in a few hours:

• The required web length is measured. The width of the blinds should be 15 ÷ 20 mm wider than the width of the glass, so that there are no gaps into which ultraviolet rays can penetrate.
• The width of the fold is determined - to your taste.
• To make the folds neat, it is best to mark the canvas by drawing straight lines along the ruler.
• Then, according to the markings and along the ruler, the canvas is bent into folds, and when it is folded, in this form it must be fixed on both sides with clothespins.
• After that, in the middle of the resulting "accordion" strip, a hole is pierced with an awl, into which a thread or rope is pulled. Sometimes, stepping back from the edges of the strip by 80 ÷ 100 mm, two holes are pierced, in this case two ropes will be required, but the simplest option is to do with one.

• At the top of the blinds, the rope is fixed with ordinary tape, and then double-sided tape is glued to the entire width of the curtain.
• At the bottom of the canvas, a strip of double-sided tape is also glued, then the protective film is removed from it and one of the folds is glued. This will make the bottom of the blinds heavier, but at the same time leave it flexible, which will allow it to be shaped like a fan by collecting and securing several lower folds in the middle with a clothespin.
• The curtain is also attached to the upper part of the frame with double-sided tape.

Of course, such blinds are not very durable, but they will easily withstand one summer season.

The same, starching it well and smoothing the canvas into folds. This version of curtains will last longer, but after washing, they will have to be starch and ironed again. The denser the wallpaper or fabric, the less sun will penetrate into the balcony room.

So, if you wish, you can always find an opportunity to protect the balcony windows from direct sunlight, without which you can easily do with the onset of the summer heat. There are so many options for various materials and fixtures that one will definitely select one that is suitable both in design and in price.

Well, for lovers of independent creativity - another interesting option for homemade blinds from the remnants of unnecessary wallpaper

Video: how to make beautiful window blinds out of old wallpaper