When the peak of summer hits North Idaho and Eastern Washington, the heat here can make your home distinctly oven-like. When you’re trying to stay cool in Spokane or Coeur d’Alene, a blasting air conditioner is a godsend; unfortunately, the electricity bill that comes with it is not quite so welcome. That’s where the right window coverings can make a big difference. At Best Blinds & Awnings, we help homeowners across the region beat the heat with smart, stylish window solutions that keep the heat outside and your utility budget under control.
Here are the best options for keeping your home cooler during those scorching summer months:
1. Cellular Shades: Built for Insulation
You may not realize it, but empty space is an excellent insulator. Heat travels well on solid surfaces, but a pocket of air is not a great heat conductor. That fact makes cellular shades (sometimes called honeycomb shades) one of the most effective options for heat control. By trapping the heat in the air pockets between the exterior and interior parts of the shade, cellular shades create a thermal barrier between the heat coming in your window and your living space.
Why they work:
- Excellent insulation against heat
- Available in light-filtering and blackout options
- Stylish and customizable
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, and anywhere you want serious temperature control.
2. Solar Shades: Let the View In, Keep the Heat Out
Solar shades employ a different technology. Designed with a high-tech fabric that blocks UV rays and glare without completely darkening your room, they’re perfect for preserving your view out the window while significantly reducing solar heat gain.
Why they work:
- Block up to 99% of harmful UV rays
- Cut down glare and heat
- Maintain outward visibility
Best for: South- and west-facing windows, patios, and sunrooms that receive the brunt of summer sun.
3. Roller Shades with Heat-Reflective Fabrics
Modern roller shades come in fabrics specifically engineered to reflect sunlight and heat. They’re sleek, simple, affordable, and easy to use, especially with motorized options.
Why they work:
- Reflective backing helps direct heat away
- Clean look and low maintenance
- Suitable for layering with curtains
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and modern interiors.
4. Exterior Screen Shades: First Line of Defense
Want to block heat before it even hits your glass? Exterior screen shades are mounted outside your windows or patios to stop sunlight at the source.
Why they work:
- Stop radiant heat before it enters your home
- Protect indoor furnishings from UV damage
- Add a layer of privacy and comfort
Best for: Decks, covered patios, and large glass doors.
Stay Cool with Local Expertise
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we understand the climate challenges in North Idaho and Eastern Washington. We offer complimentary consultations, expert measurements, and professional installation services that ensure your blinds not only look great but also perform.
Whether you’re in Lewiston, Spokane, Post Falls, Pullman, Moscow, or any other community in the vicinity, our team is ready to help you block the summer heat to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient home. Contact Best Blinds & Awnings today to find out which heat-blocking blinds would work best for your home’s design