Dear Jean and Richard, I have windows facing the south and need some kind of shades or blinds to control harsh sunlight without looking tacky. Any suggestions? --Barrie, Leisecter

Jean: Hi Barrie, I like that you used the phrase “control” because you don’t want to eliminate that wonderful light, and there are different options for filtering it—inexpensively or aesthetically. One decision to make first is whether you want to block the view as well as the glare. In my office, I’ve had to actually place a solid screen beside my desk so I don’t see Richard.
Richard: That’s because I’m so bright. Well, both blinds and shades can screen out undesirable light as well as views, from filtering to room blackout. If chosen well, they can also serve the room design as an enhancement or visually disappear. .
Jean: Especially when you have a lot of window area to cover. A nice shade can complement the drapes, and prevent “fabric overload.” But you’ve already established you need one or the other, so here are some suggestions. If you favor a neat, orderly look, consider a natural fiber shade. These usually come with borders and trim, and are made from bamboo or other textured natural materials. They can provide a nice transition between the outdoor world and a tailored interior.
Richard: You can also employ Roman shades, which fold like an accordion when you raise them—usually made from fabric. The panels can range from slender, translucent white strips to patterned, gathering folds. A great look but a trickier function.
Jean: I would suggest having Roman shades made with a continuous loop cord for easy raising and lowering. And, depending on the room, I love to put trim, fringe or even deep bouillon fringe on the bottom of them. If you decide to use blinds, choose wood over vinyl, because the very sunlight you’re trying to filter can soften and sag plastic slats. And then you will have a meltdown as well.
Richard: How you install shades and blinds have a place in this conversation, too. First, unless your interior is truly oversized—like the Biltmore Estate—keep it light. Big heavy cornices are no longer in fashion, and you can layer without being ostentatious.
Jean: If you decide the first layer—those shades or blinds—should be mounted inside the window’s casement, be extra careful with your measurements. If there is not enough depth to have the surfaces of woodwork and window treatments flush, it may be better to mount outside the casement.
Richard: That’s also a good way to hide woodwork imperfections or a window that’s out of square. If you decide it’s best to mount outside the casement, match the size of the entire frame, not part of it. The blind or shade should fall from the top and cover completely both sides.
Jean. Be consistent. If possible, hang your shades and drapes from the same level, so there’s no visual competition between rods. And always, always hang the treatments at the same height from window to window. If the windows themselves are different heights, hang the treatments above the casements altogether—maybe all the way to the ceiling.
Richard: That’s a good way to add dimension to your windows, too. You can offer the illusion of having really big windows by placing the shades and drapes completely outside the window openings.
Jean: As long as you don’t mean outside the window. The weather might not be so kind.
Richard: Who would mount window blinds outdoors? I shutter to think.