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 an air conditioner will not save you, especially since many homeowners refuse it on principle, due to dubious environmental friendliness, while others simply cannot afford it purely from an economic point of view - the air conditioner itself is not cheap , and it consumes a fair amount of electricity.
How to close windows on a balcony from the sun
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 previously the surest way to create coolness on a hot day was a wet sheet attached to the window, today you can choose one of the modern methods of protection against excessive heat radiation entering the balcony.
Find out a few simple models on how to make an air conditioner with your own hands from a new article on our portal.
To make sure that there is a wide range of different sun protection models available, you need to consider your options. However, first of all, a few words should be said about some of the features of this choice.
3D curtains
A stylish and practical option for decorating a window in the interior will be 3D curtains with a three-dimensional pattern. Models of photo curtains are produced from gabardine, chiffon, satin, organza, as well as from fabric with a blackout effect, which will reliably protect your apartment from the penetration of solar color.
3D curtains differ from other models with bright patterns, due to which they become the central element of the interior. Therefore, in order to avoid excessive color, before purchasing, analyze the combination of the option you like with the furniture and the color scheme of the overall decoration of the room.
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Set of photo curtains Lilac “Birch Alley”, on a ribbon, height 260 cm
RUB 3,495*
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*Price may change
Set of curtains Zlata Korunka “Guiding Lighthouse”, on tape, width 147 cm, height 267 cm
RUB 1,931*
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*Price may change
Which color is better to choose?
An important point when choosing curtains or other devices to protect a balcony from the sun is their color, since it also affects the reflective effect.
Preference should be given to light, but not bright shades of curtains or blinds
First of all, it is recommended to abandon dark colors, since such materials tend to absorb heat, so the balcony and rooms will not only be dark, but also stuffy. Thus, there is a risk of getting a small “sauna” on the balcony instead of the desired coolness, which is completely impossible to be in. Therefore, black, dark blue, burgundy, dark brown and similar colors should be avoided.
It is recommended to choose light pastel colors - blue, light green, soft green, beige, ocher, white, cream and lilac shades.
You should not cover 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, you should take into account the creation of harmony in the color of the protective devices on the windows with the rest of the interior design of the balcony.
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 produce various shading options. Most of them were invented a long time ago, but today they can be found in stores in a modernized and improved form.
So, to protect the balcony from direct solar radiation, the following are used:
- Curtains of various configurations and designs.
- Blinds are vertical and horizontal, made from different materials.
- Awnings are awnings over a window system.
- External roller shutters.
- Reflective foil and stained glass film.
All these materials or devices, in turn, are divided into types, which will be discussed further.
Curtains for balconies
To protect from the sun and decorate the balcony, various curtain designs are used - you can choose from a wide variety to suit every taste. These can be regular curtains, roller blinds or Roman blinds.
Curtains on the balcony
Hanging curtains on the balcony is probably the easiest way, especially if you have the opportunity to sew them yourself. They will protect the balcony well from the sun, but only if the fabric is chosen correctly not only in color, but also in composition.
The traditional option is to curtain the windows with fabric curtains
The best material for balcony curtains is the one that is least susceptible to ultraviolet radiation and high temperatures - these are thick cotton and linen fabrics without a pattern, or having it on one side, the one with which the canvas should be turned into the room. The advantage of this shading method is the fact that the curtains can be made according to different patterns, of any configuration - this is especially important when the balcony is decorated in a certain style.
curtains for the balcony
Curtains are inexpensive and easy to install, but are not without certain drawbacks
The “disadvantages” of this sun protection 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 regular-cut curtains look too simple and have no decorative effect, while those that are hung on a cornice and have numerous folds look very rich, but visually reduce the size of an already small balcony. Therefore, the latter are recommended for use on spacious loggias, decorated in certain interior design styles.
Roller blinds
Roller blinds are quite popular for use on balconies. There are many varieties - in design and materials of manufacture, but they got their name because when they are closed, the canvases are rolled into rolls.
Roller blinds can be a good solution
They are easy to install and look quite aesthetically pleasing on windows, as they are produced in various single-color and multi-color options - they can be chosen to suit any interior. The convenience of this type of curtains lies in the fact that they can be easily raised to different heights from the window sill or closed the opening completely, adjusting the amount of light entering the room. Another advantage of this option for sun protection is that the curtains do not visually make the room smaller, since they are most often installed exactly the width of the double-glazed windows, almost without covering the frames.
Roller blinds are made from various materials, which allows you to choose the option that is most suitable for a particular balcony and its design style.
Fabric roller blinds
Roller blinds made from ordinary fabrics are not entirely convenient to use.
If roller blinds are sewn from ordinary thick fabric, in one or several layers, then they are a flat canvas that can be raised to the desired height and secured by pulling a cord. However, this option has quite a lot of “disadvantages” - dust collecting in the fabric, which means frequent washing, and also the fact that they will have to be twisted manually.
Curtains made from polyester fabric “Black Out” provide good protection.
The most popular type of modern roller blinds is made from three-layer “Black Out” polyester fabric with a satin weave. During manufacturing, 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 lightproof, 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 have a specific pattern on the surface.
The uniqueness of this material lies in its ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation by almost 100%, which meets international standards for this indicator.
Rollite curtains are mounted directly on windows and do not interfere with the normal operation of mechanisms, regardless of their open or closed position
The most convenient design of curtains made from the “Black Out” material is called “Rollite” - it is attached directly to the frame on top of the double-glazed window, so the window can be opened for ventilation both with the curtain open and closed.
One cannot fail to mention the day-night roller blinds, which, depending on the degree of openness, can completely block the light from entering the balcony, or partially let it in.
Day-night curtains make it convenient to regulate the amount of light entering the balcony depending on the weather outside
This option consists of two canvases, the stripes of 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 shifted, with the darker stripes covering the transparent ones, and the curtain becomes completely light-proof.
Do-it-yourself window protection from the sun
It happens that there is no opportunity to change the interior or buy new curtains. In such a situation, it is not necessary to wait until summer is over. You can use available means for shading windows:
- take a roll of paper or a piece of wallpaper, compress it like a fan and make pleated paper curtains;
- build an external canopy (awning) from tarpaulin, attach it to brackets;
- buy building backing and attach it to the outside of the window in place of the blinds.
In order not to suffer from the heat, you need to choose a suitable method and protect the room from the scorching sun . This way you can survive the summer comfortably for yourself and your family!
Electrochromic glass
Smart glass, or electrochromic glass, is an innovative material that can change its optical properties (light transmittance and light absorption) as needed. When installing such a double-glazed window, the windows will be completely transparent in the morning, in the heat of the day they will begin to repel light, and in the evening they will completely turn into light-tight. Such glasses save energy, although they themselves are quite expensive.
Plants
Another pleasant way to create a cool atmosphere and shade on the balcony is by planting indoor plants. Important: for the sunny side, you need those varieties that can withstand high temperatures. For high spaces, it is better to choose giant, climbing and lush plants.
For a dense curtain, entire greenhouses are created with pots on shelves along the windows to the ceiling. When the plants grow and bloom, a green curtain from the sun will appear. Suitable for the following purposes: hibiscus, lobelia, salander, passionflower. It will be necessary to care for the flowers, organize timely watering and sometimes hide them in the shade.
stained glass window
Stained glass windows can also be an effective solution for window “self-defense” from nosy neighbors. This artistic accent will also act as a sophisticated interior decor. And there may be several solutions. You can limit viewing of the room from the outside, but leave the possibility of viewing from the outside. It all depends on the chosen glazing.
You can create a fragmented stained glass window, alternating translucent and transparent elements, which will allow you to see what is happening outside the window, preventing prying eyes from penetrating inside. You can also create stained glass glazing to the required level - up to half the window or make it up to the eye level of the person standing behind the window. Stained glass can be integrated into the window frame, but also act as a cover for the window.
In any case, while trying to ensure privacy, you should not unduly restrict the access of natural light to the room. It is better to install a stained glass window in rooms where a strong flow of natural light is not required, such as a bathroom. If there are a large number of windows in a private house, you can alternate between stained glass and ordinary windows. This will add an unusual charm to the interior, beautifully protecting it from the prying eyes of neighbors. Of course, stained glass windows are not cheap: costs depend on the size and type of glass used.
As you can see, the methods of window “self-defense” from curious neighbors have something in common with sun protection systems, which allows you to “kill two birds with one stone” by purchasing one product.
Double-glazed window with variable transparency level
Another solution from curious neighbors is glass with variable levels of transparency (smart windows), which perfectly ensures privacy. It features laminated, safety active glass that changes from opaque to transparent without causing a reduction in light transmission when needed. Using the switch, you can easily change the transparency of the double-glazed window, isolating yourself from curious neighbors at the required moment.
This glazing works great in offices, conference rooms and residential apartments. Variable transparency glass can be used in single glazing or in glass units with any other glass panel, such as low-e glass, bulletproof, fire-resistant or triplex. Due to its properties, it does not transmit 99% of UV rays.
A double-glazed window with a variable level of transparency (smart windows), however, is a very expensive solution, which developers have been trying for years to adapt to the financial capabilities of the average buyer. This niche is the most promising, since a double-glazed window with a variable level of transparency simultaneously provides a lot of advantages to the user, allowing them to most effectively solve pressing problems, and not least to ensure privacy
Shutters
This sun protection has not lost popularity for many hundreds of years. In warm European countries, blinds are still the most popular barrier against hot rays. Shutters can be wooden, plastic or metal. In the latter case, durable doors also serve as reliable protection against unwanted penetration.
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Climbing greenery
Offices, houses and apartments are often decorated with living climbing plants. If you plant them on the street side, you can perfectly shade the room. The plants will constantly grow and close the window, thereby reducing the number of rays that penetrate inside. In addition, such a mini-kindergarten looks simply amazing and gives a good mood.
It is best to use wild grapes, clematis, wisteria, ivy and other plants for windows, which are usually located near arbors, fences, arches. If desired, you can shade an entire balcony or several windows in the house with them.
Awnings
This wonderful name belongs to sun protection in the form of an awning, which is installed above the upper part of the frame from the street.
There are awnings:
- Short. Cover half the glass and lock in one position.
- Low visor that goes down to the frame.
- A combined option when it has a roller blind and low visor mechanism. Its name is "broken elbow".
The awning is stretched over an aluminum frame, raised and lowered using a hinge mechanism. With the help of the latest developments, sun barriers of this type automatically detect the level of solar activity and automatically adjust the level of inclination.
The fabric consists of acrylic threads, which are highly durable and moisture resistant. They look unusual, protect windows from dirt and create coolness in the room.
