Sunroom Window Treatments | Tips & Ideas
Aug 12, 2025
Sunrooms bring in the light, the views, and that easy-breezy feel everyone wants. But when it comes to window treatments, not every option works the way you need it to.
From managing heat and glare to choosing styles that suit how you use the space, there’s more to consider than you might expect.
We’ll cover the best treatments for sunrooms, what to look for, and how to get it right the first time.
Key Notes
Solar and cellular shades offer best UV protection and insulation.
Motorized options essential for high windows and hard-to-reach areas.
Layer treatments (sheers + shades) for maximum style and function.
Light colors and fade-resistant materials perform best in intense sun.
Why Sunroom Window Treatments Matter
Sunrooms are designed to flood your space with natural light and outdoor views. But that comes with a few trade-offs:
UV exposure that fades furniture and damages fabrics
Excessive heat that turns your sunroom into a sauna by midday
Glare that makes reading or working impossible
Cold drafts during winter months
Privacy gaps (especially if your neighbors are just a fence away)
Good window treatments solve all of that without darkening the room or ruining the view.
Challenges Unique to Sunroom Windows
Sunrooms have their own rules. The biggest challenges homeowners run into?
Lots of glass: More windows = more sun, heat, and fading.
Unusual window shapes: Sloped, angled, floor-to-ceiling, even trapezoids.
Hard-to-reach spots: Vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows make manual controls tricky.
Temperature swings: Sunrooms are hot in summer, chilly in winter.
Dust and pollen: Close proximity to outdoors = more grime.
Treatments need to be durable, versatile, and designed with Florida's climate in mind.
What to Look for in a Sunroom Window Treatment?
Keep these must-haves on your radar:
UV Protection: To stop fading and protect your skin.
Light Filtering: You want soft daylight – not total blackout.
Insulation: Traps air to stabilize temps.
Durability: Materials that won’t warp, crack, or fade.
Low Maintenance: Easy to wipe, dust, or wash.
Privacy Options: Think top-down/bottom-up designs.
Motorization: Essential for high windows and smart home setups.
Custom Fit: Because off-the-shelf doesn’t work on a triangle.
Best Window Treatment Types for Sunrooms
Solar Shades
Block up to 99% of UV rays while keeping your view. Available in openness levels (1–10%) depending on how much light you want. Great for glare reduction and furniture protection.
Pros: UV protection, keeps view, modern look
Cons: Less privacy at night, not highly insulative
Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades
Insulation champs. Their air-trapping structure makes them ideal for hot afternoons and chilly evenings. Top-down/bottom-up options give you light and privacy.
Pros: Excellent insulation, light diffusion, privacy
Cons: Limited view when closed, more costly
Light-Filtering Roller & Roman Shades
Offer soft light, style flexibility, and a tailored aesthetic. Roman shades add visual texture; roller shades disappear neatly.
Pros: Clean look, easy to use, good light balance
Cons: May not block heat as well as others
Sheer Curtains & Sheer Shades
Perfect for that breezy, coastal sunroom feel. Pair with other treatments for privacy and insulation.
Pros: Airy style, budget-friendly
Cons: Low UV protection, limited privacy alone
Plantation Shutters
Classic, durable, and great for resale value. Faux wood options resist warping and fading in intense sun.
Pros: Timeless look, insulating, adjustable slats
Cons: Heavier appearance, more expensive
Blinds (Venetian/Vertical)
Good for light control, budget-conscious projects, or layering behind curtains.
Pros: Adjustable, durable, easy to clean
Cons: Less insulative, can collect dust
Motorized Shades
Game-changer for hard-to-reach windows. Schedule them to close during peak heat or open with the sunrise.
Pros: Convenient, smart-home ready
Cons: Higher upfront cost, requires power source
How Your Sunroom's Purpose Impacts Your Choice
Lounging Room? Use cellular shades or sheer curtains for softness + glare control.
Dining Space? Try solar shades or light-filtering rollers that reduce harsh rays but keep it bright.
Home Office? Prioritize screen-friendly solar shades or top-down honeycombs.
Plant Room? Sheers or retractable top-downs allow max sunlight for growth.
Multiuse Area? Layer up: solar shades by day, blackout drapes by night.
Style, Color & Material Tips
A good sunroom strikes that just-right balance between effortless style and practical comfort.
Here’s how to nail the look:
Layered Window Treatments
These are both trendy and functional. Pair sheer curtains with roller shades for daytime softness, or combine plantation shutters with linen drapes for classic-meets-coastal style.
Light, Nature-Inspired Tones
Soft whites, warm taupes, coastal blues, pale sage, and gentle terracotta tones help reflect sunlight and enhance the open, airy vibe that makes sunrooms so special.
Mix Textures for Depth
Woven wood shades add natural character, Roman shades offer clean elegance, and sheer drapes bring breezy movement.
Layering different materials creates both visual and tactile interest.
Use Fade-Resistant Synthetics or Treated Fabrics
Opt for solution-dyed polyester, vinyl-coated blends, or treated natural fibers.
These materials resist yellowing, warping, and mildew – important when your treatments are baking in Florida sun for 10 hours a day.
Avoid Heavy, Dark Drapes
They trap heat, fade faster, and block the natural brightness your sunroom was built for. If you love a dramatic look, layer darker accents behind lighter, sheer front layers.
Bonus Tip:
If you want a modern look but still love texture, try ombré fabrics, color-blocked sheers, or wood-toned shades with matte metal hardware.
Are Smart & Motorized Shades Worth It?
In sunrooms with high ceilings or full glass walls? 100% yes.
Here’s why:
Set schedules for sunrise/sunset.
Control from your phone or voice assistant.
Better energy efficiency with timed adjustments.
Keep treatments clean and untouched.
Most popular treatments – solar, roller, cellular, even Roman – can be motorized.
What to Avoid in Sunrooms?
Not all treatments are built for all that sun.
Here’s what to skip:
Natural wood blinds: warp and fade.
Delicate fabrics: silk and untreated cotton don’t last.
Blackout-only shades: sunrooms should be bright!
Cheap vinyl blinds: yellow, crack, and smell.
Dark drapes: trap heat, block light, and fade fast.
Keeping It Clean
Dust weekly with a microfiber cloth or brush attachment
Spot clean with mild detergent on synthetics
Curtains: wash gently or steam
Shutters: wipe with damp cloth; don’t oversaturate
Motors: wipe remote and lubricate parts annually
Clean on cloudy days to avoid streaks.
Get Sunroom Comfort Without Compromise
Find the right fit for your light, style & space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix different window treatments in the same sunroom?
Yes, and it's actually encouraged. Combining treatments (like solar shades on main windows and sheer curtains on sliders) lets you balance function and style room by room.
Will window treatments help with noise reduction in my sunroom?
Some do. Cellular shades and thick drapery help dampen outdoor noise thanks to their layered design. It’s not total soundproofing, but it makes a noticeable difference.
Do I need to install the same treatment on every sunroom window?
Not at all. Matching finishes creates cohesion, but you can mix materials or control types based on light direction, window height, or usage – especially if motorization is needed on just a few.
What’s the best solution for sliding glass doors in sunrooms?
Consider vertical cellular shades, panel track blinds, or motorized sheer curtains. These cover large expanses smoothly without getting in the way of traffic flow.
Conclusion
Choosing window treatments for a sunroom isn’t as simple as picking what looks good. You’re working with full-glass walls, harsh sun, tricky temperatures, and a space that’s meant to feel open.
Treatments like solar shades, cellular shades, sheer curtains, and motorized options each solve different pain points, whether it’s UV protection, glare control, insulation, or privacy.
The key is picking the right mix for how you use the room – lounging, working, dining, or everything at once.
If you’re feeling unsure where to start, that’s normal. We’ll help you sort through the options, match your style, and find a setup that works for your sunroom.
