The Best Window Coverings for Privacy Without Losing Natural Light
7016601630 • July 28, 2025
Discover the best window treatments that balance sunlight, privacy, and style — perfect for Colorado homes.
You shouldn’t have to choose between keeping your home private and filling it with natural light.
But that’s the trade-off most homeowners feel stuck with — especially in newer neighborhoods where the houses are just a few feet apart. You want to open the windows and enjoy the sunshine, but you also don’t want to give your neighbors a front-row seat to your living room or kitchen.
The good news? There are plenty of window coverings that let in soft, natural light and keep prying eyes out.
Here are the best options we recommend — ones we’ve installed in homes all across Colorado Springs.
Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades
These are one of the most popular choices for a reason.
How they work: You can lower them from the top or raise them from the bottom, letting you cover the part of the window people can see — while still getting natural light from above.
Best for: Bathrooms, bedrooms, street-facing rooms
Bonus: They come in light-filtering fabrics, so even when they’re fully closed, they still let in a glow without exposing your space.
Sheer or Dual-Layer Shades
Want the look of soft, elegant fabric with daytime privacy? Sheer shades are perfect.
How they work: These combine alternating layers of sheer and solid fabric. When open, they let in filtered light; when closed, they still blur the view from outside.
Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, sunrooms
Pro tip: These look especially clean in modern homes and go well with larger windows.
Solar Screens & Exterior Shades
If you’re worried about heat and privacy, especially in sun-soaked rooms, exterior solar screens
are a powerful solution.
How they work: They’re installed on the outside of the window and block visibility during the day while still allowing you to see out.
Best for: West-facing rooms, patios, sliding glass doors
Layered Window Treatments
Sometimes the best solution is a mix.
Pairing light-filtering shades with decorative side panels or curtains gives you the flexibility to control both the mood and the level of privacy.
Best for: Bedrooms or formal rooms where you want both function and style
Bonus: This approach works well for people who want a designer look with practical benefits.
What to Avoid (If You Want Real Privacy)
Not all coverings are equal when it comes to keeping things private.
❌ Aluminum mini blinds: Common but outdated — and they don’t fully block light or outside views
❌ Basic sheer curtains: Soft and bright, but usually don’t provide enough coverage
❌ No window coverings at all: We still see this more often than you’d think!
Not Sure What to Choose? That’s What We’re Here For.
Every home is different — and so is every room.
If you’ve got a window that just doesn’t feel right — too exposed, too dark, or too tricky to cover — we’ll help you find something that fits.
No pressure, no gimmicks. Just honest help from a local family business.
👉 [Contact us today]
to schedule a free consultation and get real advice from someone who knows what works in Colorado homes.
You love your home — but not when the sun turns it into an oven. If you’ve got rooms that overheat, furniture that’s fading, or patios you can’t use in the afternoon, exterior shades might be exactly what you need (and most people don’t even know they exist). 🌞 What Are Exterior Shades? Unlike regular blinds or curtains that go inside your windows, exterior shades are mounted outside — often on patios, porches, or the exterior of west-facing windows. That means they block the sun before it hits your glass, keeping your home cooler and more comfortable. They look sleek, they work quietly in the background, and most can roll up and disappear when you don’t need them. 🔥 Why They’re So Useful in Colorado Springs We get intense sun at this elevation. That’s great for plants, not so great for your furniture, floors, or energy bills. Exterior shades are especially helpful for: -West-facing windows that trap afternoon heat -Patios or decks that are too hot to use after 2 PM -Kitchens or living rooms with large, sun-exposed glass -Privacy from neighbors without losing light 💸 Save on Cooling Costs Because exterior shades stop heat before it gets inside, your A/C works less — and you’ll feel the difference fast. Plus, they protect your interior from UV damage, meaning your flooring, upholstery, and artwork last longer. 🤔 Exterior Shades vs. Interior Shades — What’s the Difference? Both help with light and privacy, but exterior shades go one step further: Interior shades block the sun once it's already inside. Exterior shades stop it before it enters. It’s like the difference between wearing sunglasses vs. putting up an umbrella. 🛠️ Manual or Motorized — You Choose You can go simple with pull-down exterior shades, or go fully motorized with a remote, wall switch, or smart home system. We’ll show you the options that make sense for your space and budget. 📍 Installed Right Here in Colorado Springs We’ve installed exterior shades on everything from custom patios in Black Forest to kitchen windows in Old Colorado City. We know how to mount them cleanly, how to angle them for your sun pattern, and how to make sure they last. 💬 Want to See If They’d Work for You? We’ll come out, take a look, and give you an honest opinion — no pressure, no big sales pitch. Sometimes exterior shades are perfect. Sometimes there’s a better fit. You’ll know either way. 👉 [Contact us today] to set up a free consultation.
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