Midwest Weather Is Unpredictable Be Sure Your Window Treatments Are Prepared

In Illinois and throughout the Midwest we experience these things called seasons. So unlike other parts of the country, our region can get the worst of both the summer and winter months, from scorching hot temperatures to freezing cold. That’s why it’s important to have reliable window treatments in your Chicago home that keep your home comfortable all year long.

 

These are our picks for window treatments that will keep your home comfortable in the Midwest weather.

Window Treatments To Handle The Midwest Winter

When winter hits Illinois, you know what to expect: dangerous roads, stuffy noses, and freezing temperatures. And for those homeowners who skimp out on insulating, your house could be just as cold as it is outside. Instead of buying that cheap-looking and hard to tack up plastic window wrap or sticking draft blockers in each gap, get a window treatment that can insulate while looking stylish.

Polywood® plantation shutters are the best window treatment at keeping the cold out. With their patented material and custom weatherstripping, they can help you reduce drafts and heat loss through your windows better than any other window treatment when used properly.

For a somewhat less effective window treatment, or to double up with those insulating shutters, put in heavy fabric draperies. High-end draperies are the coziest looking window treatments, making them great for the colder weather.

Window Treatments To Stay Cool in the Hot Midwest Summer

Almost nothing feels worse than a humid, sweaty Illinois summer day. If you’re like many Chicago homeowners, you’ll have the A/C, the dehumidifier, and fans all going throughout the day. But you can make your home more comfortable – and lower your utility bills by reducing your A/C’s workload – with window treatments that insulate better.

 

Again, shutters are a Chicago home’s best choice, since they can block nearly half of the energy loss through your windows. What’s more, Polywood shutters are 100% moisture-proof, which is basically a necessity if your home gets a lot of humidity and you want to avoid mustiness.

Beyond shutters, there are a few other window treatments that can help you beat the heat:

• Window film - Blocking 99% of UV rays and up to 79% of all solar energy, window film can match with any other window treatment to get the most out of your energy efficient windows.

• Cellular shades - While less effective than shutters, cellular shades are made to block heat, helping keep your Chicago home more comfortable than premium blinds or shades would.

• Barn Door Shutters - Though not an extremely common window treatment, barn door shutters offer fantastic protection from outside heat, while also giving a unique and historic charm to your space.

What Window Treatments Best Accentuate Midwest Design?

Homes in Chicago and throughout the Midwest are fairly diverse, but a lot of them share some common elements. Many are Craftsman-inspired homes, making Craftsman Shutters a great fit. And you can’t go wrong with high quality shades, especially if you can accentuate the color of your furniture or get them in a neutral tone. Midwest homes are more about substance than style, so steer clear of anything too showy, or you might end up with clashing styles.

Talk To Your Midwest Shutter Pros for Help

For more help on how to best outfit your Midwestern home, call Sunburst Shutters Chicago today at 847-250-6544 to schedule a complimentary in-home window design consultation. We’ll help you elevate your interior fashion so it’s more than just “Midwestern Nice.”