10 Window Treatments That Keep Your Home Cool—and Lower Your Energy Use

Lined Drapery

Lined drapery panels are favored among designers. "[They're] something I use often, especially in bedrooms and living spaces," says interior designer Linda Hayslett. "When you add a proper lining, they help block out heat and harsh sunlight, while also giving the room a more finished, elevated look."

Hayslett gravitates toward materials like linen blends, cottons, and performance fabrics, as they don't feel too heavy or stiff. You can also get creative. "My material and color choices are always driven by the aesthetic of the space," says interior designer Beth Diana Smith. "Because the liner does the heavy lifting on sun reduction, I have the freedom to choose fabrics I truly love."

Layered Sheers

If you want to let some light in without the glare of sun rays, then layer sheers with drapery.

"They soften the light and cut the intensity of the sun without completely darkening the space," says Hayslett. "Then you have the option to close the drapery when you need more coverage. It gives clients flexibility throughout the day, which is key."

Neutral Tones

Soft, neutral-toned window treatments aren't just an aesthetic choice for designers. "These palettes reflect rather than absorb harsh light, while the materials themselves diffuse it in a way that feels soft and intentional," says interior designer Steven Graffam.

Graffam gravitates toward natural, layered materials—such as linen, wool, and woven textures—in hues of ivory, sand, and warm gray.

Patterned Shades

However, shades don't have to be neutral. "I’ve used bolder prints and more saturated tones in Roman shades and drapery to bring in personality; when they’re paired with the right lining, they still perform just as well," Hayslett says.

Graffam appreciates this approach too. "Think olive, tobacco, or deep charcoal," he says. "They don’t just control the light—they set a mood. I’ll often pair those with materials like textured silks or crisp cotton blends."

Blackout Drapes

Living in southern Louisiana’s sub-tropical climate, interior designer Rachel Cannon relies on blackout lining.

"We've become experts at temperature control through window treatments!" she says. "The best thing you can do is use blackout lining on every single treatment—not only will it help keep your interiors cool, but it will protect your investment in fabric."

Combine Drapes and Shades

A combination of drapes and shades provides the most options for light and temperature control.

"Oftentimes, fully operable custom drapes can be very expensive, so we opt for stationary panels (still blackout lined) and a woven shade in the window (also usually blackout lined) that has a top-down feature," says Cannon. "That gives clients the option to allow light in without raising the entire shade—and the temperature of their room."

Motorized Privacy Shades

On a more practical note, motorized privacy shades can be programmed to lower at specific times of day, which will mitigate the sun's intensity—a favorite choice of interior designer Lisa Gilmore.

"While perhaps not the most traditional, decorative option, I find this is the most effective way to protect a client's investment by cutting down UV rays," she says.

For this project, she designed a drywall build-out to accommodate a hidden shade. "You can see the long slit along the door frame where it extends," Gilmore says. For spaces with a view, solar shades are another option.

Cashmere or Linen-Lined Drapes

To softly diffuse light, Graffam often turns to lined linen drapery. "Window treatments should feel as considered as the architecture itself," he says. "It’s always about balancing performance with a sense of quiet luxury."

Cashmere-lined drapery is another one of his go-tos for private spaces, "such as primary bedrooms, where comfort and insulation are key," he says.

Sheer Wool Panels

For an ideal balance of ambiance and texture, Stivale suggests sheer wool panels. "[They] subtly filter light and create a layered, atmospheric effect, while keeping spaces cool," he says. 

Graffam enjoys using sheer wool panels in country and coastal homes. "[They] create a softer, more atmospheric quality of light," he says.

Architectural Treatments

For more style-forward options, Stivale prefers tailored, architectural treatments: "Roman shades, quiet drapery panels, or woven shades—they offer both performance and a sense of timeless restraint," he says.

In particular, woven woods—such as bamboo or reed—provide texture and warmth.