Sunrooms are a favorite feature in many Eastern Iowa homes. Whether you’re in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Bettendorf, or the surrounding areas, these light-filled spaces offer a serene place to enjoy the outdoors year-round. However, all that beautiful natural light can come with a downside: excessive glare. Fortunately, the right window treatments in sunrooms can solve this issue while enhancing style, comfort, and energy efficiency.
This blog will guide you through the best options for reducing glare in your sunroom using custom window treatments. We’ll explore how various styles—like blinds, shades, shutters, and motorized coverings—can help you reclaim your sunny space.
Why Glare Is a Problem in Eastern Iowa Sunrooms
The Midwest experiences intense sun during parts of the year, especially in spring and summer. When that light streams into your sunroom unfiltered, it can:
- Make it hard to watch TV, read, or work on a laptop
- Cause fading of furniture, rugs, and flooring
- Raise indoor temperatures and strain your cooling system
For homeowners in North Liberty, Tiffin, and the Quad Cities, selecting the right window treatments in sunrooms is key to reducing these issues while preserving the beauty of the space.
Best Window Treatments for Glare Reduction in Sunrooms
Solar Shades
One of the most effective options for managing glare is solar shades. These shades are designed to block UV rays and reduce heat without sacrificing your view. They come in varying openness levels (e.g., 1%, 3%, 5%) so you can customize how much light enters your sunroom.
Advantages for Eastern Iowa Homes:
- Excellent for sun-facing rooms in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids
- Preserve views while protecting furniture
- Optional motorization available for ease of use
Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades)
Cellular shades feature a unique honeycomb design that not only blocks glare but also improves insulation. They are ideal for sunrooms in Bettendorf or Davenport where temperature fluctuations are common.
Benefits:
- Softly diffuse harsh sunlight
- Energy-efficient, lowering cooling costs in summer
- Can be cordless for child safety
This makes cellular shades one of the most versatile window treatments in sunrooms across Eastern Iowa.
Plantation Shutters
For a more traditional look, consider plantation shutters. Made from wood or composite materials, they allow you to angle the louvers to control light precisely.
Why Eastern Iowa Homeowners Love Them:
- Long-lasting and easy to clean
- Provide excellent light and privacy control
- Add real estate value in upscale neighborhoods like Coralville and North Liberty
Shutters are a timeless solution and serve as effective window treatments in sunrooms where aesthetics and functionality must work hand-in-hand.
Draperies and Layered Treatments
While draperies are often associated with living rooms and bedrooms, they can play an important role in sunrooms as well. When used alongside solar or roller shades, they provide enhanced glare protection and insulation.
Ideal For:
- Large sunroom windows and sliding glass doors
- Creating a cozy atmosphere during Iowa winters
- Adding texture and color to modern or traditional decor
Pairing drapery panels with other window treatments in sunrooms can help homeowners in Tiffin and Cedar Rapids enjoy year-round comfort.
Motorized Window Treatments
Motorization isn’t just a luxury—it’s a game-changer for managing sunlight in real time. With a remote or smartphone app, you can adjust blinds and shades throughout the day based on the sun’s position.
Especially Useful In:
- Hard-to-reach sunroom windows
- High-traffic family areas
- Homes with smart automation systems in North Liberty or Davenport
Motorized options add convenience to window treatments in sunrooms and can be integrated with timers or sensors to automate light management.
Exterior Shades and Awnings
Sometimes, the best way to reduce indoor glare is by stopping the sunlight before it even reaches the windows. Exterior shades and retractable awnings are ideal for south- and west-facing sunrooms in Eastern Iowa.
Top Features:
- Block UV rays outside, preserving indoor views
- Reduce solar heat gain and glare
- Manual or motorized versions available
These solutions are popular in Quad Cities homes where oversized sunroom windows need serious protection without sacrificing curb appeal.
How to Choose the Right Glare-Reducing Treatment
Selecting the right window treatments in sunrooms depends on multiple factors:
1. Orientation of the Sunroom
- East-facing: Morning glare; consider solar shades or cellular shades
- West-facing: Strong afternoon sun; try layered treatments or exterior shades
- South-facing: Consistent daylight; plantation shutters or motorized options work well
2. Desired Aesthetic
- Modern: Solar or roller shades in neutral tones
- Classic: Plantation shutters or layered drapes
- Transitional: Combine textured fabrics with clean-lined shades
3. Functionality
- Motorized blinds are great for convenience
- Cordless options enhance safety for homes with children
- Insulating designs help regulate temperatures in Cedar Rapids and Bettendorf
Our experts at Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa are ready to help you match your style and performance needs with the best window treatments in sunrooms.
Local Expertise for Eastern Iowa Homeowners
Why work with Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa?
- We serve Iowa City, Davenport, Bettendorf, Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Tiffin, and nearby areas.
- Our design consultants bring the showroom to you—no guesswork, no pressure.
- We offer blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, motorization, and exterior awnings tailored to your space.
- Professional installation ensures long-lasting results.
Whether you’re building a new sunroom or looking to upgrade an existing one, we’ll help you choose and install glare-reducing window treatments in sunrooms that meet your exact needs.
Real-Life Example: Sunroom Makeover in Cedar Rapids
One homeowner in Cedar Rapids had a sunroom that was too hot and bright to use during peak daylight hours. We installed motorized solar shades with a 3% openness factor, along with side panel draperies in a linen texture. The combination softened the sunlight, improved temperature control, and enhanced the aesthetics of the room.
They now use the space daily for reading and entertaining—thanks to custom window treatments in sunrooms designed specifically for their home and lifestyle.
Tips to Maximize the Effectiveness of Your Window Treatments
Even the best product performs better with the right setup. Here are some tips to make your window treatments in sunrooms more effective:
- Use light-colored fabrics: Reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it
- Mount treatments close to the glass: Reduces light seepage
- Layer multiple treatments: Combine shades and draperies for greater flexibility
- Program motorized blinds: Adjust automatically throughout the day
If you’re in Iowa City, Bettendorf, or the surrounding areas, Made in the Shade can help implement these strategies for optimal results.
Customization Matters
Off-the-shelf options don’t always cut it—especially in uniquely shaped or oversized sunroom windows. Custom window treatments in sunrooms ensure:
- A perfect fit for all window types
- Fabric choices that match your decor
- Advanced features like blackout liners or remote controls
Custom window coverings also last longer and perform better, giving you better value for your investment.
Call the Experts in Eastern Iowa
Don’t let glare keep you from enjoying one of your home’s most beautiful spaces. Whether you’re in the Quad Cities, Tiffin, or North Liberty, you deserve a sunroom that’s bright but comfortable.
Call Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa at 563-726-8040 to schedule your free in-home consultation. We’ll bring samples, discuss your goals, and help you find the ideal window treatments in sunrooms to reduce glare and elevate your space.
Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa Blinds | Shades | Shutters | Draperies | Motorization | Exterior Shades & Awnings Serving Iowa City, Davenport, Bettendorf, Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Tiffin & surrounding areas Phone: 563-726-8040
