“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler
In Florida, sunlight is part of everyday life. And your room, whether it’s a sunroom, enclosed lanai, or indoor-outdoor living space, is built for exactly that. These rooms invite in the light, blur the lines between inside and out, and create a space for relaxing or entertaining.
But that same sunlight can quickly turn a bright, breezy room into a hot, uncomfortable one. Without the right window treatments, the heat, glare, and UV damage add up fast. Furniture fades. Flooring overheats. Afternoon lounging becomes less appealing.
The good news? With smart window solutions tailored for Florida’s climate and coastal style, you can keep the charm while cutting the heat. Let’s look at how to cool things down and elevate your design with window treatments for Florida rooms.
Start with Function: Control the Sun, Protect the Space
A great room needs light, but not too much. The goal is to:
- Reduce heat gain
- Cut glare
- Protect your furniture and flooring
- Maintain your view
- Control UV exposure
- Enhance energy efficiency
This is where well-designed window treatments make a big impact. They offer comfort without sacrificing style, and in Florida, you need both.
1. Solar Shades: Keep the View, Block the Heat
Solar shades are ideal for rooms that face direct sun. These sleek, minimal shades filter light without shutting it out completely. They come in various openness levels, letting you decide how much view and light to retain.
The woven material diffuses harsh rays, reducing glare while preserving outdoor visibility. In high-sunlight areas like Florida, this can reduce room temperatures by several degrees and protect surfaces from fading.
Want even more control? Try dual roller shades with a blackout layer for nighttime privacy or high-glare afternoons. These give you the best of both worlds in one clean system.
Pair solar shades with valances or cornices for a more polished, built-in look.
2. White Plantation Shutters: Clean, Coastal, Classic
White shutters are a favorite in homes, and for good reason.
They fit the coastal aesthetic. They’re timeless. And they’re practical.
Faux wood shutters resist warping in Florida’s heat and humidity. They’re easy to clean and provide strong insulation against sunlight, helping keep your room cool during summer.
The clean lines of plantation shutters also add visual structure to a room filled with glass. Their adjustable louvers offer flexible light control and privacy.
If you want your room to feel fresh, bright, and finished, white plantation shutters are one of the best choices available. They complement beach-style, modern, or traditional interiors with ease.
3. Woven Wood Shades: Natural Texture, Breezy Style
Want something that leans into Florida’s tropical feel?
Woven wood shades add warmth and texture while filtering light in a soft, natural way. These shades bring an organic element into the space, softening the glass-heavy feel of a room.
They pair beautifully with white walls, soft blues, and sandy tones, perfect for coastal homes. Woven wood adds visual interest and can be lined for added privacy or light control.
You can even layer woven wood shades with light drapery panels for a relaxed, finished look. This layered approach gives you flexibility while enhancing the room’s design.
Choose edge banding or decorative trims for a tailored touch.
4. Vertical Blinds: Smart for Sliding Glass Doors
If your room opens to a patio or pool, vertical blinds make everyday use easy. They’re a classic choice for wide openings and tall windows.
Today’s vertical blinds come in modern finishes like textured fabrics, wood grains, or soft neutral tones, that blend well with contemporary décor. They glide open and closed effortlessly and stack compactly for a clean look.
They’re also one of the most budget-friendly custom window treatments available, making them a smart choice for large glass walls. And because they’re easy to maintain, they’re perfect for high-traffic rooms.
5. Motorized Shades: Shade on Your Schedule
Motorized window treatments let you control light with the push of a button or voice command. Set them on a schedule or adjust them throughout the day based on sun position.
They’re perfect for hard-to-reach windows and for anyone who wants a more comfortable space without manual adjustments. Many of our clients connect them to smart home systems like Alexa, Google Home, or Control4.
Motorized options are available in roller shades, woven woods, honeycomb shades, and more. You can even create preset scenes like “Morning Light” or “Evening Privacy” for daily convenience.
They add comfort and polish, and they’re more affordable than ever.
6. Drapery Panels: Soft Layers, Coastal Style
Yes, you can use drapery in a sunroom or indoor-outdoor space, if it’s done right.
The trick is to pair function with fabric. Use a light-filtering liner for daytime privacy and UV protection, then layer with decorative panels for texture and comfort. This dual approach works especially well in coastal-style homes where natural fabrics and soft colors are part of the palette.
Linen and cotton drapes in white, sand, or driftwood tones are ideal for Florida rooms. Add metal or wood rods in brushed nickel or natural finishes to complement your look.
Layered treatments continue to rise in popularity for multifunctional rooms. They let you adjust for comfort without compromising on looks.
Design Tips for Room Window Treatments
- Stick to light colors to reflect heat and keep the room bright
- Choose moisture-resistant materials like composite shutters or performance fabrics
- Embrace natural elements like bamboo, linen, and cotton for a relaxed, coastal look.
- Layer sheer and opaque fabrics for better control and style
- Use outside-mounted shades for better coverage on large windows
- Consider UV-blocking liners to protect flooring and fabrics
- Mix textures (wood, fabric, metal) for a high-end finish
What Makes Made in the Shade Tampa Bay Different
- Free in-home consultations
- Professional measurement and installation
- Honest recommendations based on your space and budget
- Wide selection of custom treatments to match Florida style
- Motorization experts who help you simplify daily routines
We bring the showroom to you so you can see how each option looks with your lighting and furniture. No guesswork. Just results.
Florida Style, Florida Comfort
Every room is different. Some face west and get blazing afternoon heat. Others overlook shaded patios or the water. Some are full glass. Others have partial walls or clerestory windows.
That’s why a free in-home consultation with Made in the Shade is so helpful. We look at your room, your needs, and your lifestyle. Then we recommend what actually makes sense, not just what looks good in a catalog.
With the right window treatments, your room becomes more than a bonus space. It becomes a comfortable, stylish retreat you’ll use every day.
Ready to Make Your Room Work for You?
Let’s cool it down, style it up, and make it work all year long.
Schedule your free consultation today with Made in the Shade Tampa Bay. Or find your nearest location at madeintheshadeblinds.com.
Wherever you are in Florida, the right window treatments can turn your sunny room into your favorite space.
Although we’re based in Tampa Bay, Made in the Shade serves clients nationwide. No matter where you live, you can expect personalized consultations and access to our high-quality window treatments. Visit Madeintheshadeblinds.com to locate your nearest showroom and discover the perfect solutions for your home.
