As Chicagoans, we know that summer can be both a joy and a challenge. With long days and rising temperatures, keeping your home cool becomes a top priority—especially during those hot, humid stretches typical of July and August. One of the most effective and stylish ways to beat the heat is by choosing the right summer window coverings. At Superior View Window Fashions, we specialize in helping homeowners across the Chicago, IL area find custom window treatment solutions that provide comfort, energy efficiency, and lasting value.

This guide explores the best options for summer window coverings that can help reduce indoor heat, protect your interiors from UV rays, and keep your energy bills in check—all without sacrificing style.

Why Summer Window Coverings Matter

Before diving into specific product recommendations, let’s talk about why choosing proper summer window coverings makes a difference.

Energy Efficiency

Sunlight streaming through your windows may brighten a room, but it also brings heat with it. Without proper coverage, your windows become a major source of indoor temperature gain. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that up to 76% of sunlight entering through standard double-pane windows becomes heat. That’s energy you’ll have to combat with air conditioning—which means higher bills.

UV Protection

Extended sun exposure can also cause fading to your flooring, furniture, and artwork. UV-blocking window coverings offer a layer of protection that helps preserve your interior spaces.

Comfort and Privacy

Whether you’re relaxing with the family or entertaining guests, staying cool and maintaining privacy are essential. The right summer window coverings do both—with options that diffuse natural light without trapping heat.

Now let’s explore the best solutions available for homes in the Chicago, IL area.

Hunter Douglas Newstyle Shutters

Blinds: A Classic and Versatile Option

Blinds continue to be a popular choice among homeowners in Chicago thanks to their versatility and functionality. Whether you prefer the clean lines of wood blinds or the practicality of faux wood or aluminum, blinds are highly adjustable, making them perfect for summer.

Best Blinds for Summer

  • Faux Wood Blinds: These mimic the beauty of real wood while being more resistant to heat and humidity. Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Aluminum Blinds: Reflective finishes can bounce sunlight away from your home.

  • Motorized Blinds: Perfect for setting schedules so blinds close during the hottest part of the day—even when you’re not home.

By angling slats upward during the day, you can reduce solar gain while still letting in some natural light. Paired with motorization, your blinds become smart, efficient summer window coverings.

Shades: Style Meets Solar Control

Shades offer one of the most efficient solutions for summer comfort. They provide a soft, clean aesthetic and are available in materials specifically designed to reduce heat and glare.

Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades)

These are among the most energy-efficient summer window coverings on the market. The honeycomb design traps air, creating an insulating barrier between your window and interior space.

Benefits for Chicago Homes:

  • Excellent for drafty or sun-facing windows

  • Can be custom-fitted to unique window shapes

  • Available in top-down/bottom-up and motorized versions

Solar Shades

Solar shades block heat and UV rays without completely sacrificing your view. Perfect for rooms with beautiful views of the city or Lake Michigan where you still want to enjoy the skyline.

Why Chicago Homeowners Love Them:

  • Maintains visibility while filtering sunlight

  • Reduces glare on TVs and screens

  • Available in various openness levels for tailored performance

Roller Shades

Simple yet effective, roller shades can be customized with sun-reflective fabrics to keep interiors cool. They pair well with modern or minimalist interiors and are ideal for rooms with lots of sun exposure.

Shutters: Durable and Energy-Efficient Elegance

Shutters add timeless beauty to any space, but they’re also one of the best summer window coverings for insulation. Their solid design makes them a powerful barrier against outdoor heat.

Plantation Shutters

These wide-louvered shutters allow for excellent airflow and light control. When closed, they form a solid shield between your home and the summer sun.

Advantages for Chicago-Area Homes:

  • Excellent insulation for older homes or those with single-pane windows

  • Ideal for both traditional and contemporary interiors

  • Easy to clean and long-lasting

Shutters are a perfect fit for homeowners in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Naperville, Oak Park, and Evanston who want to blend charm with function.

Draperies: Add Elegance and Protection

For those who want a decorative solution that also keeps the home cool, draperies are a great pick. When lined and layered properly, drapes can provide an added level of insulation.

Blackout Draperies

Blackout draperies aren’t just for bedrooms anymore. Their thick lining blocks out sunlight and heat, making them one of the most effective summer window coverings.

Layered Draperies

Pairing drapes with shades or blinds allows you to customize your home’s comfort. Use lighter sheer drapes during the day and draw heavier panels in the evening.

Chicago Design Tip: Many of our clients in Gold Coast, Lakeview, and Hyde Park choose custom draperies to complement architectural details while maintaining a cool indoor environment.

Motorization: Smart Solutions for a Hot Season

If convenience and energy savings are top priorities this summer, it’s time to consider motorized window treatments. Motorization allows you to schedule your summer window coverings to open and close throughout the day based on sun exposure, time of day, or even temperature.

Benefits of Motorized Summer Window Coverings:

  • Integrate with smart home systems like Alexa or Google Home

  • Program them to close during peak heat hours

  • Eliminate manual adjustments during a busy day

Motorization is especially beneficial for homes with high or hard-to-reach windows. Whether you live in a modern Chicago high-rise or a spacious suburban home in Schaumburg, motorized blinds, shades, or draperies give you control at the push of a button.

Room-by-Room Guide to Summer Window Coverings

Let’s break it down by room so you can decide which solutions make sense for your Chicago-area home.

Living Room

Recommended: Solar Shades, Layered Drapes, Motorized Blinds
These options balance comfort, glare reduction, and aesthetics—especially for rooms with large picture windows or entertainment areas.

Bedroom

Recommended: Blackout Drapes, Cellular Shades
Block early morning sun and keep your room cool for a restful night’s sleep.

Kitchen

Recommended: Faux Wood Blinds, Roller Shades
Moisture-resistant materials are essential. Blinds give you light control; shades offer clean lines and sun protection.

Home Office

Recommended: Solar Shades, Motorized Cellular Shades
Eliminate screen glare and maintain a productive, cool workspace.

Bathroom

Recommended: Faux Wood Blinds, Plantation Shutters
Privacy and humidity resistance are key. Both options offer long-lasting summer comfort.

Benefits of Professional Installation in the Chicago Area

Choosing the right summer window coverings is just part of the equation. Professional installation ensures they function properly and offer maximum energy efficiency.

At Superior View Window Fashions, our expert team handles every detail—from measuring and product selection to installation and follow-up. We service homeowners throughout the greater Chicago area, including:

  • Naperville

  • Oak Brook

  • Glenview

  • Evanston

  • Arlington Heights

  • Wheaton

  • Downtown Chicago

We bring samples to your home, help you evaluate which coverings work best based on sunlight patterns and room usage, and ensure a perfect fit every time.

Local Climate Considerations for Chicago

Summers in Chicago, IL can be unpredictable—with soaring temperatures in July followed by sudden humidity or thunderstorms. Your summer window coverings need to be durable enough to withstand changing conditions while maintaining energy performance.

Our product recommendations consider:

  • Average summer temperatures of 80–90°F

  • High humidity levels (especially in August)

  • Afternoon sun exposure common in west-facing rooms

  • Historic homes with drafty windows or unique shapes

a living room with a couch and a coffee table

Custom Solutions from Superior View

Every home is different, and that’s why custom summer window coverings are so important. Off-the-shelf options rarely provide the performance, style, and durability that Chicago homeowners demand.

At Superior View Window Fashions, we offer:

  • Free in-home consultations

  • A full line of blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, and motorization

  • Styles and fabrics tailored to your home’s needs

  • Reliable, locally based service from design to installation

Your home deserves the best—especially when it comes to battling the summer heat.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Choice for a Cooler Home

Whether you’re in a modern loft in the West Loop or a classic bungalow in Berwyn, the right summer window coverings make all the difference. They’ll help you stay comfortable, lower your energy costs, and protect your home’s interior from harsh sun exposure.

By choosing blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, or motorized solutions designed for performance and beauty, you can enjoy your summer without worrying about indoor heat. And when you work with a trusted local expert like Superior View Window Fashions, you’ll get professional guidance and quality results every time.

Ready to stay cool this summer? Contact Superior View Window Fashions today!

📞 Call us at 888-222-1917
📧 Email: [email protected]

We proudly serve the entire Chicago, IL area with custom window treatments that combine comfort, elegance, and energy efficiency.

Let us help you find the perfect summer window coverings for your home!