TL;DR
South-facing windows in North Carolina get strong sun most of the day. Cellular shades and solar roller shades are the best options for cutting heat and glare.
TL;DR
- •Cellular shades are the best overall choice for heat. Their honeycomb cells trap air and insulate.
- •Solar roller shades cut glare and UV while keeping your outdoor view.
- •Motorized schedules lower shades automatically during the hottest hours, even when you're not home.
Why are south-facing windows a challenge in NC?
In North Carolina, south-facing windows get direct sun for most of the day, especially in fall and winter when the sun is low. In summer, that means heat buildup and higher cooling costs. Year round, it means glare on screens and fading on floors and furniture.
Which shades work best?
| Shade | Heat control | Glare control | Keeps the view | Price (standard window, installed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular shades | Excellent | Good | No (when closed) | $400–$625 |
| Solar roller shades | Good | Excellent | Yes | $350–$550 |
| Zebra shades | Moderate | Good | Partly | $425–$675 |
| Blackout roller or Roman | Very good | Excellent | No | $350–$850 |
What is the best choice by room?
- •Living room: solar roller shades keep the view and stop TV glare.
- •Bedroom: blackout cellular shades for heat control and sleep.
- •Home office: solar roller or zebra shades for screen-friendly light.
- •Sunroom: cellular shades, plus zipper track outdoor shades for porches.
Why motorize south-facing shades?
The biggest benefit comes from closing shades before the room heats up. With motorized shades, you can set a schedule (for example, lower at 11 a.m., raise at 5 p.m.) or control them with Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home.
Get a recommendation for your home
Book a free in-home consultation. We'll look at your window directions and suggest the right fabric for each room. Free measuring, included installation and a 1-year warranty on all products.