As summer temperatures rise in Los Angeles, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing energy bills becomes a top priority. The right window treatments don’t just add style—they can drastically improve indoor comfort and energy efficiency. At Luxe Drapery and Shades, we specialize in the best summer window coverings designed specifically for homes in Southern California’s hot, sun-drenched climate.
Whether you’re outfitting a new build or updating your current interiors, choosing energy-smart solutions can make a world of difference. This guide will walk you through the top options for reducing heat, blocking UV rays, and adding privacy while elevating your home’s design.
Why Window Coverings Matter for LA Summers
Los Angeles homes face intense sun exposure, especially during peak summer months. With sunlight pouring through windows, interior temperatures can spike quickly—making air conditioning work overtime and driving up utility bills.
Investing in the best summer window coverings can:
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Block up to 90% of solar heat gain
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Reduce glare and UV damage to furniture and flooring
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Help maintain a consistent indoor temperature
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Support a more energy-efficient home
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Add value and curb appeal to your property
At Luxe Drapery and Shades, we understand the unique challenges LA homeowners face when it comes to light and heat control. Let’s explore the top solutions tailored for our region.
Blinds: Modern, Adjustable Heat Control
Blinds are a classic choice for homeowners looking for flexibility and light control. Today’s options go far beyond basic aluminum slats—think wood, faux wood, and vertical blinds crafted for both style and function.
Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds offer the timeless appeal of real wood with added durability. They’re resistant to warping and cracking, making them perfect for the bright, dry LA climate.
Vertical Blinds
Ideal for sliding glass doors and wide windows, vertical blinds can be tilted to redirect sunlight or closed fully to keep rooms shaded.
Best summer window coverings like adjustable blinds help control how much light enters your space throughout the day—especially valuable in homes with large west- or south-facing windows.
Shades: Layered Insulation and Light Filtration
Shades are one of the most energy-efficient window coverings you can install. They’re designed to block sunlight, insulate windows, and add texture to your décor.
Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades
These shades are made from a unique cellular structure that traps air and provides insulation. The more cells, the better the thermal performance. For LA summers, light-filtering or blackout cellular shades are among the best summer window coverings available.
Roller Shades
Simple and streamlined, roller shades can be customized with solar fabrics that reduce heat and glare without blocking your view. They’re perfect for modern homes looking for a clean, minimalist look.
Roman Shades
Elegant and effective, Roman shades offer full fabric coverage and can be lined for extra light control. They’re a great fit for bedrooms, living rooms, or formal areas needing a sophisticated touch.
Drapery: Style Meets Solar Protection
Custom drapery isn’t just for aesthetic appeal. When properly lined and fitted, it’s one of the most effective ways to insulate your windows and block heat.
At Luxe Drapery and Shades, we design custom draperies using performance fabrics that reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain. We also offer blackout and thermal linings that make your home cooler and more comfortable during peak summer hours.
Layering drapery over shades or blinds adds an extra barrier against heat—a key advantage in homes with large or older windows.
Shutters: Timeless and Temperature-Smart
Interior shutters are not only beautiful but practical in hot climates. The solid structure of shutters adds insulation while the adjustable louvers give you precise control over sunlight.
Plantation Shutters
Popular throughout Los Angeles, plantation shutters are wide-louvered and available in wood or composite materials. Composite shutters resist moisture and heat, making them perfect for sun-exposed windows.
Custom-Fitted Installation
Because shutters are mounted directly to your window frame, they provide superior coverage. When closed, they act as a barrier against UV rays and heat, keeping your home noticeably cooler.
For LA homeowners seeking the best summer window coverings, shutters combine long-term value with classic design appeal.
Exterior Shades and Awnings: First Line of Defense
One of the smartest ways to block heat is to prevent it from entering your home in the first place. Exterior window treatments do just that.
Motorized Exterior Shades
Installed on the outside of your windows or patio openings, these shades reduce solar heat gain by up to 80%. They’re ideal for west-facing windows, covered patios, and outdoor entertaining areas.
Retractable Awnings
Our custom awnings provide shade over patios, decks, and even south- and west-facing windows. By shading these areas, you’ll naturally cool the adjacent rooms indoors.
Exterior options are some of the best summer window coverings for homes in the LA area, where sun exposure is intense for much of the year.
Window Tint and Film: Invisible Efficiency
If you want a nearly invisible solution to heat and UV protection, window film may be your answer. Applied directly to glass, it helps block solar rays, reduce glare, and protect interiors from fading—all without changing your window’s appearance.
We offer professional-grade tint and film options ideal for modern homes, historic properties, and commercial spaces throughout Los Angeles. For homeowners who love their view but hate the heat, this is one of the most effective—and discreet—best summer window coverings you can choose.
Motorization: Comfort at Your Fingertips
Convenience is king, especially in the summer when you may want to adjust your shades several times throughout the day. We offer motorized window coverings compatible with smart home systems like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
Benefits of Motorized Window Treatments
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Lower blinds automatically in the heat of the day
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Raise them in the evening to let in the breeze
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Operate hard-to-reach windows with ease
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Improve home security when you’re away
Automated systems allow you to schedule your coverings for optimal performance—making motorized options one of the best summer window coverings for tech-savvy LA residents.
Custom Solutions for Los Angeles Homes
Every home is different, and a one-size-fits-all solution simply won’t work—especially in a climate like Los Angeles. At Luxe Drapery and Shades, we customize every project based on your home’s layout, sun exposure, window sizes, and design preferences.
We proudly serve the Los Angeles area with on-site consultations, professional measurements, and licensed installation services.
Licensed & Bonded for Construction Projects
We are licensed and bonded by the California State Contractors State License Board, which means we are authorized to work on active construction sites during the rough stages. This allows us to integrate your best summer window coverings during the build process—before drywall is up or finish work is done. This approach leads to more precise results and better long-term performance.
As a licensed contractor, all of our installations come with a 1-year workmanship warranty, ensuring your investment is protected from day one.
Common Questions from LA Homeowners
Do summer window coverings really reduce AC costs?
Yes! The right window coverings can reduce cooling costs by 25–50%, depending on your home’s orientation and the type of product installed.
What’s the best window covering for sliding glass doors in summer?
We often recommend vertical blinds, panel track shades, or motorized roller shades for large glass surfaces. These provide easy access and excellent heat control.
How long does installation take?
Most projects are completed within 2–3 weeks from measurement to final install. For new construction, we can install during rough stages, which helps coordinate with other trades and timelines.
How to Choose the Best Summer Window Coverings for Your Home
Here’s a quick summary to guide your selection:
Window Type | Recommended Coverings | Benefits |
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Large, sun-facing windows | Cellular shades, exterior shades, shutters | High insulation, UV blocking |
Sliding doors | Vertical blinds, panel track shades | Easy access, modern appearance |
Living rooms | Motorized roller shades, layered drapery | Light control, convenience, style |
Bedrooms | Blackout drapery, cellular or Roman shades | Temperature and light regulation |
Patios/outdoor areas | Exterior shades, retractable awnings | Shade outdoor areas, reduce indoor heat |
New builds/renovations | Any above, pre-installed during rough stages | Seamless integration, long-term efficiency |
With professional help, you can combine products for the most effective coverage—like pairing motorized roller shades with decorative drapery or using exterior screens in tandem with interior shutters.
Why Choose Luxe Drapery and Shades
We’ve earned a reputation across the Los Angeles area for high-quality products, expert design advice, and reliable installation. When you partner with Luxe Drapery and Shades, you benefit from:
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Free consultations and in-home measurements
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Access to premium brands and materials
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Expert recommendations based on real sun exposure patterns
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Licensed installation with 1-year workmanship warranty
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The ability to work on active construction sites during rough stages
Whether you’re in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, or anywhere in the LA metro, we’re here to help you discover the best summer window coverings for your home.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Ready to beat the heat this summer? Let us help you choose the best summer window coverings for your Los Angeles home.
Call us at 310-363-0345 or email booking@luxedraperyandshades.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.
At Luxe Drapery and Shades, we bring form, function, and cool comfort to every room—so you can enjoy LA summers the smart way.