What’s Different About North Facing Windows?
The average person might not think about different window orientations, but window positions create specific characteristics and advantages. At Window Fashions of Northern California, we explain how window orientation impacts light and help clients choose appropriate, stylish, custom solutions. Now, we’ll delve into what you should know about windows facing north.
How North-Facing Windows Impact Californian Homes
North-facing windows let in soft, indirect light throughout the day without harsh glare, producing a cooler, more evenly lit space. South-facing windows, on the other hand, receive direct sunlight for much of the day.
In a sunny climate like California, north-facing windows can reduce overheating during daytime hours. While they don’t bring in as much natural warmth during winter, the consistency can keep homes more comfortable. The position can also significantly minimize UV exposure to furniture and floors, which can preserve the quality of your interiors over time.
However, that kind of indirect lighting might feel dim, especially in areas without additional natural light sources. The right custom window treatments can maximize their potential.
Selecting Window Treatments for North-Facing Windows
The best treatments for north-facing windows balance light control, insulation, and aesthetics. Below, we share a few of our favorites from Hunter Douglas.
Pirouette® Sheer Shades
Perfect for windows facing north, Pirouette® Sheer Shades have a horizontal, sheer single backing with soft, adjustable, front-facing, 4″ or 5″ fabric vanes. The vanes move together, or you can raise the system into its headrail for unobstructed views.
Features and Enhancements
- Opacities range from semi-opaque and room-darkening.
- Pirouette® Sheer Shades filter up to 81% of UV rays when the vanes are open and 99% when closed.
- The Alustra® Collection of Pirouette® design-inspired fabrics offers luxurious textures, colors, and hardware.
- Pirouette® ClearView® Shadings diffuse outside light and provide a clear view of the outside.
Luminette® Sheer Panels
These innovative window treatments for north-facing windows resemble sheer, vertical drapes but have 180-degree rotating 3 1/2″ fabric vanes, similar to vertical blinds. Choose from an impressive selection of textures, colors, and fabrics, including a room-darkening option.
Features and Enhancements
● Accents by the Yard™ lets you coordinate the fabrics with decorative accents like pillows.
● SofTrak™ is a proprietary hardware system concealed by the fabric for a sophisticated look when closed.
Duette® Cellular Shades
Modern and incredibly versatile, these modern honeycomb shades are ideal for Northern CA climates. Their cellular construction traps air in pockets, creating insulation that can lower your energy bills. Duette® Cellular Shades come in many sizes, orientations, fabrics, and control options.
Features and Enhancements
- Duette® Architella® has a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design.
- Duette® Honeycomb Duolite® combines two separate fabrics, one light-filtering and the other room-darkening, into a single shade.
- Duette® Cellular Shades absorb up to 70% of sound energy.
- The Alustra® Collection of Duette® offers exclusive design-inspired fabrics.
These styles offer different operating control options, including PowerView® Automation and the Hunter Douglas motorized system.
Let Us Beautify Your North-Facing Windows This Winter
Our expert window treatment designers will help you find the perfect balance of light control, energy efficiency, and design for your home’s north-facing windows. We serve clients in Fairfield, Fremont, Vacaville, Vallejo, Rio Vista, Napa, Hayward, San Jose, Palo Alto, and Pleasanton, CA. Contact us for an appointment today!
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