How can I block out the sun from my living room windows?

Ladonna Kirby
by Ladonna Kirby
Living Room is kind of small but I don't want to use thick drapes or shades and I need it done on a low budget...very low. Please and Thank You, Ladonna.

  9 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 28, 2018

    privacy film available at Home Depot

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Jun 28, 2018

    You can buy blockout shades that are lightweight but still very effective. Most are also very affordable (and pay for themselves by your energy savings). You can hang sheers between them so there is still some privacy when you pull the blockouts to the side.

  • T T on Jun 28, 2018

    Sun: blackout curtains. UV rays? They sell a film at building supply stores.


  • Joanne lueke Joanne lueke on Jun 28, 2018

    You can also try heat blocking window cling film which you can buy at Lowes or Home Depot. We have West facing front windows in Oklahoma and have had that film in all our West facing windows for the last three years. It definitely does help. You can see out but the the out facing side has an almost mirror finish to it. It is 100 degrees here today, and that room is as cool as any room in our house. It also blocks the uv rays that fade furniture and flooring. It can be done for cheap and works great.

  • Oliva Oliva on Jun 28, 2018

    Window films are an option, for privacy. Options are limited since you don't want draperies. Blinds can be cheaper, but are a pain to keep clean.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Jun 28, 2018

    When I lived in an apartment and didn't have much disposable income, I bought sheets on clearance and curtain rods from Goodwill. If you use dark colored sheets, it blocks 📤 a lot of sun and they aren't heavy. Flat sheets have a hem pocket that works well as a rod pocket. Since the room is small, I'd hang them all the way to the ceiling and from one corner to the other. It will make your room feel bigger

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 28, 2018

    Home Depot sells a silver material used for insulating. It is sold in a 50 ft. roll I believe and it very flexible. You can cut it to a few inches bigger then your window and just put it in place. Take it out when you want to use the window. But this stuff is amazing it blocks all the light and heat too. We used it for about 8 years before needing a new roll. At the time of purchase a 50 ft. roll was less then $60.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jun 29, 2018

    Visit yard sales and second hand stores, maybe you'll have some luck there with finding appropriate curtains or thin drapes.

    Pretty flat bed sheets might be something to consider.

  • Ladonna Kirby Ladonna Kirby on Jun 29, 2018

    All of these suggestions were great and I think I like the pretty sheet idea best. I have 3 wide windows to cover and are almost ceiling to floor. This might be the right solution! Thank you all for your help.