Best Window Treatments for West Facing Windows (Heat & Glare Solutions)

Lexi Westingate | Blinds Chalet Design Team

Updated: Apr 17 2026

Best Window Treatments for West Facing Windows image

West facing windows can be one of the biggest challenges in a home, especially in hot climates. These windows receive intense afternoon sunlight, which can lead to excessive heat, glare, and fading of furniture and flooring.

Choosing the right window treatments can help block sunlight, reduce heat gain, and improve comfort during the hottest part of the day.

Explore our full range of premium window shades, custom window blinds, and interior plantation shutters, or learn more in our best window treatments for reducin heat gain guide.

Why West Facing Windows Are a Problem

Unlike east-facing windows that receive softer morning light, west-facing windows are exposed to strong, direct sunlight in the afternoon when temperatures are already at their highest. This can lead to:

Increased indoor temperatures

Glare on screens and surfaces

Fading of furniture and flooring

Higher cooling costs

The best window treatments for west-facing windows are designed to reduce both heat and glare while maintaining some level of light control.

Best Window Treatments for West Facing Windows

Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades

Cellular shades are one of the most effective options for west-facing windows because they provide insulation. Their honeycomb design traps air, helping to reduce heat transfer into your home.

Excellent insulation

Helps lower cooling costs

Available in blackout and light-filtering options

Solar Shades

Solar shades are designed to block UV rays and reduce glare while still allowing you to see outside. For west-facing windows, lower openness fabrics (1–3%) are the most effective.

Reduces glare without blocking the view

Blocks UV rays

Great for living rooms and offices

Blackout Shades

Blackout shades are ideal when maximum light blocking is needed. They are especially useful in bedrooms or media rooms where glare and heat need to be minimized.

Learn more: Do Blackout Shades Reduce Heat?

Roller Shades

Roller shades offer a clean, modern look and can be paired with blackout or solar fabrics for improved heat control. They are a strong option for larger west-facing windows.

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters provide a solid barrier against sunlight and can be adjusted to control light throughout the day. They are a durable and long-term solution for managing heat.

Layered Window Treatments

In some cases, combining two window treatments can provide the best results. For example, pairing solar shades with drapes or blackout shades can improve both insulation and light control.

Comparison of the Best Options

Window Treatment	Heat Reduction	Glare Control	View Preservation	Best For
Cellular Shades	Excellent	High	Low	Insulation and energy efficiency
Solar Shades	Very Good	Excellent	High	Glare reduction with visibility
Blackout Shades	Very Good	Excellent	None	Maximum light blocking
Roller Shades	Very Good	High	Varies	Large windows and modern spaces
Plantation Shutters	Excellent	High	Moderate	Durability and long-term solution

Tips for West Facing Windows

Choose lighter-colored materials to reflect heat

Use motorization to automatically block afternoon sun

Consider dual-layer solutions for better control

Close shades during peak afternoon hours

Which Option Is Best?

The best window treatment depends on your priorities:

Best for insulation: Cellular shades

Best for glare control: Solar shades

Best for darkness: Blackout shades

Best overall solution: Layered treatments

Explore Your Options

Continue comparing solutions with these guides:

Best Window Treatments for Arizona Heat

Double vs Single Cell Honeycomb Shades

Roman Shades vs Cellular Shades

How to Shade West Facing Windows

West facing windows receive intense afternoon sun, which can lead to heat buildup, glare, and fading of furniture and flooring. Choosing the right window treatments can make a significant difference in comfort and energy efficiency.

The most effective way to shade west facing windows is to combine light control with heat reduction. This helps keep your space cooler while maintaining privacy and visibility.

Best Solutions for West Facing Windows

Solar shades: Reduce glare and block UV rays while maintaining your view

Cellular (honeycomb) shades: Provide insulation to help regulate indoor temperature

Blackout shades: Ideal for bedrooms or rooms where maximum light blocking is needed

Layered treatments: Combine shades with drapery for added light and heat control

For the best results, consider selecting materials designed to reduce solar heat gain, especially in rooms that receive strong afternoon sunlight.

Final Thoughts

West facing windows can bring in intense afternoon heat and sunlight, but the right window treatments can significantly improve comfort and reduce energy costs. By choosing options designed for heat reduction and glare control, you can create a more comfortable living environment even during the hottest part of the day.

West Facing Window FAQs

What are the best window treatments for west facing windows?

Cellular shades, solar shades, blackout shades, and plantation shutters are among the best options for reducing heat and glare from west-facing windows.

How do you reduce heat from west facing windows?

You can reduce heat by using window treatments that block sunlight, provide insulation, or reflect UV rays, such as cellular shades or solar shades.

Are blackout shades good for west facing windows?

Yes. Blackout shades are effective for blocking intense afternoon sunlight and reducing glare, especially in bedrooms or media rooms.

Do solar shades work for west facing windows?

Yes. Solar shades are one of the best options for reducing glare while still maintaining visibility to the outside.

Details	Standard	Guaranteed to Last	Guaranteed to Love
Pricing	FREE	$	$$
Warranty Duration
3 year limited warranty	✓	✓	✓
5 year limited warranty		✓	✓
Warranty Coverage
Defects	✓	✓	✓
Parts	✓	✓	✓
30 Day Returns(in-store credit)			✓

Details

Standard

Guaranteed to Last

Guaranteed to Love

Pricing

FREE

Warranty Duration

3 year limited warranty

✓

5 year limited warranty

✓

Warranty Coverage

Defects

✓

Parts

✓

30 Day Returns(in-store credit)

✓

Guarantee
What Is Covered Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that: The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated. All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed. Who Is Eligible This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable. Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement. Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty. What Is Not Covered Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect. Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance. Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture. Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use. Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects. Warranty Limitations This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms. Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure. How to Request Service Blinds Chalet Customer Care [email protected] (480) 470-1127 Please include: Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email A brief description of the issue The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product. If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired. In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade. Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer. If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

Guarantee

What Is Covered

Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that:

The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated.
All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed.

Who Is Eligible

This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable.

Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility

If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement.

Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty.

What Is Not Covered

Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect.
Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance.
Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture.
Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use.

Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects.

Warranty Limitations

This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms.

Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure.

How to Request Service

Blinds Chalet Customer Care
[email protected]
(480) 470-1127

Please include:

Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email
A brief description of the issue
The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue

Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees

BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product.
If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.
If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Love
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years. 30 Day Returns If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).

5 Year Guaranteed to Love

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.
30 Day Returns
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).