Seasonal Window Treatment Planning: Summer UV, Fall Light & Winter Insulation in NYC

Like the city, the interior of your apartment changes drastically with the rhythm of the seasons. Whether you are navigating the humidity of July or the sharp winds of January, your windows are the bridge between your retreat and the outside world. Planning your window treatments with a seasonal mindset is one step toward creating a comfortable, year-round space that speaks to your style.

Here are steps you can take to make your home more energy-efficient and cozier.

In the peak of a New York summer, the sun stays high and intense for hours. While natural light is a benefit, the hidden cost is the cumulative damage caused by UV rays. Over time, consistent exposure can cause expensive hardwood floors to discolor and delicate upholstery to lose its vibrancy. How can you protect your furnishings from harsh summer sunlight in NYC?

You can mitigate this by choosing solar shades that prioritize protection without sacrificing your view. High-quality screen shades are one of our favorite tools for this. Screen shades let you see the skyline while filtering out a significant amount of solar heat gain. By blocking the heat before it enters your room, you reduce the strain on your air conditioning system, making your home a cooler, more sustainable retreat during those record-breaking heatwaves.

As autumn arrives, the sun sits lower on the horizon, often sending a sharp, direct glare into your living or workspace during the afternoon.

Roman shades are an excellent choice for this transition because they provide a structured, tailored look while offering varying levels of opacity. If you work from a home office, a light-filtering fabric can eliminate glare on your monitor while keeping the room bright and inviting. Take it a step further with automated window treatments that naturally adjust in flux with the day, gradually lowering to keep out the setting sun.

In many NYC apartments and townhomes, windows are the largest source of thermal loss, and during harsh winters, poorly insulated windows can create pockets of cold air throughout your space.

Cellular shades, especially those with a honeycomb design, are specifically engineered to trap air within their pockets. Cellular shades are excellent at creating a buffer between your apartment’s interior and exterior, keeping expensive heated and cooled air inside where it belongs. Pairing these shades with custom-tailored drapery adds a secondary layer of protection against drafts while bringing warmth and a sense of finish to the room. This combination ensures that even on the coldest nights, your home remains a cozy, quiet refuge from the winter chill.

Every New York home has its own architectural personality and unique lighting needs. At Janovic, we have spent over 130 years helping our neighbors find the perfect intersection of style and function. Our team understands the nuances of city living and provides advice that truly improves your day-to-day experience at home.

If you are ready to prepare your space to weather all seasons, we’d love to talk! Book a Free Shop-At-Home Appointment Today, or visit one of our New York City paint stores to get started.

We are located throughout the New York City area, including Manhattan, SoHo, Chelsea, Long Island City, Gramercy Park, Hell’s Kitchen, Lower East Side, Throgs Neck, The Bronx, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Uptown West, and Yorkville.