The location of your windows (North, South, East, or West) reveals how much sunlight you can expect to receive within your home. Keep in mind that even if you are fine with the bright sunlight beaming into your home (you may think – “cool” I can get a sun tan), your furniture may not be okay with the amount of light shining in (it may think – “where is the sunblock SPF 70”). Direct sunlight will fade, deteriorate, and shorten the durability of your upholstery (sofa, chairs, curtains, ottomans, pillows, lamp shades, carpet, area rugs). So be prepared! Find that compass to determine which direction your window faces and choose window treatments according to you (and your furniture’s) delight OR fright of sunshine. Here’s a quick guide on how much sunlight you and your furniture will receive in a room:
- Windows facing NORTH: most consistent light & coldest exposure (brrr!)
- Windows facing SOUTH: good warm light (aah!)
- Windows facing EAST: warm bright light, especially in the morning (where’s my toothbrush & sunglasses?)
- Windows facing WEST: hottest light of the day (take out that sun block lotion and consider getting a window treatment that diffuses light to protect your furniture)
Once you know what direction your window faces and review the above guide, then you will be armed with powerful knowledge that you can take to a store that provides window treatments. Make sure to pick a store that takes the time to review your needs, you deserve it. Remember, live BEAUTIFUL and COMFORTABLE!
I’m Ada Gonzalez, a New York interior decorator and mentor with clients throughout the USA. I won a loft design competition (cue confetti) which landed me on the front page of The Journal News’ Life&Style in 2007. Since then, I’ve been featured several times in newspapers as an expert interior designer, and appeared on WVOX radio station.