| To state the obvious, the direction windows face and their exposure to the sun determines how much or how little natural light enters a room. What's not so obvious is how dramatically different the type of lighting is depending on the direction it's coming from. Read on to see what we mean. North-facing windows offer the clearest, most consistent light but also the coldest exposure. If you live in the northern hemisphere, look for energy-efficient treatments to prevent the cold from leaking in and the heat from escaping. If you're not worried about losing heat, think again: unprotected windows allow 40% of your home's heat to escape through the windows. East-facing windows offer warm, bright light, especially in the morning. Early-morning light often means your interior spaces will heat up quickly. Look for window fashions that diffuse the light, which in turn helps to keep your rooms cool. We recommend honeycomb or shading construction treatments because they trap warm or cool air in their cells, decreasing the intensity of the temperature as it enters the room; these treatments will also block ultraviolet (UV) rays and protect your furnishings. West-facing windows admit the hottest light and the most harmful UV rays. Consider a window treatment that provides superior light control, energy efficiency and UV protection. South-facing windows are the most important natural light source because they receive sunlight year round and cast a warm, golden glow on interiors. Look for treatments that let in as much of this light as possible while still offering protection against heat and UV rays. |