The Best Window Treatment Options for Kansas City’s Weather

From its art scene to its mouth-watering BBQ, the Heart of America offers many amazing benefits to its inhabitants. However, this Midwestern city can get pretty muggy and hot in the summer (especially in its heat-island center), while cold spells occasionally hit during the winter and go well below freezing.

And when the weather is extreme, every bit of insulation helps, especially on your windows, which are the weak points in any home’s energy efficiency. So here are the best window treatment options for homeowners or renters in Kansas City.  

Cellular Shades

Cellular or honeycomb shades are by far the best option for cities with a prominent continental climate. Their design offers you additional insulation, keeping you cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter.

They’re made of pleated fabric that traps cold or hot air and gives you another layer of protection from outside temperatures. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (which heartily recommends them for energy efficiency), honeycomb shades can save up to 10% on heating energy and up to 20% on cooling energy.

It’s even possible to get a new Federal Tax Credit on some Kansas City window treatments of this type.

Best of all, they’re lightweight and affordable, and you can find efficient shades ranging from budget options to shades made of high-end fabrics.

Wooden Shutters

Wooden shutters are not as efficient, but they can improve your budget in another way. Their durability and elegance make them an excellent long-term investment, which can increase the price of your home.

Furthermore, they are convenient for hot Kansas summers, the adjustable slats give you precise control over how much light you let in, and they fit in beautifully with historic house styles.

Layered Drapes and Curtains

Changing the curtains is one way to liven up your home quickly, especially as a renter. The classic option of layering drapes over curtains lets you play with the style of your home without making a drastic change. 

At the same time, this option is functional. It lets you adjust how much light you want to let in, while heavier drapes help insulate your home during cold Kansas City nights. The stats from the Department of Energy show that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings reduce heat gains by 33%. In winter, they can reduce heat loss by 105, especially if they fit snuggly. 

Roller Shades

Roller shades are the fourth on this list due to their simplicity, practicality, and versatility. They work well with contemporary Kansas City homes, especially if the owners are looking for a minimalist window treatment. They’re also useful for offices, as they’re easy to maintain and clean.

Another perk of roller shades is the number of options you have regarding opacity, color, fabric, and pattern. They also come with motorization options. However, they only provide modest insulation.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are similar to roller shades when it comes to insulation, but they’re more suitable to some Kansas City homes regarding style. They fit perfectly somewhere in between modern and traditional styles, and they come in enough variations even for the pickiest of homeowners. 

Roman shades are best for smaller rooms, as they take up very little space when folded. They come in flat, pleated, or hobbled options. 

Vertical Blinds

Homes with sliding patio doors or expansive windows can benefit from vertical blinds made of vinyl or fabric. These types of blinds are suitable for sunrooms, sliding glass doors, and large windows, and they’re typically durable and fit for high-traffic areas.

While they do not insulate your home, you can combine them with exterior solar screens in the summer to reduce the heat that’s coming in through the large surface area.

Motorized Blinds

Motorized blinds may not always be as charming as other options, but they provide enough benefits to stay on this list. The two main benefits are child safety and automation. 

Since they’re cordless, children are safe from hazards, which are unfortunately associated with other types of shades, leaving you one less fear. Also, when they come as part of a smart home, they can close and open automatically depending on how much sunlight you do (not) want to let in. This can help you with waking up in the morning, but also conserving energy.

Finally, remote control through an app or voice control makes your life more convenient, and it’s especially useful for elderly, disabled, or simply, busy people.