Top Window Treatments For Double Hung Windows In Chicago

March 30, 2021

When Chicago offers agreeable temperatures, it’s wonderful to find a gentle breeze and natural light entering your home from the open top sash in your double-hung windows. However, standard window treatments are designed to obstruct the upper pane when lowered.

If you want seclusion without blocking your window tops, use plantation shutters or unique top-down and bottom-up shades. These window treatments for double-hung windows in Chicago give you the best control of the light, airflow and privacy of your space.

Control Light And Airflow With Interior Shutters

Similar to double-hung windows, you have the option of opening plantation shutters with two different methods: open the hinged panels to uncover your window for full light or keep them shut and move the louvers with the center tilt for privacy and filtered light. Both options bring in outside air if you slide open either sash on a standard double-hung window. For the best air circulation, swing the shutters open and crack open both sashes so refreshing cool air comes in at the bottom, and warm air escapes through the upper section.

Plantation shutters offer functionality for different window types including double-hung tilt windows. Swing the panels back and tilt the window back for a rush of fresh air. If you see fit, ask the installation team about mounting your treatments with an outside mount so you can slightly open the panes with the shutters still closed. Don’t forget, you can still tilt the louvers to control privacy and light.

Another option is to implement a split rail in each shutter panel. This gives you the ability to open either the upper or lower section to let in the light while leaving the other half closed for privacy.

Roman shades in a Chicago bedroom

Ensure Airflow and Privacy With Top-down/Bottom-up Roman Shades

Top-down/bottom-up Roman shades can open from the top and bottom, in a similar fashion to your double-hung windows. For this reason, they are an excellent choice for dual-sashed windows when you’re trying to get better air circulation and lighting without opening a view into your home for curious onlookers.

Lower the upper sash of your window and drop down your Roman shade to welcome a gentle breeze and natural light while maintaining privacy with the window covered at the bottom. You might leave small openings in the upper and lower sections for optimal airflow while keeping the majority of your window blocked.

Since you can keep your versatile shades unfurled during many hours of the day, it makes sense to choose something as appealing as Roman shades. The ability to customize to your exact interior make Roman shades an elegant accessory for your Chicago home that your family will love.

Cellular shades in a Chicago dining room

Keep Out Drafts With Top-down/Bottom-up Cellular Shades

Double-hung windows offer excellent ventilation when the weather is nice, but those adjustable sashes can lead to more drafts than other window styles. One solution is top-down/bottom-up cellular shades. Commonly referred to as honeycomb shades, this treatment features fabric cells that catch exterior air entering past your window panes.

This unique feature also helps prevent inside air from leaking out. By doing so, honeycomb shades help keep your interior temperature stable and your HVAC expenses down.

Their energy efficiency makes honeycomb shades appropriate Chicago window treatments on double-hung windows all year long. Pull them open along with your window sashes for a gentle breeze when the weather is nice and close them to protect your Chicago windows from extreme temperatures when the weather changes.

Contact Sunburst Shutters Chicago About Window Treatments For Double-hung Windows In Chicago

Get the most out of your dual-sashed windows with the best shade or shutters from the leaders at Sunburst Shutters Chicago. Our consultants will guide you through our impressive line of products and select the most suitable solution for your Chicago home. Give us a call at 847-250-6544 or fill out the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Back to Blog