What Is a Substitute for an Awning Over a Window?

Blinds and Shades

• Blinds can come as Venetian or vertical blinds made from metal, wood or vinyl. They are effective at keeping the sun out, regulating the heat in your home and creating a decorative look to your room. Shades can come in a variety of colors and can also have designs and patterns to enhance their decorative elements.

Film

• Window film is a way for you to decorate your window while also regulating the flow of direct sunlight into your home. You can get window film in a variety of colors or you can choose to get designer window film that gives the look of stained glass. Window film helps to block the sun's rays but it also allows you to see out of your window or open your window if you would like to get a breeze into your home.

Valence

• An awning allows you to see out your window while blocking the sun's rays for a portion of the day. As the sun moves across the sky, your awning is no longer effective. A valence across the top of your window would block the sun's rays for a portion of the day while still allowing you to see out your window. You can enhance the valence with a shear that will interfere with the sunlight for the entire day while still allowing a limited ability to see out the window.

Vines

• Vines will grow anywhere you have strong trellises installed. A small trellis shelf installed over your window can quickly become the home to green vines that will block the sun in a manner similar to an awning. You can control vine growth by pruning them regularly or expand your natural awning by expanding your trellis.