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Short answer
Sunrooms, glass extensions and skylights let in far more heat and light than ordinary windows. Use blackout or blackout-lined curtains on the walls for heat, a sheer for daytime glare, and a fitted blind or motorised shade for roof glass and skylights, which curtains cannot cover well. Choose fade-resistant polyester, and keep sofas and cushions out of direct sun.
Why are glass rooms so hard to keep cool?
Sun on a glass roof or wall heats the room directly, and in Malaysia it does so for most of the year. Fabric inside the glass stops some of that heat, but the glass has already let it in, so outside shading, tinted glass or film work best alongside curtains. See Curtains That Reduce Heat.
What works on walls, roofs and skylights?
| Glass | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Glass walls | Blackout or blackout-lined curtains, plus a sheer | Blocks heat when closed; sheer softens glare by day |
| Wide sliding doors | S-fold on a long track, in extra-wide fabric | One seamless curtain that stacks clear |
| Glass roof | Fitted roof blinds or tensioned shades | Curtains sag on a slope |
| Skylights | Fitted skylight blinds, often motorised | Out of reach; fits the frame |
For roof and skylight blinds and motorised shades, see JOTEX Sunshades.
How do you stop fading in a sunroom?
- Polyester curtains resist fading better than cotton, linen or viscose. See Light-Fastness Explained.
- Line the curtains so the lining takes the sun. See Curtain Lining.
- Mid-tones show fading less than strong, dark colours.
- Outdoor fabric indoors: solution-dyed acrylic cushions for sunny seats. See Window Seat Cushion Fabric.
- Close shades on schedule with motors before the strongest sun. See Smart Home Curtains.
Condensation and mould
Air-conditioned glass rooms collect condensation on cold glass. Keep curtains a little away from the glass, air the room, and choose polyester. See Mouldy Curtains.
Blackouts for glass rooms
Blackout fabrics and linings in the JOTEX range, updated from the catalogue. See the blackout fabric page.
AKARI
ALHAMBRA
AMAYA
BARCELONA
BASIC- CALAZO
CHAD
DARKNESS
DORA
HANAKO
HAYDEN
KANO/Leida%20S-07%20Silver.webp)
LEON
LINER
MADRID
MIDORI
POLNA
PORTO
RINA
SADAKO
SEVILLE
TAKARA
TOUCH
VALENCIA- ZURI
ZURICH
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep a sunroom cool?
Blackout or blackout-lined curtains on the walls, fitted blinds on the roof, and outside shading or window film where possible.
Can I hang curtains under a skylight?
Not well. A fitted skylight blind, often motorised, works much better.
What fabric resists fading in a sunroom?
Polyester with a good light-fastness rating, lined, in a mid-tone. Solution-dyed acrylic suits sunny cushions.
Do curtains block heat from glass roofs?
Only partly; curtains sag on slopes. Use roof blinds or outside shading for glass roofs.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.