Those bright, warm shafts of light that ward off winter doldrums can also bring in eye-squinting glare and furniture-fading rays. To filter the strong light in a sunroom, designer Catherine Kramer created pattern-free Roman shades divided into square sections that echo the geometry of the windows. Desiring a treatment that didn’t compete with or hide the attractive windows, Kramer chose a creamy, translucent linen fabric that seems to glow with sunny warmth. The shades are mounted inside—rather than over—the window frames and appear as an extension to the window architecture. Because they are lightweight sheers, these shades are a cinch to adjust. Heavier treatments, such as broad-slat wood blinds, would be more unwieldy on a large window.

More light-control options • Choose a sheer fabric, like Catherine Kramer did, but go for one with a hint of a pattern. You’ll find translucent silks, cottons, and synthetics in tone-on-tone geometric block, stripe, and windowpane patterns—even fishnet styles. For windows with stained wood trim, fabrics in gold or nutty hues would complement nicely. • Try the newer metal miniblinds that have tiny holes punched through the slats. The holes are small enough to let in light without sacrificing much privacy. They create a polka-dot design on the blinds, which are available in bright, fun colors. • For a no-treatment solution, apply room-darkening film to the windows. The film is available from home centers or from specialty installers in different light-filtering levels. “The film generally can’t be seen from indoors, but the visibility of the tint from outdoors increases with the degree of light filtering,” Kramer says. Most home centers will help arrange for the film’s application, or check the Yellow pages for window tinters and coaters.