Reducing sunlight through window

[Allen]

Hey all,

My computer desk is under a window in the living room, it's about half a metre above the desk and it about 1m x 1m in size. As our living room has windows facing east and south (the one above my computer desk faces south) we get a lot of sunlight in the room. This isn't a bad thing, people like sunlight in general... however, I don't!

Around midday, all throughout the year, I get sunlight coming in through the window above my desk and blinding me for a good few hours (when we have sun of course!). I have tried to put stuff over the window (a cheap and cheerful temporary solution was sellotaping thin cardboard around the window frame), but this doesn't look nice, nor does it stay up for long with wind and sun affecting the sellotape.

So I have been looking around for something to cover the window with. Ideally, it will need to be reasonably cheap (£20-30), allow some light through, but block enough so you could comfortably look through it at direct sunlight and not get blinded. Actually, it would need to block enough so I could look at my monitors under the window with comfort.

Does anyone know of such a product and where I could get it? Perhaps a roll of it so I can cover other windows if needed, like my bedroom (east facing window from floor to ceiling) which gets incredibly hot on summer mornings!

Cheers in advance,

Allen

[jim]

I don't know of anything off the top of my head that would do the trick, but in case you change your mind there is this stuff which is opaque

http://www.magicwhiteboard.co.uk/cat...lackout-blind/

[Agent]

"solar screen film"

http://www.technologylk.com/__6/Wind...lar-Screen.htm
http://www.amazon.co.uk/WINDOW-SCREE.../dp/B0015FO03W

[kalniel]

Is it too obvious to suggest curtains/venetian blinds?

[deejayburnout]

You get stuff called Fablon iirc that I used at work on a office block to do s similar job.

I got the white stuff that let's light through but stops the glare.

[Allen]

I don't know of anything off the top of my head that would do the trick, but in case you change your mind there is this stuff which is opaque

http://www.magicwhiteboard.co.uk/cat...lackout-blind/

Bit too OTT, and they say you shouldn't leave it on during the day, but thanks!

[Allen]

"solar screen film"

http://www.technologylk.com/__6/Wind...lar-Screen.htm
http://www.amazon.co.uk/WINDOW-SCREE.../dp/B0015FO03W

They look cool, will have a look through the options, thank you!

[Allen]

Is it too obvious to suggest curtains/venetian blinds?

Sorry, should've mentioned, rented apartment, no nets or curtains (one of the windows has a blind, but the other windows can't be see in through - nothing our height opposite and a park the other side). I don't really wanna be putting up blinds or curtains and would prefer to cover the window with something I can easily remove when I move out.

[Allen]

You get stuff called Fablon iirc that I used at work on a office block to do s similar job.

I got the white stuff that let's light through but stops the glare.

Looks good, but trying to find somewhere showing it on windows though.

[cptwhite_uk]

You want a venetian blind - it will block almost full sun when required and allow full light also:

Dunelm Mill do them for pennies:

http://www.dunelm-mill.com/info/venetian_blinds

[DDY]

Sorry, should've mentioned, rented apartment, no nets or curtains (one of the windows has a blind, but the other windows can't be see in through - nothing our height opposite and a park the other side). I don't really wanna be putting up blinds or curtains and would prefer to cover the window with something I can easily remove when I move out.

Ask the landlord to put blinds or curtains in for you?

I got my landlord to replace the curtains for blinds in my bedroom because I didn't like them.

[jim]

We had a window without blinds and complained to the landlord - had them fitted inside 2 weeks. Might be worth a try.

[Allen]

With regards to asking the landlord, I can imagine if we ask they will just put up a cheapo crappy one that won't work, and I'll need to get something to cover the window anyway, as per my OP.

[peterb]

With regards to asking the landlord, I can imagine if we ask they will just put up a cheapo crappy one that won't work, and I'll need to get something to cover the window anyway, as per my OP.

Instead of imagining, why not ask? It is his property and in his longer term intrest to do the job properly.

I have the same problem in my house - a roller blind from B&Q did the job and cost about £20.

If you find what you want, and cost it and give him the spec, provided it isn't unreasonable, he may get that one as you have saved him the bother of specing it.

Think positive!

[Agent]

If your landlord provides anything like blinds, curtains, or things to reduce the light incoming - consider yourself lucky

Most landlords will take the stance that it really is down to the tenant to sort.

[mepooooo]

You can buy foil and make your window darker but it is not very good idea. Maybe you need thick curtains. They will make you room more beautiful and will stop the sun. I am in the same situation. My desk is under south window and the sun comes straight to my eyes but I bought curtains and I have no problems.