With summer temperatures reaching record highs lately, the time has definitely come to eschew the cheap curtains and invest in some quality honeycomb blinds. Honeycomb shades, also known as cellular blinds, are very energy-efficient; in between the front and back surfaces are air pockets shaped like the cells of a beehive (hence the name honeycomb). These cells, or pockets, trap air so that the interior of the room is insulated from the heat coming in from the windows. Thus, an air conditioning unit will not have to work very hard to keep the room cooler. Homeowners find the investment worthwhile because of lower utility bills that in the long run, pay for the expenditure on the blinds themselves.
For even more effective interior cooling, get honeycomb shades with the thickest layer of cells that you can afford. Single or double cell layers will be sufficient to keep a room shaded but for optimum insulation, there are triple and even quadruple cell layers available. Choose dark-colored blinds rather than light ones: they not only shield more effectively against UV rays, they also absorb heat better. Honeycomb blinds should extend beyond the window frames and fit snugly against the molding so that virtually no heat is allowed to get in. There are a number of colors and fabrics to choose from, so there is bound to be something that would fit any taste.
For even better cooling measures: you can other solutions in addition to the honeycomb blinds. For example, skylights in the room should be shaded. Also, installing awnings outside the windows would greatly help, as will upgrading patio doors and other large windows to double pane glass.
Note: during cold weather and winter months, honeycomb blinds remain functional because they also serve to retain heat inside a room; the air pockets prevent heat from escaping through radiation via windows. Again, the result is greater energy efficiency leading to lower heating costs and actual savings.