Skylight Roman Shades: Reduce Heat Loss and Block Summer Glare

June marks the beginning of summer and, with it, comes the reality of energy costs. Skylights are beautiful. They flood rooms with natural light and create stunning architectural interest. But here’s the catch: they’re also energy challenges. Skylights lose 35 to 45 percent more heat than standard windows in winter and funnel intense solar heat into your home all summer long. One scorching afternoon of unfiltered sunlight tells you why this matters.

The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that skylights can let up to 30 percent of a home’s heating and cooling energy escape. The good news? Properly treated skylights can reduce heat gain and loss by up to 45 percent. Custom Roman shades offer a proven solution that doesn’t sacrifice natural light or beauty. For complete peace of mind about your skylights this season, read on to understand costs, energy benefits, and how to choose the right treatment.

Skylights Waste Energy, But There’s a Fix

Let’s be direct. Skylights are energy challenges. In winter, warm air naturally rises toward skylights, causing significant heat loss. In summer, skylights receive more direct sunlight than vertical windows, making them major sources of unwanted heat gain.

Here’s what matters: blinds can cut heat gain by nearly 40 percent, while blackout blinds increase energy efficiency by up to 45 percent. Studies show that solar screen protected skylights can save up to 25 percent of air conditioning costs compared to non-protected skylights. You control the ambiance and your utility bills.

Cost and Customization

Pricing depends on three factors:

Fabric Quality 

Premium thermal fabrics and blackout liners cost more upfront but deliver measurable performance. Lighter fabrics reflect summer heat, while dense materials trap warmth in winter.

Custom Sizing 

Skylights come in unusual shapes and dimensions. Custom cutting to your exact measurements ensures perfect fit with zero gaps where energy escapes. Our Blindsgalore Gallery Skylight Cellular Shades come in both light filtering and blackout options, custom-made to your exact dimensions.

Lift Mechanism 

Manual operation works for accessible skylights, but motorized options add $100 to $300 per shade and are necessary for hard-to-reach installations. Our Blindsgalore Select Motorized Skylight Shades let you control everything with a remote or smart home system.

Smart Budget Strategies

Prioritize High-Impact Areas 

Focus on skylights in living rooms, master bedrooms, and home offices where you spend the most time. Guest rooms can use standard options if you’re watching your budget.

Accurate Measurement Is Essential 

Mismeasurements can’t be fixed by returning custom shades. Our guide Blinds and Shades for Common Window Sizes: Measuring Tips helps you get it right the first time.

Quick Turnaround 

Custom shades ship within 5 to 7 business days with free shipping across the continental U.S.

Installation and Maintenance

Our newest custom Roman shades snap into place with zero tools, hardware, or ceiling damage. Installation takes minutes with no professional fees required.

For cleaning, gently vacuum monthly with an upholstery brush, spot-clean with mild soap and water, and avoid submerging shades. Check out Easy Cleaning Hacks for Window Blinds or How to Clean Wood Blinds for detailed guidance.

We offer a free 3-year warranty, upgradeable to 5 years, on all custom Roman shades.

Year-Round Skylight Care Checklist

Summer (May Through September)

• Install light-filtering or blackout shades to block peak daytime heat
• Program motorized shades to close during 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ensure complete light blockage with no gaps
• Verify smooth operation

Winter (November Through March)

• Open shades during sunny days to capture beneficial solar heat
• Close shades at dusk to trap warmth inside
• Inspect for condensation or frost buildup
• Verify thermal liners seal gaps effectively

Spring and Fall (April and October)

• Gently clean shades using approved methods
• Check for wear or sagging
• Test motorized systems before peak seasons

Ready for Your Skylight Upgrade

Skylights are investments in your home’s natural beauty. Custom Roman shades are investments in your comfort and wallet. Together, they create spaces that are stunning and livable year-round with lower energy bills to prove it.

Once your skylights are properly treated, you’ll enjoy natural light, comfortable temperatures, and the peace of mind that comes with controlled comfort. Our Blindsgalore Gallery Skylight Cellular Shades in light filtering and blackout are perfect entry points. For ultimate convenience, our Blindsgalore Select Motorized Skylight Shades let you control everything without lifting a finger.

Explore our full Roman shade collection and use our interactive cost calculator to find the perfect style and fabric. Your home deserves skylights that work with you, not against you. Let’s make that happen.