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The right window treatments can make a big difference when it comes to keeping your house cool in the heat of the summer.

I don't know about you but, as much as I love summer, I don't like the super hot days. I like to make my home like an oasis from the heat - a place I can go and escape, especially at night when it's time to sleep. And, the right window treatments can make a big difference and are one of the simplest, and most affordable home improvement projects you can undertake to actually improve your home's energy efficiency.

The first suggestion are cellular shades. They are the kings of insulation, period. Put these up in your windows and you will have dramatically improved the insulation of your windows. Cellular shades are constructed with honeycomb shaped air cells - that's what gives them their insulating properties. They are available in single and double cell (technically there are triple cell cellular shades but, they're hard to find these days). If you want more style options, consider cellular roman shades, which is one of the latest innovations in window shades. These shades are constructed with a single cell lining.

Next are solar shades, which are also called solar screens. While these window shades don't provide outright insulation they do minimize solar heat gain. And, they do this while preserving your view-through i.e., you can see through them. Solar shades also block UV rays which will help preserve your furniture, carpets, etc. from getting bleached by the sun. Solar shades are available in different opacity levels, usually from 3-14%; kind of cryptic numbers, I know. The simple way to think of these numbers is, the higher the number, the more light can pass through the shade. Another consideration in this same category are outdoor shades, which are generally made from the same materials as indoor solar shades but with components meant for the rigors of the outdoors. These can be used as patio shades or over the outside of your windows - especially those facing the harsh sun. In very hot climates, outdoor sun shades are fairly common.

If none of the aforementioned shades fit your design style, another option for energy efficiency are plantation shutters. Plantation shutters offer insulation by virtue of their mass. They can be purchased in vinyl (PVC), wood composite (real wood covered in a thermal polymer) or hardwood. Shutters are unique amongst other window treatments in that they will actually add value to your home. It should e no surprise that, of all the options, listed in this article, they are the most expensive. That said, they are can be a very beautiful addition to any room, lending a classic, timeless look.

To get the most insulation out of the window shades mentioned above (cellular shades & roman shades), it is best if they are mounted on the inside of the window frame (inside mount) as opposed to outside mount. You want the shade as close to the window surface as possible. Plantation shutters are always mounted this way and this, plus their mass, is why they provide great insulation.

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There you have it, a list of window treatments to stay cool in the summer. Top choices are cellular shades, cellular roman shades, solar shades, outdoor shades and plantation shutters. - David Brooks