Hi jamies & localeater, thanks for the thoughts. Jamies - I know exactly what you mean about being a one woman climate control army! I've been thinking about all the steps I'll have to take to keep our place cool in the summer & we haven't even bought shades yet, lol. Localeater - thanks for sharing your experience! It helps to know that honeycomb shades do work with heat transfer! I am pretty much decided I am going to buy Architella or similar shades from one of the other companies. We're not so concerned about keeping warm in the winter as we have to leave the heat on anyway (to keep pipes from bursting) and can always pull up the shades for extra warmth. With all of our windows facing SE/SW, keeping cool in the summer is definitely the bigger concern. Does anyone have recommendations for a shade like HD Architella, but less expensive?

Maybe I'll try switching the blinds for cellular shades, and see how that is. I assume heavy drapes are more expensive. Plus my cat likes to "pull" the fabric with her claws, so I'll avoid them. I "knotted" them up, to make it more difficult for my cat to get to. I think cost is why the previous owners only put drapes on the side. I think the side drapes are silk. They look nice, but might be expensive to replace.

For some reason it wasn't letting me upload photos earlier. Attaching one of a particularly tricky location where there's a beam so you can't outside mount wooden shades or curtains. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ypEJ85jMNLEj1p159

Hey There: I totally agree with Sammie J - just ad bottom-up top-down pleated blinds or honeycomb shades to the windows. They install as inside mount to your trim - only 1/2 inch on installation depth is required. This will give you the needed privacy without blocking the natural light. Give us a call at 619.665.9446 or visit us online at www.fenstermann.com.