Every June, I start noticing the same problem: my windows suddenly seem a little too bright.I love having sunlight coming into my home in the morning, but by the afternoon, especially when the sun gets stronger, I start to feel like it’s a bit too much.

My TV and computer screens become harder to see because of the glare, the area near the windows gets noticeably warmer, and sometimes I even find myself turning on the AC earlier than I normally would.That’s when I started seriously thinking about upgrading my windows with smart solar shades.

The product I’m currently interested in is the SmartWings Motorized Light Filtering Solar Shades 1%/3%/5% Openness Aventus. I didn’t want to go with traditional heavy blackout curtains because I don’t actually want to block out all the natural light in my home. What I really want is to reduce harsh sunlight and heat during the summer while still keeping the view outside.

Why Would I Choose SmartWings Aventus?

When I first started researching these SmartWings solar shades, what caught my attention most was the choice of 1%, 3%, and 5% Openness.In the past, when I bought window coverings, I basically only thought about one question: “Do I want blackout or not?”This time, I realized that controlling sunlight can actually be much more nuanced.

If I cared more about reducing sunlight and glare, I would consider 1%. If I wanted a balance between sun control, privacy, and outdoor visibility, I would lean toward 3%. And if I really wanted to preserve the view outside during the day, I would consider 5%.

For me, that kind of flexibility makes a lot of sense for an American home.I don’t want my living room to feel completely closed off. I like having natural daylight during the day, and I also enjoy sitting on the couch and being able to see the trees and sky outside. That’s why I personally would lean toward the 3% option.

What I Like Most Is That I Don’t Have to Give Up the View

This is probably what I appreciate most about SmartWings Solar Shades.I used to think that if I wanted to solve the problem of harsh sunlight, I would have to sacrifice the view outside.After trying SmartWings, I’ve realized that I can actually have both.

When the sunlight gets too strong, I can lower the solar shade and make the light inside feel much softer. At the same time, I don’t have to completely cover the window.That feels much more comfortable to me.

Especially on a June afternoon, when I’m working in the living room, direct sunlight can create a lot of glare on my computer screen. With SmartWings, I can simply lower the shade partway, and the whole space immediately feels more comfortable visually.

I really like that “just right” feeling.I’m not trying to completely block the sun. I just want to decide how much sunlight I want in my home that day.

I Also Realized That Automation Is More Useful Than I Expected

At first, I thought motorized shades might be a little too much, like adding smart technology simply for the sake of having it.But after actually using them, I realized that I had underestimated how convenient automation could be.

For example, during the time of day when the summer sun is strongest, I can schedule my SmartWings shades to lower automatically. Later in the evening, when the sunlight becomes softer, I can have them rise again.That means I don’t have to remember to adjust the shades throughout the day.

For me, this is especially useful in the living room and home office.When I’m working from home, I don’t want to get up every so often just to adjust the shades. Once I have my routine set up, I can let SmartWings follow my schedule while I stay focused on whatever I’m doing.

I Think They’re Especially Well Suited for a Summer Living Room

If I were redesigning my windows right now, I would probably start with the living room.That’s where I spend most of my daytime, and it’s also the room where I want the best balance between natural light and comfort.

I don’t want my living room to feel dark all day, but I also don’t want the afternoon sun shining directly into the room and making everything feel too bright.SmartWings Solar Shades feel like a good middle ground for me.

I also think the clean, simple look works well with the modern and minimalist style that I often see in American homes. I wouldn’t feel like I had suddenly added a bulky decoration to my windows.

1%, 3%, or 5%? Here’s How I Would Choose

If it were my own home, I would first consider the direction each window faces and what I care about most in that particular room.For a window that gets particularly strong afternoon sunlight, I would lean toward 1% or 3%.For a window where I really enjoy the view and don’t want the room to feel too dark, I would choose 5%.But if I could only choose one, I would personally go with 3%.

I think it matches what I want from summer solar shades: less harsh sunlight, a reasonable amount of outdoor visibility, and enough natural light to keep the room feeling open.That’s also why I think SmartWings works so well for a personal home upgrade.

What’s My Biggest Takeaway From Upgrading My Windows This Summer?

I used to think that shades were simply shades. Their main jobs were blocking light and providing privacy.But after paying more attention to SmartWings, I’ve realized that windows can actually become part of my smart home.

For me, smart home technology shouldn’t just mean adding more devices that I can control from my phone.What really makes a smart device worthwhile is whether it can make my everyday life more comfortable.So if I were making a list of home upgrades for this June, I wouldn’t rush out to buy a bunch of new smart devices.

Instead, I would start with one of the most overlooked parts of my home: the windows.If it were my choice, I would go with the SmartWings Motorized Light Filtering Solar Shades Aventus, and I would seriously consider the 3% Openness option.

Because for me, the most comfortable kind of summer isn’t one where I completely shut out the sunlight.It’s one where I get to decide when the sunlight comes in and how much of it I want.And this time, SmartWings gives me exactly that sense of control.