Painting in the shade and applying thin coats will also help. The summer heat is on the way, and Joe wants to keep as much of it as he can out of his second-story home office. He feels the south-facing windows are the problem. To make matters interesting, Joe also wants to keep the natural light and the view. If replacing the windows is an option, newer windows on the market keep the heat where you want it.
Screens work by blocking light, so they're out of the question.
Window film also blocks some light but allows a good view during the day. Good, old-fashioned window awnings may be the answer. Awnings can be designed to block direct sunlight, obstructing only the sky without diminishing ambient light. An awning that extends a distance approximately three-fifths the window height will keep direct sunlight out of the room from about March 21 until Sept. 21. This works if the awning is attached to the house so its lowest part is even with the top of the south-facing window.