Shades/windows that block direct sun but let light in?

[JKeys]

Didn't really know where to put this thread, but....

I'm having a problem with my plants. Whenever it is sunny put, I need to adjust my curtains so that no direct sun hits my plants, Is there a type of curtain that allows lots of light but also blocks out direct sun? (Another reason I am saving for a small greenhouse-I won't have this problem.) I would adjust the curtains, but I am at school all day, and it is the middle of winter, so most of the good light hours are when I am away. Any help would be great. Thanks!

[AnonYMouse]

If I'm understanding your post, you want to filter the sunlight?

I have "frosted" my windows with vinyl sheets. They stick to glass without adhesives. I've seen them marketed specifically for windows for insulation and privacy. I used cabinet/pantry shelf liner which seems pretty opaque but they cover a wicked SW window.

Edit to add: some shower curtain liners are made from the same material.

[JKeys]

Thank you!

[AnonYMouse]

Oh and conventionally, you can hang sheer curtains.

[RosieC]

I have sheer curtains and mine do well behind them although sunshine in the UK is not as much as somewhere like Florida (for instance). I have no idea how much light you get in Boston. Sheer curtains tend to be considered old fashioned by many (at least around where we live) but my hubby wanted them for privacy anyway and that works out just fine for my orchids

[RosieC]

I also use a spare one of the sheer curtains (that used to be on a window where we now have blinds) as my shade cloth in the greenhouse. Of course because it's not bought for that purpose I have no idea the percentage shade... but my plants seem happy in the summer

[gardengirl13]

Yeah I'm not overly worried about my chids right now since the sun isn't real warm here yet, but in a month or so I'll be using my sheer curtain. Like others have said, they're a bit old fashion but that also means cheap! I got one at Target for about $6!

ETA: you could probably get one at goodwill for a buck or two.

[james mickelso]

Boston's sunlight is very weak right now and won't hurt catts or laelias but oncidiums and phals might need some protection. You can get spring loaded extendable curtain rods that just expand to the sides of your windows and then are held inplace by springs. You can also get sheer curtains that fit most windows. These are purchased at Wallmart or most large stores. That would be all you need. As for summer light, just add two together and that should be enough. A small fan would help cool any heat build up on the leaves. Pics please.

[Vanda lover]

I found shear curtains to be the best solution in our south window, which is hot and sunny in the summer. I can pull them back for the winter when there is a lot less light. I don't know about them being old fashioned, a lot of people still use them here. If you put vinyl on the windows you can't see out, and in the winter you have less light.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

You can get spring loaded extendable curtain rods that just expand to the sides of your windows and then are held inplace by springs.

Those are really good and are what we use. We tried ones that stuck on the window frame and they just fell off. You can't use the old sort that screwed in on modern PVC windows so we were stuck with constantly sticking the sticky pad ones back up until we spotted the spring loaded ones. They are well worth looking for, we've used them for several years now and they work really well.