When it comes to choosing the right window treatments for your home or office, understanding the differences between your options will help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your space.
Today we’re discussing Solar Shades and Roller Shades, two options that are popular for their functionality and aesthetic appeal. Both offer distinct advantages, but serve slightly different purposes. Here’s what you need to know about solar shades vs. roller shades.
What are Roller Shades?
Roller shades are versatile and offer a wide range of opacities, from sheer to blackout. They are primarily used for privacy and light control. Roller shades can be made from various materials, including fabrics that range from translucent to opaque, giving you full control over the room’s ambiance.
Key Benefits of Roller Shades:
- Versatility: Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and materials.
- Light Control: Options from sheer to blackout cater to different lighting needs.
- Privacy: Provides complete privacy when made with opaque materials.
What are Solar Shades?
Solar shades are a type of roller shade designed primarily to block out harmful UV rays and reduce glare while still allowing a view outside your window. They’re an excellent choice for rooms with direct sunlight exposure, as they can significantly decrease the heat entering the space. Solar shades come in various opacities, measured in percentages, which indicate the amount of light and UV rays they block. A lower percentage means more light is blocked.
Key Benefits of Solar Shades:
- UV Protection: Protects furniture and flooring from fading due to sun exposure.
- Energy Efficiency: Helps in reducing cooling costs by blocking solar heat.
- Maintains View: Allows for an outside view even when shades are drawn.
Comparing Solar and Roller Shades
1. Purpose
- Solar Shades: Aimed at UV protection and reducing solar heat.
- Roller Shades: Focus on privacy and complete light control.
2. Material and Opacity
- Solar Shades: Typically made from a mesh-like material, allowing for visibility.
- Roller Shades: Available in a variety of materials, from sheer to blackout.
3. Style
- Solar Shades: Often have a more modern, minimalist look.
- Roller Shades: Offer more options in terms of design and aesthetic appeal.
Making Your Choice
The decision between solar shades and roller shades ultimately depends on the specific needs of your space. If your primary reason for purchasing shades in the first place is to reduce glare and protect against UV rays without sacrificing on your view, solar shades are definitely the way to go. But if you’re looking for a variety of design options and complete control over light and privacy, roller shades might be the better choice for you.
Remember, you don’t have to choose the same type of shade for every room. You can mix and match depending on the specific requirements of each space in your home or office.
At EcoSmart Shades, we offer a variety of solar and roller shades. Be sure to check out our full offerings of both, and with any questions, reach out to one of our Shade Gurus.