If you’re looking for a window treatment that reduces glare, protects your home from harsh sunlight, and still lets you enjoy your view, solar shades might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Solar shades are a popular choice because they strike a balance between light control, energy efficiency, and visibility.
Below, we’ll break down what solar shades are, how they work, and how to decide if they’re right for your space.
What Are Solar Shades?
Solar shades are a type of roller shade made from a specialized woven fabric designed to filter sunlight rather than block it completely. Instead of darkening a room like blackout shades, solar shades reduce glare and heat while maintaining outward visibility.
They’re often used in rooms with large windows, bright sun exposure, or scenic views, like living rooms, home offices, kitchens, and sunrooms.
How Do Solar Shades Work?
Solar shade fabrics are woven in a way that allows a controlled amount of light to pass through while blocking UV rays and excess heat. The tiny openings in the fabric diffuse sunlight before it enters your home, which helps:
- Reduce glare on screens and TVs
- Protect furniture and flooring from UV damage
- Improve indoor comfort on sunny days
The key feature that determines how much light gets through is something called openness.
What Is Openness Factor?
Openness factor refers to how tightly or loosely the solar shade fabric is woven. It’s expressed as a percentage and indicates how much light passes through the shade.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 1–3% openness
- Maximum glare and UV protection
- More privacy
- Limited outward visibility
- 5% openness
- Balanced light control and visibility
- Most popular choice for living spaces
- 10% openness
- Maximum view preservation
- Minimal glare reduction
- Best for spaces with indirect sunlight
Choosing the right openness depends on your room’s sun exposure, privacy needs, and how important the view is to you.
Benefits of Solar Shades
Solar shades offer several practical benefits that make them a go-to option for many homeowners:
Glare Reduction
They soften harsh sunlight without turning your room dark, making them ideal for home offices, media rooms, and kitchens.
UV Protection
Solar shades block a significant portion of UV rays, helping prevent fading and damage to furniture, artwork, and flooring.
Energy Efficiency
By reducing solar heat gain, solar shades help keep rooms cooler in summer and can reduce strain on your HVAC system.
View Preservation
Unlike heavier window treatments, solar shades allow you to maintain your connection to the outdoors.
Modern Look
Their sleek profile works well in contemporary and minimalist spaces.
Solar Shades vs. Roller Shades
While solar shades and roller shades look similar, they serve different purposes.
- Solar shades filter light and preserve views
- Roller shades are typically made from solid fabrics that provide more privacy and light blocking
If your goal is glare reduction and UV protection without sacrificing daylight, solar shades are the better choice. If you need full privacy or room darkening, a traditional roller or blackout shade may be more appropriate.
For more about solar vs. roller shades, check out our guide to the subject.
Where Do Solar Shades Work Best?
Solar shades are especially effective in rooms with consistent sun exposure, including:
- Living rooms with large windows
- Home offices where screen glare is an issue
- Kitchens and dining areas
- Sunrooms and enclosed porches
- South- or west-facing windows
They can also be layered with drapery or paired with other shades if you want additional privacy at night.
Do Solar Shades Provide Privacy?
During the day, solar shades provide excellent privacy while still allowing you to see outside. At night, however, privacy decreases when interior lights are on, a common characteristic of light-filtering window treatments.
If nighttime privacy is a concern, consider pairing solar shades with curtains or choosing a lower openness percentage.
At EcoSmart Shades, our collection of Solar Shades is folded in with our collection of Roller Shades. To order Solar Shades, simply choose the “3000 Net solar screen” option under our Custom Roller Shades product. From there, you can customize your fabric transparency.
Still got questions about whether solar shades are the right fit for your home, or how to order them? Be sure to get in touch with your team of Shade Gurus to learn more.