
Designer Screen Shades Fabric: Umbria Color: Pebble
Buyer's Guides
Solar Shades
May 10, 2022
by Hunter Douglas
Solar window shades are roller shades crafted with a specially designed fabric that’s woven just tight enough to protect against UV rays.
What Are the Best Solar Shades?
Solar Shades for Windows: Openness Explained
Openness refers to how tightly the fabric is woven. The lower the openness level and the tighter the fabric weave, the better it blocks the sun—but the less you can see through the shades. The higher the openness level, the looser the weave and the less it blocks the light—however, you have better visibility.
Unlimited Options

Designer Screen Shades Fabric: Barista Color: Decadence
Solar Shades and Color
One thing to keep in mind when choosing solar shades is the fabric color. Even if you compare fabrics with the same opacity level, lighter and darker colors work a bit differently. Lighter colors better reflect heat and illuminate a room, but the view might be a little hazy (similar to that of sheers). So, if you have small windows or want to brighten a space, a lighter color may work best. Dark colors, on the other hand, are excellent at reducing glare and providing better view-through. A darker fabric is a great choice for larger windows that overlook an amazing outdoor setting.

Designer Screen Shades Fabric: Empire Color: Fence Post

Designer Screen Shades Fabric: Abyss Color: Volcanic Ash
Do Solar Shades Offer Privacy?
Yes and no. The higher the openness level (the looser the fabric weave), the better you can see through the fabric. But during the day, you have a little more privacy—you can see outside, but others cannot see into your home. When your lights are on at night, the effect is the opposite and passersby can see inside.

Designer Screen Shades Fabric: Empire Color: Gray Mist

Designer Screen Shades Fabric: Panama Color: Cotton
UV Protection and Energy Efficiency

Designer Screen Shades Fabric: Ashon Color: Moonlight
Minimal Light Gap
Even if you choose a low openness level, some solar shades may still let in light through a slight gap between the shade and the window frame. Designer Screen Shades are designed with an ultra-slim Custom Clutch which, because of its small profile, allows for the absolute thinnest light gap in the industry.
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