BUYING GUIDE:solar Shades for Windows

Solar Shades for windows are a sleek, versatile style of window treatment that is especially suited to sunny rooms with a view. The unique material make-up of these shades blocks UV rays while still allowing natural light to fill your home. Plus, the special weave of these shades allows you to see out, but blocks the view in, giving you a good level of privacy during the day.

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If you’re considering Solar Shades for your space, learn more about them in this buying guide to solidify your choice.

What Are Solar Shades? 

Solar Shades, sometimes called sun shades or solar blinds are a type of Roller Shade made with innovative material that blocks UV rays. They consist of a single panel of material that rolls up and down around a tube at the top of your window.

What’s the Difference Between Solar Shades & Roller Shades?

The main difference between Roller Shades and Solar Shades comes down to the material. Solar Shades are typically made from fiberglass, vinyl and acrylic blends in open weaves that allow light to filter through while blocking UV rays. Roller Shades are made from polyester, PVC and other similar synthetic materials derived from plastic, and come in materials that range from blackout to light-filtering options.

Understanding Transparency Percentages

When shopping for Solar Shades for windows, you’ll likely notice a percentage associated with each of the materials. This percentage refers to two factors:

• UV protection level – how much UV light is blocked.
• Transparency level – how well you can see through the shade.

Percentages range from 1% up to 10%. Learn more about the most common percentage levels:

10%

10% means the shade blocks 90% of UV rays and is the most transparent, so it provides the best view with the least privacy.

5%

5% means the shade blocks 95% of UV rays and is a bit more semi-transparent, so it provides a good view with some privacy.

3%

3% means the shade blocks 97% of UV rays and is semi-transparent, so it provides a clouded view with more privacy.

1%

1% means the shade blocks 99% of UV rays and is the least transparent, so it provides a more clouded view with the best privacy.

These percentage options are the most common, but others exist, including a few 7% openness options from Chilewich. Choosing the right percentage for your room will mostly depend on your preferences for transparency, as blocking anywhere from 90 to 99% provides excellent UV protection.

Why Choose Solar Shades

Solar Shades for windows offer several unique benefits, including:

Blocks UV Rays

Solar Shades block up to 99% of UV rays, which can be harmful and are responsible for bleaching your furnishings, causing glare and heat buildup.

softens glare

Solar Shades reduce glare by filtering the natural light entering your home. 

Prevents Fading of Your Furnishings

By blocking harmful UV rays that can affect the pigments in your flooring, furniture and décor, Solar Shades for windows keep your interior looking richly hued and newer for longer.

Reduces Heat Buildup

Solar Shades regulate interior temperatures by blocking heat-generating UV rays, so your sun-filled spaces remain cooler. The effect may even help you reduce your energy bills.

Allows You to Maintain Your View

Depending on the transparency level, Solar Shades allow you to still maintain your view to the outdoors with their unique weave that’s transparent from the inside but reduces visibility from the outside.

Easy to Clean

Thanks to their synthetic material make-up, solar shades are very easy to clean, with just a damp cloth or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Some materials even feature a Microban® certification, which means they’re anti-microbial.

Offers Eco-Friendly Choices

Many Solar Shade materials, like those from our Designer Collection, feature green certifications like GreenGuard® and OEKO-TEX®. These both refer to the minimal use of or lack of harmful chemicals in the material. Other materials, like Eco Solar Shades, are made from recycled content and/or are recyclable at the end of their useful life for a sustainable choice.

Customizations for Solar Shades

When choosing custom Solar Shades for windows, you’re able to customize your shades to look and function just the way you want them to. Learn about more of the customization options you have beyond material choice when you choose custom Solar Shades from The Shade Store.

Material Options for Solar Shades

As you’ve learned, materials for Solar Shades for windows are available in primarily neutral colors, but with many different textures, from simple, basic designs to highly textured designer looks. Explore the main categories of Solar Shade materials to determine which best meets your needs and aesthetic preferences.

Basic Solar Shades

These materials are categorized by percentage (1%, 3%, 5%, 10%). Keep in mind that the percentage refers to the level of UV protection as well as the level of transparency. Shopping Basic Solar Shades allows you to explore the color, texture and pattern options available within each percentage category.

designer solar shades

These collections feature unique, eye-catching textures and patterns. Transparency levels vary from 1% to 10% so you can find the right level of sun protection and opacity as well as the right look. Many of these materials feature green certifications ranging from OEKO-TEX® and GreenGuard®, which refer to the minimal or lack of harmful chemicals in the material to Microban® certification, which speaks to their anti-microbial properties.

chilewich solar shades

This exclusive collection features eye-catching textures and patterns from Chilewich. These Solar Shade materials are designed with luxurious weaves from traditional Basketweave to Rib Weave with character-rich striation to Boucle with an elegant, glimmering weave. All Chilewich materials are also GreenGuard® certified which means minimal to no chemical emissions and Microban® certified, which speaks to their anti-microbial properties.

sunbrella solar shades

Featuring subtle solids and rich, highly textured looks, Sunbrella Solar Shades offer lots of design versatility and add a sense of warmth and softness to your space. Plus, they’re available in a range of transparencies from 1% to 10%. All Sunbrella Solar Shade materials are also GreenGuard® certified which means minimal to no chemical emissions.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR DESIGN

Ready to start designing your custom Solar Shades? Start with your material, then go on to choose your mount type, control type and more to create the perfect shade for your space. START CUSTOMIZING

Control Types

Control type refers to the mechanism that lifts and lowers your shade. Solar Shades for windows come with three main control types: continuous loop control, cordless control and motorization.

Continuous Loop Control

Continuous loop control is a basic control type that comes standard with your Solar Shade.

Continuous loop control consists of a looped chain attached to the tube of your Solar Shade and held taut by a tension device installed on your window frame or wall. To adjust your shade, pull the front side of the looped chain down to lift the shade and lift the chain up to lower the shade. You can also lower the shade by pulling down on the side of the chain closer to the window.  

Cordless

Cordless control features a tension lock mechanism in the tube that allows you to adjust your shade without any dangling cords. To lift and lower your shade, grab the bottom bar and pull the shade slightly down and toward you to release the lock. Then, adjust the shade to the desired height by pulling down or lifting up. To lock the shade in place, simply push the bottom bar toward the window.

Motorized

For motorized Solar Shades, the motor lives in the tube mechanism and mechanically lifts and lowers your shade. You can control your shades with the press of a button on a remote, through an app on your or tablet, or with the sound of your voice when paired with a home automation system like Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

Reverse vs Regular Roll

Reverse and regular roll refer to which way the Solar Shade material falls off the tube: front or back.

REVERSE ROLL: FRONT

The material rolls off the front of the tube.

Best for:

• Concealing the roller tube with the material for a clean, minimalist look.
• Doors or windows with handles or cranks, as the material will clear these obstacles.
• Clearing the windowsill so you can leave décor or plants up regardless of shade position.

REGULAR ROLL: BACK

The material rolls off the back of the tube.

Best for:

• Filtering more light and providing a more tailored look as the material sits closer to the window.
• Allowing for easy layering over your shade with another shade or drapery.
• Pairing nicely with a valance which covers the tube for a polished, finished look.

Valances

A valance is a piece of material that covers the very top of your window treatment. Solar Shades for windows come with two optional types of valances.

metal valance

Metal valances come in five finishes, and you can choose to include a fabric insert to match the material of your shade. Inside-mount and outside-mount options are available.

UPHOLSTERED VALANCE

A 4-inch wooden valance, that is handmade and fully upholstered in the same material as your shade. Inside-mount and outside-mount options are available.

Get Inspiration for Solar Shades for Windows

Explore curated spaces with Solar Shades for windows to get ideas for your own interior design.

Sunny Breakfast Nook

For a sunny breakfast nook with lots of wood tones, Solar Shades are a great choice to cut the glare from the morning sun and protect your richly hued wood tones. That’s what artist and influencer Brooke Eide had in mind when she designed this space for her family. The soft, warm off-white color of Solistico in Oatmeal blends beautifully with the other warm tones in the space, and the 1% transparency gives Brooke the light control and privacy she needs without totally blocking the sunlight. 

Pictured: Solar Shades, Sunbrella, 1% Solistico in Oatmeal, designed by Brooke Eide

MAODE supply professional and honest service.

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Southwestern-Styled Living Room


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For a living room with a southwestern-inspired design, choose Solar Shades in a soft off-white color, like 3% Thermo in Cloud, for a soft, neutral color that fades into the background. The Solar Shades will create a blank canvas for the rest of your design’s rich colors like dusty brown, muted rust and wood tones to shine through.

Pictured: Solar Shades, 3% Thermo in Cloud

Contemporary Living Room

For a contemporary living room with minimalist décor and subtle pops of color, choose Solar Shades with a neutral color, but highly varied texture like Chilewich’s Boucle in Newsprint. The neutral color will ensure the intentional pops of color in your space will remain the focal points, while the texture of the shade will add just a touch of visual interest to balance the other flat neutral tones like the white walls.

Pictured: Solar Shades, Chilewich, Boucle in Newsprint

DISCOVER MORE CURATED DESIGNS

Cost Considerations

Solar Shades for windows are generally affordable when compared to other types of shades. However, the category of material you choose from will affect your starting price. The following starting prices take into account material only with standard control.

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Other Factors That Affect Upfront Costs

• Size – The size of your shade will of course affect your cost, as the larger the shade, the more material is needed, and the higher the price will be.
• Control type – Standard continuous loop control does not cost extra, however, upgrades like cordless control and motorization will increase your overall price.

Best Applications for Solar Shades

Now that you have a firm understanding of Solar Shades for windows in terms of how they work and their customization options, it’s time to think about how they’ll best suit your space. Thanks to their unique characteristics, Solar Shades are an excellent choice for a number of applications — but there are also some applications where another type of window treatment may be better suited.

Inside-Mount & Outside-Mount Applications

Solar Shades are actually a great choice for either inside- or outside-mount applications, so the choice is primarily up to your preference.

Inside Mount

Inside mount is when your shade is installed inside the window frame or window box, typically fastened to the sides or ceiling of your frame. Inside-mount applications have a depth requirement to ensure a secure mount. For Solar Shades, the depth requirement is only ¾-inch for a secure mount, making them very versatile.

outside mount

Outside mount is when your shade is installed outside the window frame, either from the ceiling or on the wall above your window. Outside-mount applications have no depth requirement, and so are always an option.

Rooms Solar Shades Are Best For

Solar Shades are ideal for the following types of rooms:

• Sunny living rooms and dining rooms where you likely have most of your favorite furniture, artwork and décor. Solar Shades will protect your furnishings from fading by blocking harmful UV rays, so you can enjoy the natural sunlight during the day without consequence.
• Any room with a screen, like living rooms, home offices or media rooms with TVs and monitors, as Solar Shades will cut the glare on your devices.
• Bright kitchens where sunlight is desired while you cook and clean, but you still need a bit of privacy and reduced glare as well.

Rooms Solar Shades Are Not Ideal For

• Drafty rooms like basements, as they won’t do much to help with the draft, and there likely isn’t much sunlight to filter either.
• Rooms that get little to no sunlight, as the full benefits of Solar Shades won’t be realized.
• Rooms where you need privacy at night, like bedrooms and bathrooms, as Solar Shades don’t provide the best privacy at night.

How to Measure for Solar Shades

Thinking Solar Shades are the right fit for your home? Learn how to measure your window so you can place your custom order. Measuring varies based on whether you plan for an inside- or outside-mount application.

measuring for inside mount

First, measure the depth of your window frame (from the glass to the edge of the window’s interior trim) to ensure you have the right depth requirement (at least ¾-inch).

Then, you’ll take three measurements for length, in the right, middle and left of your window frame. The largest number is your ordering length. Three measurements for length are important for ensuring the shade covers your entire window, as no window is completely square.

For width, take one measurement at the very top of your window frame since that’s where Solar Shades are widest.

Measuring for Outside Mount

The process for measuring for an outside mount application is even simpler. Measure width based on how far you want your shade to extend beyond the window frame. Measure length based on how high above the frame you want your shades to be.

Solar Shades Installation

If you’re thinking about a DIY installation for your Solar Shades for windows, first get familiar with the process to judge your comfort level with the project.

These are the best practices for installation of Solar Shades from The Shade Store. Always be sure to review the full installation instructions before starting your project.

• Step 1: Gather tools. You’ll typically need a stepladder, pencil, tape measure, level, drill and screwdriver, but check the specific install instructions for an exact list.  
• Step 2: Decide whether you’ll inside or outside mount your shades, which means deciding whether to place them inside the window frame (inside-mount) or outside the window frame on the wall (outside-mount).  
• Step 3: Measure appropriately based on your mount choice and mark where the mounting brackets and tube will go.  
• Step 4: Install the brackets in the right place with the appropriate tools as indicated in the installation guide and then attach the tube.  

Leave it to the Professionals

When you choose Solar Shades for windows from The Shade Store, you can rely on our team of professionals to handle the entire process from measurements to installation. Plus, our measurements are free, so schedule today.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Generally, you can keep your shades clean with a low suction, handheld vacuum or you can dust with a soft, clean cloth or feather duster. For stains or embedded dirt, try a Mr. Clean magic eraser to spot treat the affected area. If that doesn’t work, it’s recommended you contact a local window treatment cleaning specialist who can treat your shade on-site at home. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Shades

Learn even more about Solar Shades for windows by getting answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Solar Shades for windows are designed to let light through, and since our eyes are adapted to see light, that’s why we can see through the shades to the sunlight outdoors. However, at night, this transparency effect gets reversed when your interior lights are on, allowing someone to possibly see through the shade from the outdoors into your interior if you have the lights on. Luckily, this lack of privacy at night is easily solved with an additional layer of window treatments, such as Drapery, Roman Shades or Woven Wood Shades, which can be lowered to provide privacy at night.

Yes, Solar Shades for windows are truly effective at blocking UV rays. By blocking UV rays, you protect your flooring, furniture and décor from fading, reduce glare and mitigate some of the heat buildup caused by UV rays.

Yes, if you have your interior lights turned on at night and your Solar Shades are covering your window, it might be possible to see inside from the outdoors. This is because Solar Shades for windows are designed to let light through, and since our eyes are adapted to see light, that’s why we can see through the shades to the sunlight outdoors during the day. However, this transparency effect gets reversed when your interior lights are on at night, allowing someone to possibly see through the shade from the outdoors into your interior if you have the lights on. To solve the privacy issue, add another layer of window treatments over your Solar Shades, such as Drapery, Roman Shades or Woven Wood Shades.

Solar Shades are a type of Roller Shade, and both are made with the same hardware: a rotating tube at the top of your window fastened by brackets. However, the difference between these two types of shades comes down to material.

Solar shades for windows are made from unique materials that allow light to filter though while blocking UV rays. They come in several transparency levels from 1% which blocks up to 99% of UV rays and has minimal transparency to 10% which blocks up to 90% of UV rays and has the best transparency.

Roller Shades are primarily made from polyester with materials ranging from blackout, which blocks up to 99% of all light for a room darkening effect, to light-filtering options which vary in their level of light filtration.

SHOP SOLAR SHADES

See your product options and make the right selections to design the perfect Solar Shades for your home.   

Your patio, porch, or deck is more than just an outdoor space; an open-air living room, a place for relaxation and connection. The right outdoor shades are the key to unlocking its full potential, providing comfort, privacy, and style. A great set of patio shades can take your outdoor area from functional to fabulous, turning a sun-baked spot into a cool, comfortable retreat.

Here at Blindsgalore, our family has been helping people create homes they love for over 25 years. We handcraft every window covering to your exact measurements, and that includes our entire collection of outdoor sun shades. We know that the best solutions are the ones that stand up to the elements while looking beautiful.

Shop Outdoor Shades Now

Why Outdoor Shades Matter for Comfort & Style

High-quality outdoor patio shades do more than just block the sun. They are a fundamental part of creating a usable and enjoyable outdoor living area. A good shade will protect you and your guests from harsh UV rays, reduce uncomfortable glare, and lower the ambient temperature significantly. They also protect your outdoor furniture from fading.

Beyond function, outdoor shades help define your space. They can create the feeling of an outdoor room, offering privacy from neighbors and adding a touch of polished style.

Top Types of Patio Shades Explained

Choosing the right type of outdoor blinds depends on your needs for sun protection, privacy, and style. We would only ever suggest specific products designed for outdoor use, as they are built with materials meant to withstand the weather. You can see our full, curated collection of outdoor shades on our site.

Outdoor Solar Shades: Sun Protection & a Clear View

Outdoor solar shades are one of the most popular and practical choices. These clever shades are made from a high-tech woven fabric that is specifically engineered to block UV rays and cut down on heat and glare, all while preserving your beautiful view of the outdoors. You can choose from different “openness factors” (typically 1% to 14%) to select exactly how much light and visibility you want. A lower percentage means more privacy and sun blockage, while a higher percentage offers a clearer view.

Outdoor Roller Shades: Durable and Simple

Outdoor roller shades offer a clean, minimalist look. A single piece of durable, weather-resistant fabric rolls up neatly into a headrail when not in use. The materials used for outdoor roller shades are much tougher than their indoor counterparts, designed to resist moisture, mildew, and fading.

Retractable Sun Shade for Patio Use: Ultimate Flexibility

A retractable sun shade for patio areas gives you the best of both worlds. You can extend the shade for full coverage when the sun is intense, then retract a shade completely when you want an open-air feel. This flexibility makes them a great choice for multi-use spaces.

Outdoor Curtains: A Touch of Softness

For a softer, more elegant look, outdoor curtains are a wonderful option. Made from weather-resistant fabrics, they can transform a porch or pergola into a resort-like cabana. They add color and texture while providing privacy and shade when drawn. The choice of fabrics can range from light and airy to rich and dramatic, similar to the variety you might find for indoor drapery .

How to Choose the Right Patio Sun Shades

With the right information, you can confidently select the perfect patio sun shades for your space.

• Material and Durability: What is the best material for outdoor patio shades? Look for high-quality, synthetic fabrics like PVC-coated polyester. A material like this is designed to be durable, water-resistant, and resistant to fading and microbial growth. The hardware should also be robust and rust-proof.
• Wind Resistance: To keep your shades from swinging in the breeze, we recommend adding bungee tie-downs. These simple accessories secure the bottom of the shade to your porch or deck, keeping a shade stable and secure even on windy days .
• UV Protection: All of our outdoor solar shades for patio use offer excellent UV protection, blocking up to 99% of harmful rays. This not only protects your skin but also prevents your outdoor furniture and decking from fading.
• Choosing a Color: What is the best color for outdoor shades? Darker colors absorb more heat but provide a clearer, more transparent view to the outside and better glare control. Lighter colors are better at reflecting heat, which can help keep your space feeling cooler. We offer up to 15 free samples so you can see the colors in your own space before you buy .
• Motorization for Effortless Control: We always encourage customers to consider outdoor motorized shades. A large outdoor shade can be heavy, and a motorized lift makes operation effortless. With the push of a button, you can raise or lower your shades with ease. A motorized system is also completely cordless, making a shade much safer for homes with children and pets.
• Creating Privacy: For a true outdoor sanctuary, choose outdoor privacy shades made from an opaque fabric or a solar screen with a very low openness factor (1-3%). A setup like this will block the view from the outside, giving you a private space to relax.

Custom Outdoor Shades, Made Just for You

Every outdoor space is unique. That is why custom outdoor shades are the best solution. We handcraft every shade to your exact width and height, ensuring a perfect fit for your porch, patio, or pergola . Off-the-shelf products simply cannot offer the same tailored look and function.

How much do outdoor blinds typically cost? Because every product is custom-made, prices fluctuate based on size, material, and features like motorization . We pride ourselves on offering multiple solutions for every price point, so you can find a high-quality shade that fits your budget.

The Blindsgalore DIY Advantage

We believe you shouldn’t have to hire an outside professional to get beautiful window treatments. In fact, 99% of our customers measure and install their own coverings, and you can too.

Whether you are a DIY expert or not, installation will be a breeze. All you will need are a few basic tools and about an hour. Our online measuring and installing guides have all the information you need, and our in-house team of experts is just a call or text away if you have a question.

For more information, please visit Sun Shading System.