When you live with a lot of sunshine - whether it’s bright mornings in Wilmington, DE, a condo in Miami, or a family home in Texas - natural light feels amazing until it starts working against you. A sunny room can boost your mood, but too much direct light can create harsh screen glare, fade sofas and rugs, and make your AC run harder than it should. That’s exactly where solar shades come in.
No surprise they’re trending right now - here’s why: Rising Popularity of Solar Shades
In this guide, we’ll break down what solar shades are, how they work, and why our Beasen Home smart motorised solar shades might be the simple upgrade your windows have been asking for.
What exactly are solar shades? How are they different from ordinary roller shades?
Traditional roller shades roll up and down on a tube, but they’re usually made from thick fabric that either completely blocks light (blackout) or softly filters it (light‑filtering). Solar shades are different. They are made from a specially woven screen‑like material - often a blend of synthetic fibres like vinyl, polyester or coated fibreglass - that acts like a filter.
This mesh allows some daylight and outward view to remain while actively blocking harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays and reducing heat and glare. Because the fabric is thin and porous, it doesn’t trap dust like conventional blinds and has a sleek, minimalist look.
So why can’t you just use your existing roller shade? Solar shades are purpose‑built to solve specific problems:
- Reduced heat & energy savings: In cooling seasons, about 76 % of the sunlight that strikes standard double‑pane windows becomes heat. Energy‑efficient window coverings help by keeping rooms cooler, reducing AC use and cutting energy bills
- Protection against UV damage: Sunlight brings about 95 % UVA and 5 % UVB radiation. UVA can penetrate typical window glass, causing skin damage and fading furnishings. Good solar shades block a high percentage of these rays while still letting in daylight.
- Glare control: Whether you’re working on a laptop or watching TV, glare from direct sunlight strains your eyes. By diffusing light, the mesh fabric softens glare without darkening your room. If glare is your daily headache, read Reducing Glare and Enhancing Ambiance with Solar Shades
- Preserving your view: Unlike blackout shades that turn your room into a cave, solar shades maintain a clear outward view. Many homeowners appreciate that they can still enjoy garden vistas or city skylines even as the shades filter light.
If you’re still deciding between blinds and a screen-style shade, this quick comparison helps: Solar Shades vs Traditional Blinds
How do solar shades work? Why does the “openness” matter?
Solar shade fabric is woven with tiny, evenly spaced holes. The size of these holes - called the openness factor - determines how much light passes through. A lower openness (1 % or 3 %) uses tighter weaves, blocking more light and offering greater daytime privacy. Higher openness (5 %, 10 % or 14 %) has larger gaps, letting in more light and preserving an outside view. The trade‑off is simple:
|
Openness level |
Light transmission |
Daytime privacy & glare control |
Suggested use |
|
1 % |
Minimal light passes through; views are mostly obscured |
Excellent glare reduction and privacy - good for south‑facing rooms or media rooms |
Home offices, bedrooms, rooms with sensitive furniture |
|
3 % |
Filters most sunlight; maintains a soft view |
Balances light filtering with moderate visibility; good for reducing screen glare |
Living rooms, kitchens |
|
5 % (our choice) |
Allows a gentle glow while blocking most UV |
Offers a clear outside view while cutting glare |
Common areas where you want to see out but still reduce heat; ideal for apartments with scenic views |
|
10 %+ |
Lots of light and clear views |
Reduces heat but has less privacy; best when paired with drapery |
Restaurants, offices, patios |
The openness factor is not the same as colour. Colour influences how the fabric looks and how it performs:
- Lighter fabrics reflect more heat and brighten the room but can look hazy from the inside, slightly washing out your view.
- Darker fabrics provide better glare control and a crisper view because the eye adjusts to the darker shade. However, they absorb more heat and may not be as cool.
When choosing your shade, think about your orientation (east/west facing windows need more protection), your desired level of privacy and whether you prefer crisp views or a soft glow. If you’re unsure, our Swatch Samples kit lets you feel and see the fabric in your space.
Are solar shades good for privacy? Can people see inside at night?
Solar shades provide daytime privacy because the light outside is brighter than inside; the mesh fabric appears almost opaque from the outside. However, at night the situation reverses: when your interior lights are on and it’s dark outside, the fabric becomes translucent and passers‑by can see in. To maintain privacy at night, consider one of these strategies:
- Layer with drapes or curtains: Pairing solar shades with blackout curtains combines daytime view with nighttime privacy. This also enhances insulation in winter.
- Opt for dual shades: Some homeowners choose a dual roller system that has a solar shade for daytime and a blackout shade for night, giving you the best of both worlds.
- Choose a lower openness (1 % or 3 %): Tighter weaves offer more privacy during the day and slightly more at night, though layering is still recommended if you require total privacy.
What benefits do solar shades provide? A deeper look
Beyond basic light control, solar shades bring a surprising number of benefits:
1. Energy savings & comfort
Heating and cooling account for a large chunk of your home’s energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30 % of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows, and in cooling seasons around 76 % of sunlight that hits your double‑pane windows becomes heat.
By intercepting this heat before it enters, solar shades help reduce your reliance on air‑conditioning. Studies show that properly installed solar screen shades can reduce incoming heat by 30–70 %, leading to significant savings over time. The open weave still lets in daylight, so you can keep the lights off longer, reducing electricity use further.
If you’re wondering about long-term value, read Are Solar Shades Worth the Investment?
2. UV protection for you and your furnishings
Did you know that UVA radiation can penetrate typical residential glass and cause skin damage? This is why fabrics and furniture often fade near sunny windows. Quality solar shade fabrics are designed to block up to 95–99 % of UV rays, shielding your skin and prolonging the life of your interiors. A light‑filtering solar shade acts like sunscreen for your home; you still get soft daylight without the harmful rays.
3. Glare control & visual comfort
Whether you’re working from home or watching a cricket match, glare on your screens is frustrating. Solar shades diffuse direct light, reducing glare without turning your room into a dark cave. For computer work or home theatres, a low openness (1 % or 3 %) is ideal, while 5 % openness (the fabric we use) hits a sweet spot between visibility and glare reduction.
4. Protection for artwork and flooring
UV rays and heat degrade paintings, photographs and hardwood floors. By filtering UV light, solar shades help prevent fading and warping. This is especially important if you have precious artwork or vintage rugs.
5. Better view of the outdoors
A huge advantage of solar shades is that they allow you to enjoy your view. The open‑mesh structure maintains a connection to the outside world, which is shown to improve well-being. If you have a balcony or garden and love your morning view, solar shades are perfect.
6. Modern aesthetic & simple maintenance
Solar shades have a sleek, minimalist look that pairs well with contemporary décor. They take up less visual space than horizontal blinds and offer a clean, uncluttered appearance. Because they’re made from screen fabric, dust and pet hair don’t collect as easily, and cleaning is as simple as wiping with a damp cloth or vacuuming with a brush attachment.
7. Reduced outside noise
If you live near traffic, busy streets, or loud neighbours, the right shade setup can help soften the overall noise feel in the room. Here’s our practical take: How Solar Shades Reduce Noise Pollution?
When should you use solar shades? Are they right for every room?
Solar shades shine (pun intended) in spaces where you want natural light and a view, but also need to control heat and glare. Here are a few scenarios:
- Living rooms & family spaces: If your living room has large windows or sliding doors, solar shades keep it bright and comfortable while protecting furniture.
- Home offices: Glare on a laptop can be maddening. A 1 % or 3 % openness shade controls glare so you can work comfortably and productively. If you’re setting up a work zone, read Solar Shades for Offices
- Kitchens & dining areas: A 5 % openness shade keeps the kitchen cool while preserving your view of the backyard.
- Media rooms & nurseries: Use tighter weaves or combine solar shades with blackout curtains for times when you need complete darkness. Our Smart Dual shades combine light‑filtering and blackout fabric on a single motorised system.
- Outdoor patios & balconies: Our Smart Motorized Outdoor Shades - 5 % Openness extend the same benefits outdoors. These heavy‑duty shades block up to 97 % of UV rays, cut wind and offer insect protection, making your balcony usable even on scorching afternoons.
When might solar shades not be enough?
- Nighttime privacy: As noted, solar shades don’t provide complete privacy after dark. Pair with drapery or layer with blackout shades.
- Bedrooms requiring darkness: If you’re a light sleeper or have shift work, a blackout shade or a dual system may be better.
- Historic or ornate interiors: Some spaces call for opulent drapery or wooden blinds to match the architecture. In these cases, you can still use solar shades invisibly behind curtains to reduce heat while preserving décor.
How to choose the right fabric & features - a buying checklist
Choosing solar shades can feel overwhelming because of the options. Use this checklist to narrow your choices:
- Measure accurately. Custom shades are made to the nearest eighth of an inch. Our How to Measure Windows guide helps you avoid common mistakes.
- Pick your openness and colour. Base this on room orientation, desired light and privacy. Grab our swatch kit or call us for advice.
- Decide on mount type. An inside mount gives a neat, built‑in look but requires sufficient depth (our 5 % openness shade needs at least 2.4 inches of depth. An outside mount is ideal for shallow frames or if you want to block light gaps.
- Select a valance or cassette. A valance conceals the roll at the top for a polished look. Choose between fabric‑wrapped, aluminium cassette or a minimalist exposed roll based on your style.
- Consider motorisation. Manual pulls are available, but motorised shades add convenience and child safety. Our motors offer left or right side placement and can be charged via plug or solar panel; they last up to six months on a full charge.
- Think about accessories. Options include light blockers, which seal the gaps on the sides of inside‑mounted shades, and solar panels to continuously recharge your motor. Our Smart Link Hub lets you control multiple shades through voice commands and automation routines.
- Shipping & installation. Your custom solar shade will be prepared and shipped in 8 - 10 business days via UPS or DHL. If you need help installing, our professional installers are ready to assist.
Why choose Beasen Home solar shades? What sets us apart?
At Beasen Home we don’t just supply fabric - we design technology‑driven window solutions that fit modern lifestyles. Here’s what makes our solar shades special:
- Smart motorisation out of the box. Our shades come ready for wireless control through an included remote or our app. They integrate with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings, making automation effortless.
- Long‑lasting battery & eco‑friendly option. Our motors run for up to six months per charge and can be paired with a solar panel to harness sunlight for recharging. The fabric is free from harmful VOCs and available in GREENGUARD‑certified options.
- Custom‑crafted to your window. We build shades from 24 inches to 95 inches wide and 22 inches to 99 inches high, with an inside‑mount depth requirement of 2.4 inches and a mount projection of 2.25 inches for outside mounts. Each shade is tailor‑made, not cut down from stock sizes.
- Easy ordering and support. Ordering online is simple: select your fabric colour, mount type, size and accessories. We’ll prepare your shade and ship it within 8–10 business days, even when ordering multiple shades.
- Thoughtful extras. We provide optional light blockers, fabric cassettes, reverse roll orientation and valance options so you can customise the look. We also offer swatch samples, remote upgrades (5‑channel or 15‑channel), and an extended warranty.
- Professional installation available. If you’d rather not DIY, our network of licensed pros can measure and install your shades perfectly.
Do solar shades work in winter? What about cold climates?
Contrary to the belief that solar shades are only for summer, they also provide benefits during winter. The same screen fabric that blocks heat in summer traps warmth in winter by creating an insulating barrier at the window. In cold weather, heat normally escapes through glass; solar shades reduce this loss while still allowing in some sunlight to warm the room.
Final thoughts
Solar shades are one of those simple upgrades that you notice every single day - less glare, a cooler room, and better protection for your interiors, without making your home feel dark or closed off.
At Beasen Home, we make it easy to get that comfort with smart motorised solar shades that look clean, work smoothly, and fit your space properly. If you’re ready to make your windows feel smarter (and your afternoons feel calmer), explore our Solar Shades collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do solar shades work at night for privacy?
Solar shades mainly protect privacy during the daytime by limiting visibility from outside while you can still see out. At night, when indoor lights are on, silhouettes may become visible, so pairing them with curtains or blackout shades is recommended.
2. Can I install solar shades on large windows or sliding doors?
Yes. Solar shades are commonly used on wide windows and patio doors because the fabric stays flat and clean looking. Motorised options are especially helpful for large openings where manual operation would be inconvenient.
3. Are solar shades safe for homes with kids and pets?
Cordless or motorised solar shades are considered safer because they eliminate hanging cords. This reduces entanglement risks and also makes everyday use simpler.
4. Will solar shades match different interior styles?
They usually blend easily with modern, minimalist, coastal, and contemporary interiors because of their simple flat design. Choosing the right colour and openness level helps them feel subtle rather than decorative.
5. How long do solar shades typically last?
With normal use and basic cleaning, good-quality solar shades can last many years. Motorised systems also have long service lives since they operate smoothly and reduce wear compared to manual pulling.
