October 25, 2023
In this blog entry, our professional Florida window treatment installation experts will detail the main differences between roller shades and solar shades.
Solar shades are usually made of a blend of PVC and polyester, although they are available in a wide variety of organic materials. They are super easy to clean, making them a great option for doors, nurseries, playrooms, and even kitchens. Solar shades aren’t usually available in blackout varieties, and come in a range of shade textures with different levels of privacy and light control. Solar shades usually have larger single panels than roller shades..
Solar shades have a variety of light control options measured by their openness, another way of saying how tight their material is weaved together. 1% openness is the most popular solar shade choice for homes, and offers the most privacy and least outward views. 3% openness solar shades are ideal for high rise buildings or condos where privacy from the street is less of a concern, as it offers a better view of the exterior but less privacy. 5% openness is great for patio windows or areas of the home where privacy is less of a concern, and 10% openness is fantastic for commercial properties that want to maximize views.
Roller Shades are usually fully constructed out of polyester, but of course are also available in other fabric options. They are harder to clean than solar shades, and will require a bit more laundering technique to do so. Roller shades can be blackout, and are available in a wide range of textures and colors.
Roller shades have a wide variety of privacy and light control options. Sheer roller shades have the least privacy with the best outward views – you will have daytime privacy, but people outside can probably see into your home at night. Light filtering roller shades are the most popular, filtering light out while providing more privacy than solar shades or sheer roller shades. Room darkening roller shades are a dark version of light filtering shades, and are a great choice for rooms that require privacy and light reduction. Blackout roller shades have special PVC applied to their street side that allows you to achieve room darkening light control and maximum privacy.