Roller Vs Solar Shades: Which Is Right For You
The home decor world can be a confusing place! Are you tripped up by all the terms and jargon? Youre not alone.
In fact, scores of customers come to us wondering what it means to mount window coverings on the inside, for example. Others want to know if their home is a good candidate for cordless blinds . From the origin of Roman shades to the mechanics of motorized window treatments, the experts at Factory Direct Blinds have it all down patand theyre always here to help.
Today, theyre pooling their knowledge on two types of window coverings we manufacture and help homeowners install every day: roller shades and solar shades. How are they similar? How are they different? Why should you choose one over the other? And are roller shades or solar shades right for your home improvement project? Keep reading to find out.
Reason #: It Looks Better
The materials we use to make our solar shades are heavier and stiffer than other window-covering fabrics. It would be impossible to create the gauzy, translucent appearance of a sheer shade with UV-rated fabric. A cellular shade requires a more flexible fabric to create its honeycomb-like air pockets. As for Roman and pleated shades look best with a more malleable fabric.
And speaking of that heavy, stiff fabric: These materials need a sturdy structure to keep them hanging straight across your window instead of sagging. This is especially true with wider-than-usual spaces, like picture windows and window-lined walls in sun rooms and porches. The roller mechanism can be easily reinforced to add support where its needed without adding unnecessary bulk to your window covering.
Why Should You Choose Roller Shades Or Solar Shades For Your Home
The answer to this question is easy: The best benefit of roller shades and solar shades is their versatility. Theyre available in so many colors, fabrics, levels of light filtration and mounting styles that were certain every homeowner can find a shade to suit both their window covering needs and their personal style.
But thats not the only reason roller and solar shades are excellent choices for your home. Lets take a look at the long list of checks in the pro column for these two types of window shades:
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Which Type Of Window Treatment Should You Use Plus A Look At Solar Shades In The Evening
Choosing window treatments is intimidating. Who here has ever thought that? We joke that were the resident Window Advisors on our block were always answering the question from friends, neighbors and family, Which type of window treatment should I use in this insert-room-here?
This post is in partnership with Bali Blinds, a brand weve used for years and continue to love. Fabric samples are always free, and Bali Blinds can be purchased at any of these retailers or you can .
Weve been installing Bali Blinds throughout our own homes in nearly every style and color for the better part of a decade, and because of that, it doesnt feel like a terrifying choice. It feels fun! So today, were going to break down why we chose each type of window treatment for different rooms, as well as taking the mystery out of, But how does it look from the outside at night? Lets do this!
Roller And Solar Shade Opacities
How much light a shade’s fabric will allow in or block? We’ll help you understand the meaning and find the choice that’s right for your home.
When shopping for window shades, you may have wondered about the exact meaning of terms like opacity, openness, light-filtering, room-darkening, and blackout. These all refer to how much light a shade’s fabric will allow in or block. We’ll help you understand the meaning and find the choice that’s right for your home.
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Shop Solar Shades from Blinds.com: http://blnds.cm/2mM99Md
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All About Solar Shades
Block Those UV Rays
Solar shades protect your home from up to 99% of harmful UV rays that can damage and fade your furniture, rugs, and curtains. Have I sold you yet? Im only mildly joking, but this has always been the biggest bonus for us. At the same time, lighter shades will reflect heat away from your home and provide you with valuable energy savings. Win-win.
Enjoy the View
Solar shades offer you the best of both worlds by providing you with a view of the outside while filtering the light you receive inside. Their see-through design is one of the reasons why we chose them for the windows on the front of our house. When drawn, we can still see the trees and passersby, and our home stays cool and free from harsh sunlight.
Openness and Privacy
If youve started collecting your free samples for solar shades, you may have noticed that there are different percentages of openness to choose from. This typically ranges from 114%, and in a nutshell, the higher the number, the more open your view. The smaller the number, the more reduced your daytime view. All solar shades are see-through, and its important to keep in mind how this will impact your privacy at night. If your lights are on in the evening, this will give others a view into your home. So although the see-through weave of solar shades offers you a brighter outdoor view from your dark interior during the day, the opposite is true at night.
Roller Shades And Solar Shades Function Differently
Roller shades are not specifically built to control sunlight in your home, but rather the visible light only. This seems like an odd concept because most window treatments are meant to address light control, but arent always built to address all aspects of sunlight.
Theres more to sunlight than just visible light. Because of this functionality difference, the fabric and structure used on roller shades will be different than on solar shades, even though they appear similar.
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What Is A Roller Shade
Remember the maps your teachers used in 10th grade U.S. history class? The ones that you could pull down from the top of the blackboard? Thats the idea behind a roller shade. Its a window covering that you can pull down when you need it and roll back up when you dont.
A roller shade is a window covering that consists of a piece of fabric or other material wrapped around a cylinder. The textile can be made from various sheets of material, including natural fibers such as linen or bamboo and synthetic fibers such as polyester. Roller shades can be operated manually by pulling the fabric up or down to cover or uncover the window, or they can be motorized.
The main advantage of having a roller shade is its blackout capabilities. Choosing a thick fabric will completely block out all light coming in through the window, making it ideal for bedrooms or home theater rooms. However, they can also be used to reduce opacity or glare if you want it in your living rooms, sun rooms, or home offices.
This type of window covering has come a long way in the last half-century or so. The roller shade category was once dominated by thin window treatments that had cheaply made roll-up mechanisms.
Double Roller Shades Double The Functionality
When it comes to choosing whether to purchase ShadeMonster solar or blackout shades for particular rooms it can be hard to decide. Solar roller shades are light filtering, which allow you to enjoy the view while still protecting you from harmful UV rays and glare. Blackout roller shades, on the other hand, are perfect for room darkening, insulating from the outside weather, and maintaining 100% privacy. With blackout shades, if you want to be able to see outside youll need to raise the shades all the way, which in turn loses your window covering benefits. Depending on the room it might be more beneficial to decide on one specific shade than the other for its functionality.
This may seem like a difficult decision, but you dont wont have to choose when you install double shades. In todays blog, let’s learn about ShadeMonsters double roller blinds and how these shades will meet ALL your needs.
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Whats The Main Difference Between Solar Shades And Roller Shades
There’s a big difference between roller shades and solar shades. Roller shades are made of a solid piece of fabric that’s wrapped around a cylindrical tube, while solar shades are made of several horizontal strips of fabric, similar to blinds. The biggest difference between the two is the amount of light they let in. Solar shades allow you to see through them, while roller shades block out all light.
Are Solar Shades See Through
Yes, solar shades can be see-through. The amount you can see through them will vary depending on the fabric’s openness percentage. The smaller the percentage, the less you can see through them and the less light they allow in.
Can you see through solar shades at night too? Yes. If you have a light on inside and near the shade, people outside may be able to see in through your solar shade. As much as you can see out during the day, you’ll be able to see in at night. So if complete privacy is a big concern of yours, we recommend a light filtering or a blackout roller shade instead.
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Differences Between Roller Shades And Solar Shades
Theres many different varieties of shades commonly available on the market today, and we, the expert bling installation team here at Design Your Blind, have a deep professional understanding of the various aesthetic, practical, and functional benefits of every variety of shades and blinds under the sun. In this blog entry, our professional blind installation team, will explain the difference between roller shades and solar shade two distinct types of window treatments that can help provide beauty and functionality to your home or business.
Solar Shades Help You Control Heat Light And Uv Rays
While both offer light control, solar shades are actually created to control all aspects of sunlight. Sunlight refers to heat, light, and UV rays. Essentially, its the visible sunlight, the feel of the heat from the sun, and the UV radiation.
- Solar shades are made with material that controls what is referred to as heat transference.
- The weave of the fabric controls the intensity and dispersion of visible light and glare.
- The technology applied to the window treatment controls the UV rays which come into contact with the window treatment.
Solar shades not only control visible light but also UV rays and heat transference. You can block out unwanted light, but you can also control the climate in your home much more effectively with solar shades. Depending on the openness factor, you could even get that control without entirely blocking your view.
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Solar Shades Vs Roller Shades
To the untrained eye, roller shades and solar shades may not seem that different. After all, both cover a window in a single, simple sheet of material and operate with a roller and tube function, so many people assume they are different, interchangeable names for the same thing. In truth, solar shades are a type of roller shade, but not all roller shades are solar shades, and each has distinct uses and benefits. The experts at Bloomin’ Blinds can help you understand the difference.
More Versus Blogs: Blinds vs. Shades and Single Cell vs. Double Cell
When To Choose Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are great if youre looking for insulation. While solar shades will save you energy costs, the design of cellular shades allows them to be great insulators. If your primary concern is insulation, these could be the right choice for you.
However, you should keep in mind that individual cellular shades can vary in configuration, and they may be challenging to install if youre putting them on every window. Additionally, you will have to pull your shades up and down as the day passes to adjust how much light you want to filter inside. Cellular shades are also more expensive than solar shades, which may sway your final decision.
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Measuring And Installing Indoor Solar Shades
These solar shades are custom built to fit any of your windows perfectly and can be easily installed by anyone You dont need to be an expert! Weve created guides on How to Measure and How to Install for solar shades that are intended to not only help you correctly measure and install your new shades but give you the confidence in knowing how to do it.
Dont forget, we have a team of in-house design consultants here at JustBlinds that are happy to help you along the way. If you have questions about measuring, installing, or just which window treatment is best for you, they are only a phone call away at 1-800-959-9939.
Measure and Install
- Light Gap on control side: Approximately 3/4″
- Light Gap opposite control side: Approximately 1/2″
Motorization Specifications
- Minimum Inside Mount Depth: 2 1/4″
- Minimum Inside Mount Depth : 3″
- Minimum Outside Mounting Surface: 2″
Optional Upgrades
Solar Shades Vs Other Shade Options
To stay cool in the summer while saving on energy costs and avoiding the annoyance of glaring light, finding window treatments that keep you comfortable and add visual appeal to your home while saving you money is ideal.
There are a variety of shades to choose from that will enhance your outdoor experiences, such as awnings, canopies and patio covers. However, solar shades are energy-efficient and protect from the suns harmful rays. Solar shades are unique window treatments that can help save energy costs, cool your home and increase curb appeal.
Keep reading to discover the benefits of solar shades and how they compare to similar alternatives.
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What Color Solar Shades Work Best
Solar shades are typically only available in neutral colors. Because their main function of blocking UV rays relies on the woven mesh, there isnt a lot of variety in color. However, whether you choose light fabric or dark fabric can make a difference and produce different results, so its important to keep this in mind.
Lighter colored fabrics are better at reflecting heat and keeping a room cooler, as well as brightening a room. However, because of this brightening effect, light-colored solar shades tend to obscure the view or create a cloudy look. Darker colored solar shades, on the other hand, absorb glare and can provide a clearer view. Because they arent as effective at reflecting the suns rays, you may need a lower openness in a darker color to get the same temperature regulation as a lighter colored solar shade.
Uv Protection And Energy Efficiency
Besides protecting your furnishings from damaging UV rays, Designer Screen Shades can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes a room in the winter and enters in the summer, depending on the color of the shade fabric and how tightly the fabric is woven. And for more light control, you can combine two Designer Screen fabrics of varying opacities on the same shade.
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Solar Vs Roller Shades: Is One Better Than The Other
Most people think that solar shades and roller shades are the same. These shades share a common function which is to block out light. However, there are quite a few differences between these twowindow treatments.
Take time to review the advantages and disadvantages of theseshadesbefore you make a decision.
Roller Awning Vs Solar Shades Whats Right For Your Home
Over the past several years, outdoor living spaces have become an essential part of every home. A place for spending time with loved ones, entertaining guests or just enjoying some extra time in the sun with the correct shade system installed, this exterior space can become an extension of your home and a permanent fixture that will be used by the entire family year-round.
With so many options available to homeowners on the market, its easy to become overwhelmed when it comes time to selecting the appropriate choice for creating shade around your own home based on your familys personal needs. While a smaller space may only require an umbrella to provide enough shade, homeowners who are looking to cover a larger patio have an even wider array of choices to pick from, each coming with its own associated advantages. Read on to learn the key differences between two popular choices for outdoor spaces of any size, awnings and solar shades, and how you can pick the right one for your own home.
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What Are Solar Shades
Solar shades, also known as UV Protection Shades, Sun Shades, or Solar Screens, have a similar appearance as roller shades, with no veins or slats and a single sheet of material pulled up or down via roller and functions as a window covering. As the name implies, solar shades functional goal is to block harsh UV rays coming into your space, which in return, allows you to regulate the temperature in your home in the end. Light filtering functionality makes solar shades an excellent treatment option for windows in homes exposed to the sun. Solar shades also protect us against harmful UV rays, help reduce glare, prevent furniture and carpets from fading from the sun.
WHAT IS SOLAR SHADE OPENNESS?
Solar shades have an openness factor related to the weaves tightness and the corresponding shade percentage it provides . In general, the higher the openness factor, the looser the weave and allows more light. For example, if a shade has a 5% openness factor, it will let less light than a solar shade with an openness factor of 10%.
Do solar shades provide privacy?
ROLLER SHADES VS. SOLAR SHADE
Roller shades are made from a range of textiles, often woven light filtering fabric or vinyl, to control a rooms light. Solar shades are made from a mesh material screen designed to combat the sun and block UV rays without entirely blocking the view.
ARE SOLAR SHADES WORTH IT?
ROLLER SHADE & CHILD SAFETY
