Solar shades are becoming extremely popular at the moment and they’re a great option for many and there are a multitude of reasons. If you have a space with many windows and there is always a lot of sunlight entering, then these shades are definitely for you but then again, solar shades are a great alternative to standard window treatments and anyone could enjoy the benefits they have to offer.

What Exactly are Solar Shades?

Made of a tightly woven fabric, these shades are basically a type of roller shade. The weave is tight enough to eliminate harsh sunlight but also sheer like and open enough to see through. Whereas regular sheers don’t provide as much protection from the sun’s rays, solar shades softens the light that enters your room. The fabric is available in a range of openness. With a smaller openness, the less likely you will be able to see through the weave on either side. The beauty of solar shades is that even when they’re lowered, they won’t obstruct your view. You can still enjoy the scenery without the sun hurting your eyes, unlike ordinary shades that block your view when they’re lowered.

What Are The Benefits of Solar Shades?

These shades have many benefits ranging from decor to financial. Let’s look further into these benefits so that you can fully understand how amazing these shades really are for your home.

• Solar shades decrease energy transfer, reducing energy costs by an average of 15%. They’ll keep your home cooler in the hotter months and warmer in the colder months, acting as a great insulator. In the long-run, these window treatments will save you money.
• They reduce glare significantly, making it perfect for the days when you’re trying to watch a movie and the sun is extra lively. No need to try and blackout your windows.
• They come in a motorization option, so for those who are disabled or just enjoy the convenience of not having to operate their shades manually, this is a major benefit.
• Solar shades are UV resistant, therefore your furniture and floors will be protected from sun damage and discoloration. They’re antimicrobial meaning they aid in keeping your home clean and their flame resistance helps prevent fires, should you have one, from spreading through your house.
•  Their classy and timeless design works well for almost any type of home decor and will elevate the style of any room in your home.
• For homes with big windows and stunning views, you can still appreciate a sunset without hurting your eyes. Solar shades climate glare without stealing the view when lowered.
• Made up of recycle and biodegradable materials, if you were to ever throw them out, you’d be doing very little damage to the environment. That being said, these shades could last you up to 20 plus years. They’re one of the most eco-friendly window treatment options available at the moment.

With so many benefits, one would obviously wonder what the cons are.

Well, as with most things, there’s usually at least one downside and the same goes for solar shades. If you’re big on privacy, which most, if not all of us are,  then these shades might not be the best fit for you or for every room in your house. The sheer-like weave of the fabric does allow for people to see inside your home especially at night when your home is lit from within. The best option would be to go with a lower openness percentage or better yet, pair it with another window treatment such as draperies or curtains, which is actually not a bad look at all and we highly recommend doing that even for added aesthetics. Another option is to add another layer, a blackout lining. This way you’ll be able to keep the clean, trimmed look that solar shades provide without having to add curtains and this will provide a sufficient amount of privacy when needed.Really, solar shades are such a benefit to any home, they cannot be overlooked especially if you have beautiful views, like the idea of saving money and want to do what you can to stay as eco-friendly as possible.