Looking to update your home’s look? Adding blinds to your décor is a stylish and easy way to transform your space into an elegant retreat.
You wouldn’t want to cover a window that provides a beautiful view. However, there are times when the sun’s harsh glare calls for drawing the shades to make your home’s interior pleasantly habitable.
Shades and blinds can not only improve your home’s privacy but also reduce any glare from the sun while adding character to your home. Here’s a look at some of the products worth considering.
The Upgrade Option
Achim Home Furnishings CSTD35WH06 Top-Down Cordless
One of the most widely used window coverings, these shades are perfect spaces where privacy is crucial such as in bathrooms and bedrooms.
The Value Option
Chicology Cordless Roller Shades Snap-N-Glide
Chicology’s unique snap-n-glide shades allow you to have an enjoyable view while avoiding any glare. Although the view through these shades is somewhat decreased, you’ll still benefit from interior comfort.
How To Choose the Best Solar Shades for Blocking Heat
Solar shades for blocking heat come in a variety of forms. While many features, such as light ray protection and weather-resistant fabric, stay consistent across numerous products, these shades can vary in a few key ways.
Read on to learn about the key features that distinguish solar window shades and how these factors can impact the quality of a product.
Material Color
Due to the effect of color on heat absorption, the lightness or darkness of your solar shade’s fabric will impact how it keeps out heat from the sun. Light-colored solar shades have different pros and cons than dark-colored shades, so it mainly comes down to your personal needs.
Light-colored shades can reflect heat well. This type of shade allows more light to seep into the room for those who prefer natural light in their homes.
The best light-colored shades can block out approximately 80% to 90% of exterior light. This is less than dark-colored shades, so light options may be more fitting for common areas where you may gather socially during the day instead of bedrooms.
Dark solar shades minimize visible light that comes into your home. These shades provide superior control over glare compared to their light-colored counterparts, and 94% to 96% of visible light can be blocked out with a dark shade.
The darker the color is, the more heat it absorbs, so dark-colored shades effectively absorb heat from the sun’s rays and keep it from entering your home (Source).
Openness
Home shades have a characteristic called “openness,” which refers to the volume of light shining through the shade. Generally, when you’re looking at sunscreen shades, you want a low percentage of openness.
That way, most of the sunlight is blocked out, keeping your home cool and protected against UV rays.
The average solar screen has a 7% openness. This means that 7% of the shade’s fabric is permeable by the sun. The more open a shade is, the more natural light will enter the room, which may be the desired effect for some individuals.
However, a higher openness percentage also makes for more significant heat transfer, which diminishes the shade’s effectiveness at blocking heat (Source).
Protection Against UV Rays
UV rays are known to be harmful to our health. Skin cancer, skin damage, premature aging, eye conditions, and the weakening of our immune systems are the main issues that can arise from overexposure to UV rays (Source).
Solar sun shades are an accessible and convenient way to keep UV rays out of your home. Over time, the use of UV window shades will reduce your exposure to these rays and, in turn, your risk for the conditions mentioned above.
Solar sun shades that filter out UV rays present their protection level as a percentage. Most of the products included in this article block out 80% to 90% of UV rays. So, by consistently using these solar window shades, you’ll cut down on your exposure to UV rays by a significant margin.
Shade Mechanism
Different shades operate using other mechanisms. Most solar shades are considered to be roller shades, meaning that it uses a cylinder and firm sections of fabric to roll down over the window.
To operate a roller shade, you generally just pull it down manually. Many shade options have a locking feature to keep the shade securely in the desired position.
High-end window shades may operate electronically, powered by an external remote. These motorized shades may be great for homes with large windows or with windows that are high up and out of reach.
One primary consideration for window shade mechanisms today is child safety. Some shade models include chains or cords, which can present a hazard for both children and pets. Cordless, chainless shades are the safest options for households with young children and pets (Source).
Best Solar Shades for Blocking Heat Reviews
Best cellular blind
Windowsandgarden Custom Cordless Single Shades
The light-filtering blinds allow in decent light while minimizing the sun’s glare and preventing discoloration as well as fading caused by prolonged UV light exposure.
Best light filtering shade
Chicology Cordless Roller Shades Snap-N-Glide
These shades have countless perforations that permit you to see through while decreasing light penetration. The product measures 33×72 in size and is budget-friendly.
Best blackout shade
Sunfree Blackout Window Shades
Offering 100% blocking of harmful UV rays as well as sunlight, these blackoutshades work on a spring system-based automated lifting that enables an adjustable rate of raising.
Windows and Garden Custom Cordless Single Shades
Available in a wide variety of colors, these child-safe cordless cellular shades can be customized between 24 and 48 inches. The light-filtering blinds allow in decent light while minimizing the sun’s glare and preventing discoloration as well as fading caused by prolonged UV light exposure.
Additionally, they block the view into your home. Lowering or raising this shade also requires minimal effort. One of the most economic solar shades available in the market, they comprise a single cell shade involving two materials that form a single comb.
Made of 100% polyester material, this is an easy pick for hassle-free sun protection.
Pros
- Numerous colors available
- Easy operability
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- They occasionally hang unequally when extended
Achim Home Furnishings CSTD35WH06 Top-Down CordlessGale Pacific Coolaroo Shade Fabric
One of the most widely used window coverings, these shades are perfect spaces where privacy is crucial such as in bathrooms and bedrooms. Available in a modern and sleek design, you can open the shades from the top so that some natural light enters the room while the shade still covers a large portion of the window to ensure privacy.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Light filtering
- Cordless and child-friendly
- Resistant to fading and sagging
- Easy maintenance
- It comes with installation and hardware instructions
Cons
- It’s not suitable for inaccessible or very tall windows
Chicology Cordless Roller Shades Snap-N-Glide
Chicology’s unique snap-n-glide shades allow you to have an enjoyable view while avoiding any glare. Although the view through these shades is somewhat decreased, you’ll still benefit from interior comfort.
These shades have countless perforations that permit you to see through while decreasing light penetration. The product measures 33×72 in size and is budget-friendly.
Designed to glideup and down smoothly, it offers the perfect solution to ensure privacy. The product is safe for homes with pets and children and the cordless element is user-friendly.You can use the shade for the inside or outside mount.
A 1.5-inch minimum is necessary for the inside mount while the width incorporates a ½ inch deduction. The blinds pull down with the slightest pressure and will stop at your desired height.
And when you give it a fast tug at the bottom, you’ll notice how they retract slowly and steadily. If you’re seeking a stylish motorized shade that will complement your minimalist style, this model is worth buying.
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Available in various colors
- Cordless for easy operation
- Ideal for windows that need UV protection
- Decrease glare while retaining outside view
- Easy installation
- Smooth glide throughout the closing
Cons
- Some hardware comes damaged
- It’s not the best choice if you want something that will offer complete blackout to permit you to sleep throughout the day
Sunfree Blackout Window Shades
Offering 100% blocking of harmful UV rays as well as sunlight, these blackoutshades work on a spring system-based automated lifting that enables an adjustable rate of raising. Easy to install, these shades come with mounting brackets, measuring 23 x72 in size, and feature a cordless design.
While the outside mount will completely block any light, the inside mount does still allow some light inside. It features a silver coating on the back that not only obstructs UV lightand harsh sunlight but can also help keep out cold winter air.
The blackout window shades are easy to maintain. Simply wipe down the pleated fabric with a clean damp cloth.
Pros
- Constitutes upgraded environment-friendly fabric
- Can shield sunlight and UV during summer and block the cold air
- during winter
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Sizing issues
ShadesU Window Shades Dual Layer
The polyester fabric blends solid and sheer fabric bands to create one shade. These dual-layer shades will uplift the appearance of any space, including single offices and public areas.
Zebra blinds offer a perfect blend of functionality and beauty in modern households. They function the same way roller blinds do and are available in non-motorized or motorized models.
A major appeal of the product is its simple design. You’ll notice they’re streamlined, offer clean visuals, and complement any window’s shape.
Pros
- They come in a huge range of preferable sizes for convenience
- Versatile design
- Light control
Cons
- Insufficient quality control
- They’re unsuitable for spaces with considerable moisture
- They don’t fit oddly-shaped or narrow windows
Springblinds 100% Blackout Battery
One of the most popular choices for complete blackout, Springblinds shades offer sun protection in all seasons. The blinds measure 30×72 in size and block out harmful UV rays from penetrating your home.
They also offer privacy and keep rooms cooler while protecting floors, carpets, and furniture from fading. The child-friendly product offers simple installation. You can even remote-control numerous shades simultaneously.
The blinds function with remote control, allowing youto raise the shade from any position and set it at whichever height you like.
Pros
- Light-blocking material
- They block UV rays
Cons
- It doesn’t come with clear instructions
Coolaroo Exterior Roller Shade (6×6)
This is a great addition to outdoor areas such as patios, gazebos, porches, and decks. Coolaroo’s roller shade measures 6×6 in size and offer 90% UV protection.
Developed using unique knitted fabric that is HDPE breathable fabric, it is an excellent choice to keep windows mold and mildew resistant. The child-friendly shade functions without chains or cords.
It comes in a distinct, breathable, and weather-resistant fabric that is also long-lasting. It features a light filtering element that helps enhance energy efficiency. Another useful aspect is an integrated aluminum head for improved durability and strength
Pros
- The product adopts up-to-date and efficient technology
- It offers efficient UV protection
- It allows easy installation
Cons
- The crank isn’t weather-resistant
Final Thoughts About Choosing a Solar Shade for Blocking Heat
Choosing the right blinds for your space can be challenging. You want to control how much light enters your home, safeguard your privacy while also ensuring that your house remains esthetically pleasing. This guide can help you select the perfect solar shades to cater to your needs.
