Solar vs. Roller Shades: Which is the One for your Home?

Solar vs. Roller Shades: Which is Worthy of Your Choice?

Want to decorate your home with window coverings but are overwhelmed by the available choices you see online and in-stores? Are you looking for ways to dress up your windows with stylish modern looks that compliment your interior design theme?

Fret no more. In this article, you’ll be able to find out more about solar vs. roller shades along with their pros and cons.

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 two window treatments.

Take time to review the advantages and disadvantages of these shades before you make a decision.

Solar shades and their advantages

Allows you to enjoy a scenic view with privacy. If you’re concerned about your privacy but can’t get enough of that beautiful scenery outside your home, a solar shade is a fantastic choice. It lets you see through the outside of your window while having that aroma-filled morning coffee or indulging in that late afternoon snack with your loved ones without prying eyes. 

Your solar shades’ openness can range from 1–14%, depending on the amount of privacy you prefer. In a nutshell, the smaller the number, the lower your daytime view, and the higher the number, the more open your field of vision. 

Excellent at reducing glare. Solar shade fabrics reduce 94%-96% of the visible light entering your home, thus providing excellent glare control. That is why it’s widely used in commercial spaces to control the glare on desktops. You should consider getting them if you have a home office and you're looking to reduce glare while working on your computer.

It protects your upholstery, carpets, and other interiors from too much sunlight. You take all necessary steps to preserve the aesthetics of your home decor and upholstery. However, during summer, a significant amount of sunshine streams through your windows, causing colored upholstery to fade. To keep their vibrant colors and luster for years, solar shades for your window are greatly recommended.

It filters out the sun’s harmful UV rays. Studies showed that UV rays have detrimental effects on humans. It can cause premature skin aging and is linked to the development of skin cancer. If you live in a city where the sun is out for most of the year, solar shades are an excellent investment. Fabricated from materials designed to filter out these UV rays, so you ensure that the sunlight entering your home is healthier. 

Solar shades and their disadvantages

It can’t provide privacy at night.  Solar shades have sheer properties. During the night, when the lights are on inside, people can see into your home. If you want solar shades’ elegance during the day but still enjoy privacy at night, consider having window drapes you only use after sunset.

Limited options in terms of colors and patterns. They have straightforward designs and are available in neutral colors only.  Lighter hues are more energy-efficient and reduce solar heat gain. On the other hand, darker colors provide better glare control and give you a clearer view of the outside vistas.

Roller shades and their advantages

Offers optimum insulation. It helps maintain the room temperature in sun-exposed areas. If you have too much sunlight in your space and would like to limit the amount of heat and light in your room, getting them is recommended.

It’s effortless to use. Today's roller shades have user-friendly remote controls that make it easy to adjust light levels without leaving your bed on lazy weekend mornings. Some even offer a smartphone app that makes management more efficient.

It’s easily customizable according to your needs. You can request different sizes, colors, and patterns that will fit your interiors. The window sizes differ in every home and office. So, speak with your design team and make sure you add some personal touches to your window coverings. Also, the variety available with roller shades allows you to create the perfect combination for your space.

It comes in several light-control options. You can customize the level of light you allow into your room. Consider how you would like your space to appear with four options. Take your pick among sheer, light-filtering, room darkening, and blackout types to see how they mesh with your home’s theme. 

Roller shades and their disadvantages

Fabrics for roller shades are not waterproof, and they are hard to clean. The nature of the materials used only permits dusting and vacuuming. It also stains easily, which makes it more challenging to clean.



It’s not designed for outdoor use. You should never use roller shades on the exterior of your home. Excessive moisture, heat, and dust are a no-no for this type of window treatment.

When choosing between solar and roller shades for your windows, it’s always wise to weigh those pros and cons. Nevertheless, choose high-quality custom window treatments that add style and comfort to your home and personal spaces. Contact window design experts in Colorado for a complimentary consultation today.