Skip to Main Content

Solar Shades for Windows Protect Your Home from Harmful Light & UV Rays

The sun’s powerful rays are a source of warmth and heat, but too much of a good thing might be an issue. While natural light streaming through windows can illuminate a room beautifully, it can also cause significant damage to your home furnishings over time. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can fade and deteriorate fabrics, flooring, and furniture.

Solar shades for windows in a bedroom near Gresham and Portland, OR

No worries, though, because the Cindy’s & Bolliger Window Fashions design team has the answer. Custom solar shades for windows will protect your home’s interior and add design appeal. So, what are solar shades, and how do they work?

What are Solar Shades for Windows?

Also called screen shades and solar roller shades, solar shades are window coverings that feature a mesh-like material designed to filter sunlight. They reduce glare and heat while maintaining visibility and preserving outdoor views. By blocking UV rays and solar heat gain, they help regulate indoor temperatures and enhance energy efficiency.

When designers discuss solar shade “openness,” they refer to fabric weave density. A lower openness level indicates a tighter weave, resulting in more extraordinary sun-blocking ability but reduced visibility. Higher openness levels feature a looser weave, allowing more light transmission and improved visibility.

The Benefits of Solar Roller Shades for Windows

Solar roller shades for windows offer these important advantages:

  • Reducing glare and UV rays can protect furniture and flooring from fading.
  • By blocking the sun's heat during the warmer months, these shades can reduce the need for air conditioning and lower energy bills. Conversely, in the winter, solar shades can help to retain heat and keep your home cozy and comfortable.
  • Solar shades maintain outdoor views while providing privacy and enhancing energy efficiency in residential and commercial spaces.

Choosing the Right Solar Shades for Your Home

When selecting solar shades for your windows, compare fabric opacities, colors, and operating systems. The opacity of the fabric will determine how much light gets into your home, while the color can affect the room's overall ambiance. Remember: Lighter colors let in more brightness, while darker ones block more light.

Layering drapery with solar shades enhances light control and UV protection, allowing for adjustable ambiance while further safeguarding furnishings from sun damage. You may also want to upgrade your solar shades with features like decorative accents. Choose an operating system that suits your lifestyle; motorization or cordless options add convenience and safety.

Introducing Hunter Douglas Designer Solar Shades

Hunter Douglas is a highly regarded brand known for luxury window treatments. Their globally sourced solar shades provide superior UV protection and enhance any room's design appeal. They’re available in over 370 fabric and color choices in various textures, patterns, and prints. Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades offer openness levels for different light-filtering options.

Find Luxury Solar Shades for Windows at Cindy’s & Bolliger Window Fashions

Our local, family-owned business has locations in Gresham and Portland, OR. We partner with designers, homeowners, and customers for projects featuring Hunter Douglas custom window treatments and luxury solar shades. Let our family help yours by working with us. Whether you’re getting window treatments for your entire home or the job is as simple as one window covering, we’re dedicated to serving each and every customer. With our experienced team of window treatment professionals and an extensive drapery workroom, we can get you the perfect window covering every time.

Contact us for service in Gresham, Portland, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Damascus, Sandy, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Corbett, Hood River, Cascade Locks, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, West Linn, Fairfield, Troutdale, OR, and Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, WA.