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What are Solar Roller Shades and are They Right for Your Home?

Solar Shades for Living Room

You’re probably familiar with the concept of roller shades, which can be pulled or rolled down to cover your window, blocking out the light, and then rolled back up into a return at the top of the window frame when you want to let light in and reveal the view outside.  What you might not be aware of is the existence of solar shades that do even more to help block the sun.

What exactly are solar roller shades?  What features do they offer that typical roller shades don’t?  How can you decide if they’re right for your home?  Here are a few things you should know before adding these desirable shades to your décor.

Block UV Rays

Many window treatments, from shutters, to blinds, to drapes, will block out the light when closed, as will typical shades.  However, solar shades do more.  These special window coverings not only block out exterior light, but also the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can fade interior surfaces and are responsible for heat gain in your home.

When you choose solar shades, you have the opportunity to protect your home and your family while you’re indoors.  You’ll also enjoy a more comfortable environment that is easier to regulate, and you’ll create a more energy-efficient interior, reducing cooling costs throughout the warmer months.  If you want to recoup some of the initial expense of updating your window coverings, solar shades are an ideal choice.

Preserve the View

Even if you’re keen to cut your carbon footprint and save some money on utility bills, you might not like the idea of having shades drawn during the day.  The good news is, the right solar shades allow you to enjoy the view when they’re in the closed position.

Solar shades come in a range of transparencies, from minimal translucency to complete opacity.  If you want to enjoy your view without suffering the sun’s glare or the ingress of harmful, heat-producing UV rays, you can kill two birds with one stone when you install solar shades.

Enjoy Ease of Use

Generally speaking, shades are among the most convenient window treatments to install.  Their simple functionality makes them easy to open and close, and you can find cordless options for the safety of children and pets in your home.  You could even add motorization or automation features for added convenience.

Shades are also easy to clean and maintain, and solar shades are no different.  In most cases, a quick dusting on a regular schedule will do the trick, and you can always wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge if they accumulate any grime.

Incredible Versatility

Solar shades work great on their own and you can choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns to suit your home and complement existing décor.  However, they also pair well with layered window treatments like vertical blinds or drapes that can enhance privacy and add depth and visual interest to every window in your home.  If you want convenient, affordable, energy-efficient window treatments, you can’t go wrong with solar roller shades.