Solar Shades vs. Roller Shades: What’s the Difference?

Solar shades and roller shades have become quite the trend in home and office decor. Their popularity has grown massively in recent years, and today, you can spot them in all kinds of commercial and residential spaces. This should come as no surprise, given that their sleek lines and unique designs fit in with modern settings perfectly.

The unique features of solar and roller shades
Roller shades and solar shades are in many ways alike, but different subtypes offer different benefits, and it is important to have all of them in mind when deciding which ones to purchase. The main difference between the two is that Roller shades block out light, whereas Solar shades are specifically designed to block UV rays.

Unlimited design options
Solar shades and roller shades come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures designed to match any interior décor. Both options are extremely compact, which helps them blend in with the surroundings.

Types of roller shades
Room darkening roller shades are made of 100% polyester, but some types also offer an Acrylic backing. These shades allow for maximum privacy and help you control how much light comes through. As the name suggests, room-darkening shades make rooms darker, which makes them the ideal choice for bedrooms and other rest areas. The fabrics of room darkening roller shades are translucent, so depending on daylight changes, their colors vary as well.

Blackout roller shades are normally made of 70% polyester and 30% cotton backing fabric with different variations of which some include 3-ply vinyl, 1-ply fiberglass and special series made of 100% polyester with acrylic foamed backing. Such variations provide more insulation, which helps maintain the room temperature during those rough Canadian winters.

Types of solar shades
Solar shades are not only effective when it comes to maintaining privacy; they also provide great protection against those harmful UV rays. The amount of light that goes through solar shades is determined by the openness factor, which relates to the tightness of the weave. The tighter the openness, the less light will come through and vice versa.

There are many types of solar shades you can choose from. Light-weave solar shades are designed to keep the rooms cooler and reduce heat transmittance. The level of protection against UV-rays depends on the openness factor that we mentioned earlier. The bigger the openness factor, the bigger the transparency. Keep in mind that bigger transparency also means decreased protection against UV rays.

Find the right shades for your home
V+Homes can help you find the ideal window coverings for your commercial or residential space with an unmatched collection of diverse fabrics and styles. With us, you will be able to transform your space and give it a completely new look. Call us at (647) 660-0708 for a free consultation or fill out our contact form here.