Solar Roller Shades aren’t just for commercial applications – How to choose the right fabric for your window!

Solar screen roller shades originated in Europe and traveled the ocean of design trends to the commercial market of America approximately 15 years ago.  Now, these versatile and contemporary window treatments have made the leap into residential design and they are taking off in popularity.  We find ourselves in the lofts on and around Washington St., designing and hanging roller shades, every month or two with stunning results.

When choosing the right degree of openness for your window shade fabric, consider these recommendations.

10% open is recommended for northern elevations without direct light or computer/t.v. use in the room to be shaded.  View to the outdoors is well preserved with this fabric.

5% open is recommended for all elevations receiving direct light that do not support heavy computer/t.v. use in the room to be shaded.  Computer/T.V. screens in a room protected with this type of shade cloth will be best viewed if they do not face the windows directly. View to the outdoors is still preserved although reduced with this fabric selection.

3% open is recommended for all elevations receiving direct light that support heavy computer/t.v. use in the room to be shaded.  Computer/T.V. screens will be best viewed if they do not face the windows however this fabric greatly reduces glare and view through the window making the placement of electronic screens opposite of the window more successful.

1% open is recommended for all elevations receiving direct light that support heavy computer/t.v. use in the room to be shaded or homeowners with light sensitivity.  Computer/T.V. screens can be placed opposite of the windows with great success.  This fabric will block most of the view to the outdoors thus making it the only open basket weave that will provide a homeowner with some degree of privacy at night.

As you choose the perfect color for the shade cloth consider that lighter fabrics will reflect more light out of the window, thus reducing heat gain, however they are more difficult for the human eye to see through.  If you would like to preserve as much view to the outdoors as possible, choose a darker color that will reduce glare on the eye as it looks through the shade.
Call today to discuss solar roller shades and look at hundreds of available patterns and colors.

Come join us in Belleville tomorrow night as we participate in the Belleville Art & Wine walk.  We will be featuring a wine tasting and the whimsical work of Rendy Faulkner.