Updated February 2025
The Solar Shade openness comparison for Solar Shade fabrics are generally referred to in the context of “opacity” and in percentages of “openness.” Solar shades (and exterior solar shades) operate like roller shades, and they are known for providing excellent UV ray blockage and privacy, while still allowing a view to the outside.
Openness indicates the tightness of the fabric weave, which is an indication of the percentage of light that can penetrate through (e.g. 1%, 3%, 5%, etc.). Low openness means a more tightly woven fabric, with less visibility through the shade and a higher opacity. Higher openness percentages indicate a looser fabric weave, and therefore, greater visibility.
Visualizing the Openness Factor
The corresponding number to an openness percentage is the opacity of a fabric: a fabric with 1% openness has an opacity of 99% (97% opacity to 3% openness, 95% opacity to 5% openness, etc). The opacity is the percentage of light blockage the fabric is capable of.
- Lower openness percentages (e.g. 1% – 5%) block out more of the sun’s UV rays, offering more protection for your furniture and interior finishes. They also offer more privacy; however, they do limit outward visibility.
- Medium openness percentages (e.g. 10%) maintain a good amount of your view to the outside while still offering suitable protection for your furniture and interior.
- High openness percentage (e.g. 14%) provide the best visibility to the outside as well as decent glare reduction.
Do Solar Shades Provide Privacy During the Day?
Solar shades reflect sunlight during the day, which means they block a view into your interior from the outside, while allowing you to see from the inside out. Keep in mind that at night, with your interior lights on, the effect is opposite: the interior light is reflected off of the solar fabric, blocking your outward view, while allowing visibility from the exterior.
If you are concerned about privacy, consider adding curtains, so you can close them at night to block visibility from the outside. Or for more flexibility in managing privacy and incoming light, you may want to consider dual (or zebra) shades. A layer of sheer stripes alternates with a layer of solid stripes to create a continuous fabric shade that you can open and close.
Go Window Shopping for the Perfect Solar Shades
Nothing fills a space or makes a home or outdoor deck or patio area feel warmer and more welcoming than our beautiful window treatments. Remember to order samples to test out how it looks and how it filters light in your space. At SelectBlinds, you can order up to 15 free samples per day! If you have any questions about window coverings, chat with one of our Design Consultants at (888) 257-1840. They’re easy to talk to!
