Solar Shades London Ontario: Buyer’s Guide
South-facing windows are wonderful until the afternoon sun turns your living room into a greenhouse. Solar shades give you the view without the heat: they filter harsh sunlight, block up to 99% of UV rays, and cut glare on screens — while still letting you see outside. Here is what London homeowners should know before ordering solar shades London Ontario.
What solar shades actually do
Solar shades are roller-style shades woven from a UV-blocking screen fabric. Unlike blackout shades, they are not meant to darken a room — they are meant to tame it. The open weave preserves your sightline and lets daylight in, while reflecting heat and stopping the sun damage that fades hardwood floors, furniture, and artwork. For street-facing windows where you want privacy from a distance but hate living behind closed blinds, sun blocking shades London Ontario are the practical middle ground: from outside, the fabric reads as a tinted screen; from inside, you keep your view.
They also run on standard roller hardware, which means they can be motorized easily — a smart upgrade for tall windows or rooms with several shades you want to move together.
Choosing the right openness factor
Every solar shade fabric has an “openness factor,” usually between 1% and 14%, which is simply how much light passes through the weave:
1–3% (tight weave): Maximum glare control and daytime privacy. Best for home offices, media rooms, and west-facing windows that catch the harsh late-afternoon sun.
5% (balanced): The most popular choice for living rooms and kitchens — comfortable light, clear view out, strong UV protection window shades London homeowners ask for by name.
10–14% (open weave): Keeps the view wide open and the room bright while taking the edge off direct sun. Ideal for windows with a view you paid for.
Rule of thumb: the more direct sun a window gets, the tighter the weave should be. If you are unsure, 5% is the safe default that satisfies most households.
Rooms that benefit most from solar shades
Home offices: Glare on monitors is the number one complaint we hear. A 3% solar shade kills screen glare while keeping the room daylight-lit — no more squinting on video calls.
South and west-facing living rooms: These rooms absorb the most heat. Solar window shades London ON homes use here noticeably reduce that afternoon bake, which helps your air conditioner keep up in July and August.
Kitchens and dining areas: You want the light; you do not want to be blinded over breakfast. A 5% weave keeps the room cheerful without the squint.
Condos and townhouses: Ground-floor and street-facing units get privacy during the day without sacrificing natural light — a combination curtains and blackout blinds cannot deliver.
Measuring, installation and care
Solar shades are custom-made to the window, so accurate measurements matter: width and height inside the frame for an inside mount (cleaner look) or with overlap added for an outside mount (better light blockage). A free in-home quote covers measuring for you — mis-measured DIY shades are the most common reason shades arrive too short or leave light gaps.
Installation is straightforward — most windows take 15–20 minutes — and the hardware is the same slim profile as standard roller shades. Care is easy: the PVC-coated fibreglass fabrics resist moisture, so a quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps them looking new. Avoid harsh cleaners on light-coloured fabrics.
FAQ
Do solar shades give privacy at night?
During the day, yes — the weave works like a one-way screen. At night with interior lights on, silhouettes can show through lighter weaves, so pair them with drapery or a separate privacy layer for bedrooms.
Will solar shades fade over time?
Quality solar fabrics are UV-stable and made for sun exposure, but darker colours can show dust and pet hair more. Most London buyers choose neutral greys, whites, or charcoals that age well.
Can solar shades be motorized?
Yes — they are roller shades at heart, so motors and smart-home integration fit the same way. It is the most popular add-on for great rooms with multiple tall windows.
How long do they take to arrive?
Custom-made shades typically arrive in about a week from measuring, and most of our installs in the London area are booked within 3–4 days of the order.
Call or text 647-295-2823 · info@blindshutlondon.com · blindshutlondon.com — free in-home quote anywhere in London.
