Surprising Places for Solar Window Screens | Covered Creations
Surprising Places for Solar Window Screens
More often than not, Covered Creations clients think solar window screens are just what they sound like: screens to keep out bugs and outdoor debris. But they’re actually window treatments that control UV rays. They’re impressively versatile, too—and they work in different rooms and feature luxurious fabrics and different opacities. Today, we’re excited to share some of the benefits that solar shades offer and what rooms these window treatments can work best in.
A Clear Definition of Solar Window Screens
Manufacturers make window screens from fiberglass, aluminum, or polyester. Compare that to solar window screens, made from mesh fabrics that filter sunlight while maintaining visibility. Unlike traditional window treatments, they come in various density options, typically measured by openness factor:
- 1-3% openness: Maximum privacy and UV protection, significantly reducing glare.
- 5-7% openness: Balances visibility and light control, suitable for most living spaces.
- 10-14% openness: Preserves views with modest sun protection.
The tighter the weave (lower percentage), the more protection from heat and UV rays, but with slightly reduced visibility. Darker fabric colors improve outward visibility, while lighter colors reflect more heat.
Hunter Douglas Designer Solar Shades Overview
Hunter Douglas offers Designer Solar Shades with an aesthetic that’s far from utilitarian. They’re special roller shades with a fabric panel on a roller. But the fabrics curb harsh UV rays, protecting interiors from discoloration and fading.
Hunter Douglas partnered with Bionic®, a mission-driven material engineering company, to create its exclusive GreenScreen® Sea-Tex™ fabric collection for their Designer Solar Shades. It has yarn crafted from coastal and marine plastic—a sustainable way to control light in luxury window treatments. Choose from five opacity options and 130+ fabric/color choices, and enjoy smooth, seamless operation.
You can upgrade these styles to motorized solar shades with PowerView® Automation for added convenience and energy efficiency. This feature uses an integrated motor and wireless capability to open, close, adjust, and program your designer shades. It works with a remote, an app, or voice commands.
Unexpected Places for Solar Window Screens
While countless homeowners only install solar shades for patios, these windows serve their purposes well in other rooms.
- Kitchens: Adding solar window screens to kitchens counteracts heat from cooking activities. They manage temperature and reduce glare on countertops.
- Children's Playrooms: Kids benefit from natural light without harmful UV exposure. Solar screens protect them and their toys from sun damage in bright, cheerful environments.
- Bathrooms: Some bathrooms have large windows or skylights that create privacy challenges. Solar window screens with lower openness factors allow natural light while preventing visibility from outside. That eliminates the need for frosted glass or permanent coverings that block views.
- Home Offices and Craft Rooms: Work and hobby spaces require consistent lighting for productivity. Solar window screens prevent glare on computer screens and protect craft materials from fading.
Solar Shades for Patios: Always a Good Solution
There’s a reason why solar shades for patios are a top seller: Sunrooms become uncomfortably hot and bright in the spring and summer. These custom window treatments turn these spaces from seasonal to year-round living areas. The right density fabric lets you enjoy natural light without feeling uncomfortable. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend more time on your patio?
Find Window Treatments in Dallas, TX
The best way to experience the benefits of solar window screens is in your own home. Covered Creations provides personalized design recommendations, professional measurements, and flawless installation services. Contact our design team for an in-home consultation in Dallas, Prosper, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Melissa, and Lewisville, TX.