The heat can make the inside of the house quite unbearable during the peak summer season. Solar shades are one such solution to protect the house from the scorching heat. After all, having the right temperature at home is crucial for any homeowner.
This article recommends some of the best solar shades for blocking heat. The PASSENGER PIGEON Window Shades is our best overall option for solar shades. It not only blocks the light completely but also keeps the UV rays out. The article mentions and reviews the 10 best solar shades, so keep scrolling.
Best Solar Shades For Blocking Heat
1. PASSENGER PIGEON Window Shades – Best overall
Rating: 5/5
- Needs a 2-inch window frame
- Waterproof fabric
- Cordless window blinds
- Blocks light and UV rays by 100%
- Made of thermal and well-insulated fabric
The PASSENGER PIGEON cordless window blinds are great at blocking the light and UV rays completely. They are made of thermal insulated fabric, which helps save energy costs and is great for privacy. Moreover, the fabric is waterproof making it suitable for the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. They are available in almost 12 colors and are can be customized according to the size and mounting of the window.
2. – Best durable option
Rating: 4.5/5
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Reduce glare
- Linen solar blinds
- Protects from UV rays
- Can see outside during the day
The Luxr blinds are designed in a way that whichever side of the shades has more light will be visible. So, during the day they help block out the light and you can still see outside. However, during the night if your lights are on then you won’t have full privacy. The solar shades, however, are mildew proof, waterproof, dustproof, UV protected, and flame retardant. They come in 6 different colors and are super durable because of their superior quality.
3. Bali cordless blinds – Best for kids
Rating: 4/5
- Cordless lifting
- Honeycomb shades
- They are constructed in a way that absorbs sound
- Comes in many sizes
These Bali cellular cordless blinds add a stylish touch to any décor with their crisp honeycomb aesthetic. They can be customized in any shape to fit any kind of window. They’re ideal for both the summer and winter seasons. In summer’s it keeps the heat outside and keeps the house warm during winters by preventing the hot air from going outside. It is made of light-filtering and insulating blackout fabric.
4. Radiance Roman Shade – Best alternative
Rating: 4/5
- Cordless shades
- Made of driftwood colored bamboo
- Light-filtering and semi-privacy shades
- Reduces glare
Radiance’s roman shade is a good alternative to completely light-blocking solar shades. It is made of bamboo in the color driftwood and is cordless. It filters light but also does not provide that complete privacy. Usually suitable for cottages or beach houses. They are also good for kids as the cordless lift system provides additional privacy. It also comes with mounting hardware.
5. Springblinds Motorized Roller Shade – Best Motorized shades
Rating: 4.5/5
- 9V UL-certified lithium-ion battery
- Polyester shades
- Controlled with remote control
- Super silent motor
These motorized Springblinds are quite expensive but the convenience they provide is unmatched. The blinds are operated with the help of a remote, so you can lift them or bring them down while you are in bed or on the couch even. The motor is noiseless, and it comes with a cord as well despite being cordless. They block light very well and provide complete privacy when needed. It comes in almost 24 colors and is customizable to fit into any window.
6. DEZ Furnishings Cellular Shade – Best blackout option
Rating: 4/5
- Complete blackout blinds
- Also, reflect sunlight
- Cordless design
- Lightweight
These DEZ Furnishings cellular shades are the best option for anyone looking to completely block the light from coming in. That however does not mean it becomes dark, they still reflect solar energy. Its cordless design makes them safe to use around children and pets. The shades can be customized to fit your window space. They also add a sophisticated and classy look to the home because of their blackout feature.
7. Arlo Blinds Bamboo Style Roman Shades – Best value option
Rating: 4.5/5
- Roman-style blinds made from real bamboo
- Filters light naturally keeping the inside bright
- Suitable for sizes between 19 to 45 inches
- Comes with mounting hardware
These budget-friendly cordless shades by Arlo Blinds are great for anyone not looking for blackout blinds. They gently let the sunlight in which brightens up the room naturally. They are made from real bamboo which is why the brown color might vary for everyone. Their Romanian style cordless lift makes them easy to lift and use.
8. CHICOLOGY Cordless Roller Shades – Best gliding shades
Rating: 4/5
- 17% Polyester, 83% Cellulosic Fiber, Non-woven Backing
- The fabric glides and snaps when pulled
- Made from natural and woven fabrics
- Brightens any home and gives a modern touch
CHICOLOGY’s snap-n-glide shades let in natural light while still being anti-glare. They also allow for privacy during the day. They’re made from good quality is a woven fabric that is all-natural. They can be used for both inside and outside mounts. Inside requires a 1.5-inch depth while the outside one requires a height of 2.125-inches. As the name suggests their cordless lift is designed in a way that the blinds glide first before being pulled.
9. RollerShade Solar Powered Electric Blinds – Best solar powered
Rating: 4/5
- Connected to a battery pack that is rechargeable and connected to solar panels
- 12 V power battery
- Comes with adhesive strips to glue solar panels to the inner side of the window
- Comes with a connecter cable of 94.5 inches as well as a female connector of 5.5/2.1 mm.
These solar-powered blinds by RollerShade are powered with solar panels for anyone who wants motorized blinds. They are expensive than other simpler solar shades but are electrical and solar-powered and so the price is justified. Its connector cables allow for flexibility when setting up the blinds in your window space.
10. Windowsandgarden Cordless Shades – Best for customizable solar shades
Rating: 4/5
- Made from 100% polyester
- Fully customizable cordless solar blinds
- Available in many colors
- Limited lifetime warranty
Windosandgarden’s shades are highly customizable down to an eighth of an inch. One cell shade is made up of two cloth pieces that make one pleat. Not only are they available in 9 different shades but all of them provide light filtering and create a cool and private environment. They are also cordless and are great if you have children in the house.
Factors to consider before buying solar shades for blocking heat
Choosing a solar-powered water pump for your garden has several benefits.
Light
Everyone wants a different amount of sunlight to peer through from their windows. Some prefer blackout blinds whereas some prefer light-filtering ones. Some window blinds are also designed to prevent the sun’s glare and if that is something that bothers you then you should go with anti-glare ones. Individuals also want different levels of light in their bedrooms as compared to their living rooms so all of these must be taken into consideration.
Type of blinds
Solar shades and blinds come in different types of ranges such as cellular, rolling, Venetian, etc. Cordless blinds are also very popular these days and are especially good if you have kids or pets around the house. These blinds also vary in terms of their operation for instance some are cordless, while other continuous loops, or motorized ones. Corded blinds are mostly cheaper than cordless ones, but they may not be as long-lasting. Some solar shades are also designed to add to the aesthetics of your home while others are simpler and more basic.
Material color
Since heat absorption and insulation are dependent on the lightness and darkness of the material of the solar shade, the color is important. Light-colored solar shades usually reflect heat better than darker ones. This is more suited to people that want natural light in their homes compared to artificial ones. Dark ones, however, provide more privacy and are better for preventing the sun’s glare from getting inside. Dark solar shades are also better heat absorbing.
Common solar shade mistakes
The following are some of the common mistakes that many people make when buying solar shades for blocking heat:
Shades do not match with the decor
While most shades are easy-to-install and you shouldn’t just pick any that you see. Going with shades that do not complement your home décor is a common mistake. If you have put in the effort to your modern looking house then make sure you get blinds that look good with it.
Not Choosing them based on your lifestyle
Since there is so much variety in terms of the style and feature of solar shades, get ones that suit your lifestyle. For instance, if you are energy-conscious then get shades that embrace environmentally friendly design and energy-saving. Moreover, if you have a bright and sunny personality then light-filtering ones would be better than dark blackout ones.
Are solar shades effective for people looking for privacy?
The answer depends on many factors, including the weave of the cloth, the openness, and colors of the shades. Usually, shades work with more privacy during the day and lesser during the night when the lights are on inside. Solar shades usually do not provide as much privacy as you might be looking for. This is why most of them embrace design for public living spaces such as kitchens, patios, and living rooms.
Perhaps they are better at keeping the glare and UV rays out as compared to offering privacy. However, the DEZ Furnishings Cellular Shade is a great blackout option, for those who want a dark and classy interior.
Conclusion
You need to pick a solar shade as per your lifestyle, preference, and requirements. Their design helps you save money by blocking the heat or keep it in depending on the weather, but are also a great aesthetic addition. Although the best solar shades are usually the ones that offer flexibility, durability, and protection from the sun. There are, however, different kinds of solar blinds such as motorized ones like the Springblinds Motorized Roller Shade that are great for people with a high budget.
Another alternative to solar blades is the Romanian ones such as the Radiance Roman Shade. Apart from that, you can find solar window coverings and treatments under different price ranges to keep the heat out. This review will help you pick out solar shades for blocking heat at the home, office, or workplace.