If you've started shopping for solar shades, you've probably noticed that they come in different openness levels — usually listed as a percentage like 1%, 3%, 5%, or 10%. These numbers can be confusing, but once you understand what they mean, choosing the right solar shade becomes much easier.
This guide breaks down solar shade openness so you can make a confident decision for your home.
What Does Openness Mean?
The openness factor refers to how much of the shade's fabric is open space versus solid material. A lower number means less open space, which gives you more privacy and better UV protection. A higher number means more open space, which lets in more light and keeps your view clearer.
Think of it like a woven fabric: a tighter weave blocks more, a looser weave lets more through. The openness percentage tells you how tight or loose that weave is.
- 1% openness: Very tight weave. Maximum UV protection, best privacy during the day.
- 3% openness: A balanced middle ground. Good privacy and UV protection with a clearer outward view.
- 5% openness: Popular for living rooms. Lets in more light and gives a clear outside view.
- 10% openness: Very open weave. Minimal privacy, maximum brightness and view.
How Openness Affects Privacy
Solar shades don't provide nighttime privacy on their own. During the day, people outside generally cannot see in through a lower-openness shade — but once interior lights are on at night, the shade becomes more transparent from outside.
If privacy is a priority, a 1% or 3% openness is your best choice for daytime coverage. But if you want total privacy day and night, you'll need to pair your solar shade with a blackout roller shade or curtain for a layered treatment.
Silhouette shades are another option worth considering. They use a different mechanism than solar shades — alternating sheer and opaque vanes — to give you adjustable privacy without sacrificing the view. When the vanes are open, light filters through softly. When closed, they provide a solid privacy layer.
How Openness Affects UV Protection and Heat
Solar shades are popular because they reduce glare and protect your furniture and floors from UV damage. A tighter weave (lower openness) blocks more UV rays. A 1% solar shade can block up to 99% of UV light, while a 10% shade might block around 90%.
For rooms with a lot of direct sun — especially south- or west-facing rooms — a 1% or 3% shade will do a better job of reducing heat gain and protecting your belongings. In a north-facing room that rarely gets direct sun, a 5% or 10% shade might be more appropriate.
Matching Openness to the Room
Here's a practical guide for different rooms in your home:
Living Rooms
A 5% openness is a good starting point. It keeps the room bright and lets you enjoy your view while reducing glare. If your living room faces south or west and gets intense afternoon sun, consider stepping down to 3%.
Home Offices
Glare on a computer screen is a real problem. A 1% or 3% solar shade will cut glare much more effectively than a 5% or 10%. You'll still have good ambient light, but without the harsh reflection.
Bedrooms
Solar shades aren't ideal as a standalone bedroom treatment because they don't block enough light for sleep. Pair a 3% solar shade with a blackout curtain or roller shade for light-filtering options during the day and full darkness at night.
Kitchens and Dining Areas
A 5% openness works well in kitchens where you want bright, natural light without the glare. The more open weave keeps things feeling fresh and airy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see outside through a solar shade?
Yes. All solar shades allow you to see outside during the day. A higher openness like 5% or 10% gives you a clearer view; a 1% shade will have a slightly more muted view but still lets you see outside.
Do solar shades come in motorized options?
Yes. Motorized solar shades are a popular choice for large windows or hard-to-reach areas. You can adjust them by remote, app, or voice assistant.
What colour solar shade works best?
Darker solar shades generally provide better outward visibility and more glare reduction. Lighter shades reflect more light back into the room, which can be useful in darker spaces.
Are solar shades good for Canadian winters?
Solar shades are useful year-round in Canada. In summer, they reduce heat gain. In winter, they still let in natural light without blocking the warmth of the sun through south-facing windows.
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