Solar Shades, Blackout Shades, and Other Window Treatments that Block Ultraviolet Transmission
Solar shades are light filtering, blackout shades completely block light. Both can be excellent window treatments if you are concerned about UV rays and want to preserve your fabrics and wood. Ultraviolet rays may not be visible to the human eyes but can damage carpet, furniture, and fade wood flooring.Light Filtering Shades
Solar energy can be divided into three bands: the ultraviolet band, the visible band and the near infrared band. The ultraviolet band is responsible for fabric fading. The visible band is responsible mainly for glare. UV blockage ratings measure a window shades ability to keep these harmful rays from passing though the shade. A light filtering shade like solar shades are rated by the openess of the fabric. For example this Comfortex Sheer Weave Roller Shade has an openess factor of 14% and is an excellent shade to use if you want to block UV but still allow the ability to see through the shade. Another light filtering shade option is the Solar Screen Shade with a 3% openness factor. The lower the ultraviolet transmission of a window shades, the better the shade will do blocking UV rays.Blackout Shades
Blackout and room darkening shades block more UV rays than light filtering shades. These light blocking shades are recommended for bedrooms, theater rooms and any room where you would like to completely control light transmission. Blackout shades are generally sold in conjunction with another style of shade like a honeycomb shade or a bamboo shade and can move in conjunction with or independently.Energy Efficient Shades
All window shades offer varying degree's of UV transmission. It is better to use any type of window covering than none at all so that you are able to offer some degree's of insulation whether it be heat gain or loss. The better the insulating window shades the more energy you save. Windows account for nearly 30% of the houses heat gain or loss. Pick a window treatment that will provide better insulation and you can save on your energy costs. Here are Blinds Chalet's top picks that offer insulation and UV protection:....................................
Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience selling and installing solar shades. Attractive, high quality window blinds that fit any energy saving plan, decorating style, and budget. For information on what types of window blinds, blind accessories, and any other window covering needs, visit www.blindschalet.com.
Related Articles
Door Blinds - How to Measure for French Door or Traditional Door Blinds
Door blinds can be any blind or shade mounted as a door mount blind. French door blinds or traditional door blinds are simply outside mount blinds or shades with hold downs to keep them from swinging as the door opens or shuts. People commonly mount blinds in a door at their home or office. Popular blinds that are used on doors range from faux wood, wood, cellular shades and roller shades. When measuring for french door blinds there are several things to consider.... more
Door blinds can be any blind or shade mounted as a door mount blind. French door blinds or traditional door blinds are simply outside mount blinds or shades with hold downs to keep them from swinging as the door opens or shuts. People commonly mount blinds in a door at their home or office. Popular blinds that are used on doors range from faux wood, wood, cellular shades and roller shades. When measuring for french door blinds there are several things to consider.... more
Corner Window Blinds
If two windows meet in the corner and privacy is a concern, the best way to install window blinds or shades is to overlap them (see figure). One blind will be the measurement from the wall to the window. The second blind will be the measurement from the wall to where the second blind will be. This measurement will be from the wall to the window subtracting the width of the blinds. For a 2 inch wood blind, that will be about 2 to 2 1/2 inches.... more
If two windows meet in the corner and privacy is a concern, the best way to install window blinds or shades is to overlap them (see figure). One blind will be the measurement from the wall to the window. The second blind will be the measurement from the wall to where the second blind will be. This measurement will be from the wall to the window subtracting the width of the blinds. For a 2 inch wood blind, that will be about 2 to 2 1/2 inches.... more
Measure Window Shades or Blinds for Tile or Moulding
Occasionally obstructions can get in the way of window shades or blinds such as wood moulding or a tile back splash. Cut-outs can be made in the blind or shade for proper clearance in these areas. There is a surcharge for each cut made.... more
Occasionally obstructions can get in the way of window shades or blinds such as wood moulding or a tile back splash. Cut-outs can be made in the blind or shade for proper clearance in these areas. There is a surcharge for each cut made.... more
How to Measure Vertical Blinds for Sliding Glass Doors
When measuring window blinds for sliding glass doors it is important that you measure the blind to fit as on OUTSIDE mount. Vertical blinds are a common window treatment for sliders. More times than not there is not enough depth in a window to mount vertical blinds inside the window frame. Often there is Moulding encasing the window and your measurement must allow for it. A common rule of thumb is to ADD 2 inches to the length of the vertical blind. In other words measure from the floor to 2 inches above the moulding. If you have no moulding measure from the floor to 2 inches above the top of the opening.... more
When measuring window blinds for sliding glass doors it is important that you measure the blind to fit as on OUTSIDE mount. Vertical blinds are a common window treatment for sliders. More times than not there is not enough depth in a window to mount vertical blinds inside the window frame. Often there is Moulding encasing the window and your measurement must allow for it. A common rule of thumb is to ADD 2 inches to the length of the vertical blind. In other words measure from the floor to 2 inches above the moulding. If you have no moulding measure from the floor to 2 inches above the top of the opening.... more
Blinds for Angled Top Windows
Blinds or shades can be difficult to find for angled top windows. A few manufacturers make window blinds or shades with angled headrails for this purpose. Another option is to leave the angled top of the window open and just mount the window blinds or shades with the headrail just before the angled portion of the window. This article will discuss how to the the later.... more
Blinds or shades can be difficult to find for angled top windows. A few manufacturers make window blinds or shades with angled headrails for this purpose. Another option is to leave the angled top of the window open and just mount the window blinds or shades with the headrail just before the angled portion of the window. This article will discuss how to the the later.... more
2" and 2 1/2" Horizontal Window Blinds Installation Instructions
When installing horizontal window blinds, the same process can be used when installing all types of horizontal blinds. This page will cover basic installation of our 2 and 2 1/2" blinds.... more
When installing horizontal window blinds, the same process can be used when installing all types of horizontal blinds. This page will cover basic installation of our 2 and 2 1/2" blinds.... more
Parts for Installing Horizontal Window Blinds
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing horizontal blinds. Note: You may not receive all the parts listed. You may also receive additional parts that are not needed. We will only send you the horizontal blinds parts for your particular application.... more
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing horizontal blinds. Note: You may not receive all the parts listed. You may also receive additional parts that are not needed. We will only send you the horizontal blinds parts for your particular application.... more
Mini Blinds - Instructions for Installation of 1" Aluminum Mini Blinds
1/2 inch micro and 1 or 2 inch aluminum mini blinds installation instructions. This page explains basic installation for aluminum blinds which is similar to installing horizontal wood blinds. Here are some simple steps for installing mini blinds.... more
1/2 inch micro and 1 or 2 inch aluminum mini blinds installation instructions. This page explains basic installation for aluminum blinds which is similar to installing horizontal wood blinds. Here are some simple steps for installing mini blinds.... more
Vertical Window Blinds Installation Instructions
To install vertical window blinds, please read completely the instructions below before beginning the installation process.... more
To install vertical window blinds, please read completely the instructions below before beginning the installation process.... more
Vertical Blinds - Parts for Installing
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing vertical blinds. Note: You may not receive all the vertical blinds parts listed. We will send you the parts you need to install your vertical blinds.... more
Below is a list of parts that are used when installing vertical blinds. Note: You may not receive all the vertical blinds parts listed. We will send you the parts you need to install your vertical blinds.... more