Solar Shades vs. Roller Shades: What’s the Difference?
Compare Solar and Roller Shades for Your Windows
When choosing the right window covering for your home, it's important to understand how solar shades and roller shades work. While they look similar, they serve different purposes. Here's a simple guide to help you choose what’s best for your space.
Our Roller Shades Project in Bangkok: Sheer roller shades in the hallway and blackout shades in the bedroom.
What Are Solar Shades?
Solar shades are screen-like window coverings made from open-weave fabric. They are designed to:
- Block harmful UV rays
- Reduce glare from sunlight
- Maintain your outdoor view
During the day, solar shades let in natural light while preventing others from seeing inside. But at night, when it’s dark outside and your lights are on, that visibility reverses — and people may see into your home.
They’re best used in:
- Living rooms
- Offices
- Balconies
- Any room where daytime light and outside views are a priority
What Are Roller Shades?
Roller shades are made from solid or tightly woven fabric. Unlike solar shades, they completely cover the window when lowered and come in various opacity levels — from light-filtering to full blackout. Read our comprehensive guide to roller shades to explore styles, materials, and installation tips.
Benefits of roller shades:
- Excellent privacy (day and night)
- More options for room darkening
- Sleek and minimal appearance
They work well in:
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Media rooms
- Any space that needs full privacy or darkness
Side-by-Side Comparison of Solar Shades vs. Roller Shades
| Feature | Solar Shades | Roller Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Screen-like, open-weave | Solid or tightly woven fabric |
| Outside visibility | ✅ Yes (during daytime) | ❌ No (most types) |
| UV protection | ✅ Yes | Varies (depending on fabric) |
| Privacy at night | ❌ Limited (you can be seen) | ✅ Good (especially blackout) |
| Best for | Light control + outdoor view | Full privacy + light blocking |
Our Two-layered Motorized Roller Shades Project in Bangkok
Price Estimate for Shopping Motorized Roller Shades
Can People See Inside If You Use Solar Shades?
Yes. At night, people can see inside if you have solar shades and your lights are on.
Here’s why:
- Solar shades are see-through by design.
- They work well during daylight, when the outside light is stronger.
- But at night, your interior lighting makes your home visible from outside.
Solution: If privacy is important, especially in the evening, pair your solar shades with:
- Blackout roller shades
- Dimout curtains
- Layered window treatments for day-night flexibility
Our Rolar Shades Project at Simon Says Shabu Restaurant
Which Shade Should You Choose?
Choose solar shades if:
- You want to enjoy your outdoor view
- You need to reduce sunlight glare and UV rays
- You use the room mainly during the day
- For restaurant window treatments that let clients see outside
Choose roller shades if:
- You need complete privacy
- You want a darker room for better sleep
- For residential window treatment purposes that need privacy
- You’re furnishing a bedroom, bathroom, or media room
Our Roller Shades and Curtain Project at Setthasiri Pattanakarn Homes
Conclusion on Solar Shades vs. Roller Shades
Both types of shades offer great benefits — it all depends on your room’s purpose and how much light or privacy you need. Many homeowners even combine the two for full control.
Need help choosing the right one?
Contact Cher Decor for a free consultation and custom window covering solutions in Bangkok.
