Solar Shades
Love Your View but Hate the Glare?
Solar shades let you keep the scenery while blocking the UV rays, heat gain, and glare that come with it.
The Problem
Living in Northern Idaho means incredible views — Coeur d'Alene Lake, the Bitterroot Range, sunsets over the Rathdrum Prairie. But those west-facing and south-facing windows that give you those views also bring intense afternoon glare, UV damage to your furniture and floors, and serious heat gain in summer. You shouldn't have to choose between your view and your comfort.
The Solution
Solar shades are engineered to reduce glare and block UV rays while maintaining your outward visibility. They work like sunglasses for your windows — you can still see out, but the harsh effects of direct sunlight are dramatically reduced. Available in different openness factors (typically 1% to 14%), allowing you to choose exactly how much light and visibility you want.
Mark's Installer Insight
“The number one mistake I see people make with solar shades is choosing the wrong openness factor. A 3% is great for south-facing windows that get hammered with direct sun — it blocks more while still letting you see out. A 10% works better for north-facing windows where you want maximum view with light UV protection. And here's something most people don't realize: the fabric color matters as much as the openness percentage. Darker fabrics reduce glare better and give you better outward visibility, while lighter fabrics reflect more heat. For lake-facing homes in Coeur d'Alene, I usually recommend a dark charcoal in 5% — it cuts the glare off the water beautifully while keeping the view crystal clear.”
Key Features
- UV protection up to 99% depending on openness factor
- Maintains outward visibility while reducing glare
- Multiple openness factors from 1% to 14%
- Reduces heat gain through windows
- Protects furniture, floors, and artwork from UV fading
- Available in motorized options for hard-to-reach windows
Ideal For
- Lake-facing homes in Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint
- South and west-facing windows with intense afternoon sun
- Home offices where screen glare is a problem
- Rooms with hardwood floors or furniture you want to protect
- Anyone who wants light control without losing their view
Why Solar Shades in Northern Idaho
If you live on the lake or anywhere with western exposure in Northern Idaho, solar shades should be near the top of your list. The summer sun here doesn't set until after 9 PM, and that low-angle evening light creates intense glare that standard curtains can't handle without blocking everything. Solar shades solve this elegantly.
Common Questions About Solar Shades
Will I still be able to see outside through solar shades?
Yes — solar shades are specifically engineered to maintain outward visibility while reducing glare and blocking UV rays. They work like sunglasses for your windows: you can see out clearly, but the harsh effects of direct sun are dramatically reduced. A 5% or 10% openness factor provides excellent view-through with strong glare control.
What openness factor should I choose for my solar shades?
It depends on your window's sun exposure. South and west-facing windows that receive direct afternoon sun typically do best with 3%–5% openness. North-facing windows or shaded exposures can use 10%–14% for maximum view with lighter UV protection. Fabric color matters too — darker fabrics provide better outward visibility and cut glare more effectively than lighter ones.
Do solar shades protect furniture and floors from UV fading?
Yes. Depending on the openness factor, solar shades block up to 99% of UV rays — the primary cause of fading in wood floors, furniture, and artwork. Even a 10% openness fabric provides significant UV protection compared to bare glass, making solar shades a smart investment for rooms with hardwood floors or valuable furnishings.
Ready to See If Solar Shades Are Right for Your Home?
Start with our free concierge consultation to get personalized recommendations, or call Mark directly to schedule a free in-home visit.