Solar vs. Blackout Fabrics: Which One Do You Actually Need?

This is the most common question we get: "Should I go solar or blackout?"

The answer depends on the room, the window orientation, and what's driving you crazy about the current situation.

Solar / Sun Control Fabrics

Solar fabrics are engineered to block UV radiation and reduce solar heat gain while maintaining outward visibility. During the day, you can see through them — trees, sky, neighbors — but they cut glare and keep your room from overheating.

Best for:

• Living rooms where you want natural light without the heat
• South and west-facing windows that get direct afternoon sun
• Home offices where screen glare is a problem
• Any window where you want to preserve the view

The numbers that matter:

• Openness factor: ranges from 1% to 14% (lower = tighter weave = more heat blocking, less view)
• UV blocking: our commercial-grade solars block 90-99% of UV
• Heat reduction: up to 95% solar heat gain reduction on our best performers

Blackout Fabrics

Blackout fabrics are exactly what they sound like — zero light transmission. Complete darkness. The fabric is opaque and coated or woven to prevent any light from passing through.

Best for:

• Bedrooms (especially if you're a light sleeper or work nights)
• Media rooms and home theaters
• Nurseries and kids' rooms
• Any room where you need total darkness

Important caveat: Even blackout fabric doesn't create 100% darkness if light leaks around the edges. For rectangular shades, we recommend adding side channels to seal the gaps. For specialty shapes (triangles, trapezoids), the shade mounts flush against the frame, which naturally minimizes edge light.

Light Filtering: The Middle Ground

Light filtering fabrics diffuse and soften incoming light without blocking it entirely. They provide daytime privacy (people outside can't see in clearly) while still letting the room feel bright and airy.

Best for:

• Bathrooms and kitchens where you want privacy without darkness
• North-facing windows that don't get direct sun
• Decorative or architectural windows where the shade is mainly aesthetic

Room-by-Room Recommendations

Bedroom: Blackout. No question. Even people who think they don't need blackout usually prefer it once they experience complete darkness.

Living room: Solar (3-5% openness). Cuts heat and glare while keeping the room connected to the outdoors.

Home office: Solar (1-3% openness). The tighter weave kills screen glare without making the room feel like a cave.

Kitchen: Light filtering. Easy to clean, lets in ambient light, provides privacy from neighbors.

Bathroom: Light filtering or blackout depending on privacy needs.

Media room: Blackout with side channels. Maximum darkness for the best picture quality.

All 649 of our fabrics are available for every window shape. Filter by category in our builder to narrow your options.