Choosing the Right Screen Shade

A screen shade is a simple rollers shade with different openness degrees. Openness is the weave density of the screen fabric affecting the degree of visibility, privacy, glare control and UV blockage. Screen fabrics are unique in their ability to convert sunlight into energy based on the color of the fabric. View-through is a characteristic of screen fabric, both from the inside-out and the outside-in, and is dependent of the openness factor and lighting in the room.

Light colored fabrics provide a softer view-through while preserving natural light. They reflect light, allowing less heat gain in a room. All screen shades block harmful UV rays that can discolor furniture, flooring and art work.

Dark colored fabrics provide a crisp view-through the shade, while absorbing light and heat gain at the window for energy efficiency. Dark colors also offer superior glare control by reducing visible light that comes through the fabric.

These shades are also available in superior performance fabrics. These are designed to outperform traditional screen fabrics. Special features built into the fabric provide enhanced glare and heat control with superior UV protection. They reflect solar heat to reduce room temperature. At Hunter Douglas we use the patented KoolBlack technology enabling the fabric to reflect solar heat, providing a more balanced environment and reduced cooling costs.

Another thing to consider is UV blockage. 1% blocks 99% while the 14% offers 86% UV blockage, with all the others somewhere in between.

Which one is right for you? Do you require more view-through and less privacy, or is privacy most important? A 1% openness shade will provide the most privacy and least view through. These shades are available in 1%, 3%, 5%, 10% and 14% openness.

For more information, book your free consultation with Elite Interiors today.