{"id":7224,"date":"2023-05-27T16:49:31","date_gmt":"2023-05-27T16:49:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/?p=7224"},"modified":"2025-12-08T13:53:20","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T13:53:20","slug":"solar-shade-openness-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordableblinds.com\/blog\/solar-shade-openness-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar Shade Openness Comparison: 3%, 5%, 7%, 10%, 14% & 32%"},"content":{"rendered":"

Understanding Solar Shade Openness Factors: An A-Z Guide for Buyers<\/h2>\n
\"Solar<\/a>
Solar Shades Openness comparison<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unsure how different openness percentages or opacities of <\/span>solar shades<\/span><\/a> \u2013 0%, 1%, <\/span>3%<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>5%<\/span><\/a>, 7%, 10%, 14%, 32% \u2013 directly affect natural light entry, UV protection, level of daytime privacy, see-through, glare reduction, and energy efficiency? This comprehensive blog post has got your covered!<\/span><\/p>\n

Practically, choose a less open (more opaque) or more tightly woven fabric (<\/span>1%<\/span><\/a> to 7%) for a higher degree of light control, less visibility, more privacy, and better <\/span>energy efficiency<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conversely, select a looser weave (12% to 32%) for better see-through, lots of natural light, and significant glare reduction. Medium opacity, i.e., 7% to 10% is the most popular openness range for the perfect balance of features and functionalities.<\/span><\/p>\n

We really encourage you to get <\/span>free samples<\/span><\/a> of solar shades (with <\/span>free shipping<\/span><\/a>!) to see how they look and work in your specific space. Or book a free consultation session with our experts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scroll on to dig deeper into solar shade openness comparison and make an informed decision when buying new solar shades for your needs and space.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are Solar Shades?<\/h2>\n
\"Solar<\/a>
Solar shades<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Also called sun shades or sun blinds, solar shades are speciallized roll-up window coverings made from unique sun-blocking fabrics. They are typically <\/span>less expensive<\/span><\/a>, smarter, and easier to operate than <\/span>light filtering double cellular blinds<\/span><\/a> and room darkening drapes. Hailed as hardworking window treatments, solar shades <\/span>filter<\/span><\/a> the annoying light and give a more pleasurable outlook to your interior design <\/span>style<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cashing in on the energy efficiency of sun shades<\/span>, you can significantly cut down on the cooling costs of your home. However, <\/span>honeycomb blinds<\/span><\/a> perform much better at insulation in both hotter and colder months.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the Openness Factor for Solar Shades?<\/h2>\n

Openness, also referred to as opacity level or openness percentage, is simply the measure of how tightly or closely yarns are woven, which directly reflects the sunlight trying to stream in through the <\/span>fabric<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

A lower openness value (1%<\/span> to 3%) for these <\/span>blinds<\/span><\/a> means the fabric is more tightly woven to block view and light. Conversely, a higher openness value (<\/span>10%<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>14%<\/span><\/a>) refers to a looser weave to allow more light and better see-through.<\/span><\/p>\n

A custom solar shade with medium openness percentage (5% to 7%) is the best option to preserve view and prevent damage to your interior finishes and furnishing due to harsh UV rays.<\/span><\/p>\n

Openness vs Opacity<\/h2>\n

Opacity percentage on sun blinds is the exact inverse of <\/span>openness<\/span><\/a> percentage, i.e., a more open blind is less opaque and vice versa. Openness (low percentage \u2013 1-14%) defines the degree of openness or degree of the fabric weave, impacting light penetration, visibility, and <\/span>privacy<\/span><\/a>. On the other hand, opacity (high percentage 86-99%) emphasises the solar fabric\u2019s ability to block UV rays, reduce glare, and enhance <\/span>thermal regulation<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Merriam Webster dictionary<\/span><\/a> defines opacity as \u201cthe quality or state of a body (<\/span>fabric<\/span><\/a>) that makes it impervious to the rays of light\u201d or \u201cthe relative capacity of matter to obstruct the transmission of radiant energy\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Consider the Openness Factor When Buying Solar Shades?<\/h2>\n