Low openness
A tighter mesh for intense glare and heat, with a more filtered view.
Houston sun control without giving up the view
Solar Shades
Screen-like fabric that cuts glare and UV while keeping your view to the outside — built for Houston's sun, not just the look of a shade.
- Openness sets the balanceA lower percentage blocks more sun and view; a higher percentage preserves more view-through.
- Color changes performanceDark and light meshes can look and perform differently even at the same openness.
- Best in daylightSolar fabric preserves daytime views but should not be treated as nighttime privacy.
Solar shades solve a specific problem: wanting the view outside without the glare, heat, and slow furniture fade that come with an unshaded window.
Read the window exposure
Choose openness by glare, view, and privacy—not by percentage alone
We test actual samples at the window because orientation and fabric color change what you see.
Mid openness
A common middle ground for Houston living spaces and offices.
Higher openness
Preserves more of the exterior view when glare reduction is important but not extreme.
Matched to the project
Compare solar meshes in the room where they will live
We source across multiple manufacturers to match openness, color, hardware, and budget.
Alta Window Fashions
Broad, practical solar-fabric choices for residential and commercial spaces.
Norman
Refined solar and roller systems with coordinated hardware options.
Hunter Douglas
Premium fabric, design, and automation options for whole-home projects.
We define what the opening needs first, then choose the brand and system that solve it best.
Where they work best
Sunrooms
The main reason people call us for these — full sun exposure without losing the reason they built the room.
TV rooms
Cuts glare on the screen without closing off the space during the day.
Rooms with hardwood or fine furniture
UV protection matters here even more than heat — fading is permanent, and slow enough that people don't notice until it's done.
Openness & mesh color
The samples below explain the tradeoff; the final choice happens against your actual view and exposure.
- Tighter meshStronger glare and solar control with a more filtered view.1–3%
- Balanced meshA useful midpoint for daylight, glare reduction, and exterior visibility.5%
- Open meshMore view-through with less aggressive sun control.10%+
We bring physical sample books so you can compare color, weave, and openness during the in-home demonstration.
Straight answers
Solar shades manage daylight; they do not create nighttime privacy
The same openness that lets you see out can let others see in when lighting reverses after dark.
What they can do
- Reduce glare and UV while preserving a daytime view
- Help protect floors, furnishings, and screens from direct sun
- Coordinate across wide, tall, or motorized window groups
What not to expect
- Provide reliable nighttime privacy by itself
- Perform identically in every color and openness
- Block heat before it reaches the glass as effectively as exterior shading
Plan your quote
What affects solar shade pricing
The quote reflects both the opening and the performance level you choose.
- Window size and number of shades
- Mesh collection, openness, and color
- Cassette, fascia, and mounting details
- Manual or motorized operation
- Oversized, coupled, or specialty installations
We compare samples at the window so you understand the view and privacy tradeoff before ordering.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about solar shades
Will solar shades block my view outside?
At most openness levels, no — that's the specific advantage of solar fabric over a standard light-filtering shade. Lower openness percentages block more but reduce view-through more too; we'll help you pick the right balance.
Do these actually protect furniture from fading?
Yes, meaningfully. UV is the main driver of fading in wood floors and furniture, and solar fabric blocks a large share of it while still letting you see outside.
Can people see through solar shades at night?
Often, yes. When the room is brighter than outside, the view-through reverses. Pair solar shades with another treatment where nighttime privacy matters.
Is a lower openness percentage always better?
No. It gives stronger sun control but also reduces view-through. The right number depends on orientation, glare, and how important the view is in that room.
Do dark or light solar fabrics work better?
Color affects glare, outward visibility, and heat behavior. We compare actual samples rather than choosing on appearance alone.
Can solar shades be motorized?
Yes. Motorization works well for tall glass, grouped windows, and shades you want to schedule around afternoon sun.
Measured at home · Recommended honestly · Installed by Starlite
Let's get the right solar shades on your windows
See the fabric, opacity, and hardware in the light of your own rooms before you choose. Free in-home consultation with real samples—no pressure either way.