Solar Shades in Austin, TX
Solar shades are roller shades made from a woven screen that cuts glare, heat, and UV while you keep your view outside. They're the most requested window treatment in Central Texas for a simple reason: the afternoon sun.
We install them in 3% and 5% openness, in light and dark colors, with chain, cordless, or motorized lift, for homes and offices across the Austin area.
How solar roller shades work
Solar shades are roller shades made from a woven screen fabric. The weave cuts glare, heat, and UV while leaving small openings, so you keep your view outside during the day.
The openness factor tells you how open the weave is. We install 3% solar shades for strong sun and 5% solar shades for a clearer view, in light or dark colors, with chain, cordless, or motorized lift.
Why we recommend them in Central Texas
Solar shades are the most requested window treatment in Central Texas for one reason: the afternoon sun. They take the heat and glare out of a room without blocking the view you bought the house for.
They're the workhorse in living rooms, offices, and anywhere with a TV, and they pair well with draperies for evening privacy.
Benefits
What you get with custom solar roller shades from ATX Blinds & Draperies.
Keep your view
See outside while blocking glare and heat.
Up to about 97% UV blocked
Protects floors, furniture, and art from fading.
Cooler rooms
Cuts solar heat gain on sun-facing windows.
Glare control
Makes TVs and computer screens readable in bright rooms.
Best for
- West- and south-facing windows
- Living rooms and TV rooms
- Home and commercial offices
- Rooms with a view worth keeping
Options
- 3% or 5% openness
- Light or dark fabric colors
- Chain, cordless, or motorized
- Interior or exterior versions
- Smart hub for phone app and voice control, at home or away
Good to know
- Solar shades don't give privacy at night with lights on inside. Pair them with draperies or choose a dual shade.
- Darker colors give a clearer view; lighter colors look softer from inside but slightly hazier.
What affects the price
- Size of each window (wider and taller costs more)
- Fabric or material you choose
- Lift system: chain, cordless, or motorized
- Mounting hardware, cassettes, or tracks
- Number of windows (larger orders often price better per window)
- Specialty shapes and hard-to-reach installs
Every quote is free, in writing, and broken down by window. See our cost guide.
Our process
Consultations are available seven days a week.
Free consultation
We come to you with samples and look at every window, how it faces, and how the room is used.
Measure & quote
We measure every window precisely and send a written quote within 24 hours.
Professional install
We install, test, and clean up. Products are covered by manufacturer warranties.
Care & maintenance
A few minutes now and then keeps them looking new.
Dusting
Dust every few weeks with a microfiber cloth, a feather duster, or the soft brush on your vacuum set to low suction. Regular dusting keeps buildup from settling into the weave.
Spot cleaning
Blot small marks with a soft cloth dampened with water and a little mild soap. Blot, don't rub, and let the fabric dry fully before you raise the shade.
Everyday use
Raise and lower the shade with the chain, bottom bar, or motor, never by pulling on the fabric. If it starts rolling unevenly, call us and we'll adjust it.
Solar roller shades: common questions
Have another question? Call (512) 751-8408.
Do solar shades keep heat out?
Yes. They block a large share of solar heat and glare at the window, especially in 3% openness and on sun-facing glass.
What does the percentage on solar shades mean?
It's the openness of the weave. A 3% shade is 97% fabric and 3% open. Lower numbers block more sun; higher numbers show more view.
Do solar shades provide privacy?
During the day, yes. At night with lights on inside, people can see in.
Light or dark solar shades?
Dark colors give the best view and glare control. Light colors reflect more heat and blend with light walls. We bring both to compare.
Can solar shades go outside?
Yes. Exterior shades use solar fabric on the outside of the window for even more heat reduction.
Can I control motorized shades from my phone?
Yes. Add a smart hub and you can raise, lower, group, and schedule everything from an app on your phone, at home or away, and connect to popular voice assistants.
Helpful guides
More detail before you decide.
3% vs. 5% Solar Shades: Which Openness Is Right for Texas Sun?
3% or 5% solar shades? How openness affects heat, glare, UV, view and privacy, which to use on west-facing windows, and why color matters as much as percentage..
The Best Window Treatments for West-Facing Windows in Texas
West-facing windows heat up Texas homes every afternoon.
Related products
Solar roller shades near you
Get a free quote on solar roller shades
Tell us a little about your project. We'll call to set a time that works, any day of the week, and bring our mobile showroom to you.
(512) 751-8408Text us: (512) 751-8408info@austintexasblinds.comConsultations available Monday through Sunday.
What happens next
- We call you from (512) 751-8408, usually the same day. Save our number so you know it's us.
- No answer? We'll text you from the same number to find a good time.
- We bring the showroom to you: samples at your windows, and we measure everything.
- Written quote within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure.