Understanding Solar Shade “Openness”: 1%, 3%, 5%, or 10%—Which Is Best for You?

If you are new to the world of solar shades, the first thing you’ll notice is that they are categorized by percentages. While it might seem like technical jargon, this number—known as the Openness Factor—is the most important decision you’ll make for your windows. In simple terms, openness refers to the tightness of the fabric’s weave. It determines exactly how much sunlight, heat, and visibility will pass through your shade. 

What Do the Percentages Actually Mean?

Think of the percentage as the “amount of window” still visible through the fabric. 

• 1% Openness: A very tight weave where only 1% of the surface is “open.” This blocks 99% of UV rays.
• 10% Openness: A much looser weave where 10% of the surface is open, blocking about 90% of UV rays. 

Choosing the Right Level for Your Lifestyle

Every room in your home has a different job. Here is how to match the openness factor to your specific needs:

1% Openness: Maximum Protection and Privacy

• Best For: Bedrooms, media rooms, and street-facing windows.
• Why You’ll Love It: It offers the highest level of daytime privacy and the best glare reduction for screens. If you have expensive furnishings you’d like to protect, 1% provides the ultimate shield against sun-fading.
• The Trade-off: Your view of the outdoors will be limited to general shapes and movement rather than fine details. 

3% to 5% Openness: The “Sweet Spot” for Living Areas

• Best For: Living rooms, dining areas, and home offices.
• Why You’ll Love It: These are our most popular residential options. They strike a perfect balance: you can see your garden or the kids and dog playing outside, but the harsh glare on your laptop or TV is significantly softened.
• The Trade-off: While excellent during the day, you will lose some of that privacy at night if your interior lights are on. The neighbors will definitely see right in.  

10% Openness: Prioritizing the View

• Best For: Sunrooms, north-facing windows, or any room with a spectacular view.
• Why You’ll Love It: If you bought your home for the view, this is your choice. It maintains maximum connection to the outdoors and lets in plenty of natural light while still cutting out the “sharpness” of direct sun.
• The Trade-off: It offers the least amount of privacy and heat protection. 

Pro Tip: Color Matters Too!

The openness factor isn’t the only thing that affects your view.

• Darker fabrics (like charcoal or bronze) actually provide a clearer view through the mesh because they absorb light instead of reflecting it.
• Lighter fabrics (like white or cream) are superior at reflecting heat and keeping your room cooler, but they can be slightly harder to see through in bright light. 

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

At North Solar Screen, we offer a wide range of indoor transparent solar shades in 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% openness.

Still not sure which one to pick?
Contact us today and one of our experts will guide you through the process. We’ll help you analyze your home’s sun exposure and find the exact percentage that makes your space feel just right.