Sun Protection, 2026
The 7 window shades that actually beat the sun.
Compare solar, blackout, honeycomb and other options for glare, privacy and the way you use each room.
The short answer
Start with solar roller shades for daytime glare and a view, blackout fabric for a darker bedroom, or honeycomb shades for cellular construction. Check the chosen fabric’s performance, nighttime privacy and fit at your window before ordering.
| Shade | Useful for | View when lowered? |
|---|---|---|
| Solar roller | Daytime glare and sunlight | Depends on fabric and lighting |
| Blackout roller | Blackout fabric for sleep and screens | No |
| Honeycomb | Cellular construction and soft pleats | No when closed |
| Zebra | Adjustable sheer and solid bands | Through open bands |
| Shangri-La | Soft, diffused daylight | Filtered |
| Window film | Sun control at the glass | Depends on film |
| Motorized shade | Convenient control; scheduling with a compatible setup | Depends on fabric |
1. Solar shades for daytime glare
A solar roller shade uses woven fabric to manage sunlight while retaining some view. Compare 1%, 3% and 5% openness samples in your own light: a tighter weave generally offers less view, but openness alone is not a UV or heat-performance rating. Check the selected fabric’s specifications.
Solar fabric is not blackout fabric and does not assure privacy after dark. A bedroom may need a separate opaque layer.
2. Blackout rollers for bedrooms
Blackout rollers use opaque fabric for sleep and screen rooms. Light can still enter around the edges; discuss mounting, coverage and suitable side channels if those gaps would bother you. Fabric opacity does not establish how dark or cool the finished room will be.
3. Honeycomb shades for cellular construction
The pleated cells of honeycomb shades hold a layer of air. Their insulating effect depends on the window, fit and use; no energy saving is guaranteed. Choose light-filtering or blackout fabric to suit the room.
Novo’s honeycomb range is cordless and operated at the window. For glass you cannot comfortably reach, consider a suitable motorized roller.
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4. Zebra shades for changing daylight
Zebra shades move sheer and solid bands across one another to adjust daylight. They suit living spaces where you want frequent adjustment, but are not a substitute for a separate blackout layer. Check privacy with the room lit after dark. Factory-pickup pricing starts around $75 per blind, with fabric and size affecting the quote.
5. Shangri-La shades for diffused light
Shangri-La blinds suspend fabric vanes between sheer layers. Choose them for soft light and a sheer appearance; assess the chosen fabric for privacy rather than expecting blackout. Shangri-La starts around $100 per blind, with size and fabric upgrades affecting cost.
6. Window film for uncovered glass
Window film is another way to manage sunlight where you want to keep glass uncovered. Its appearance, UV and solar performance depend on the selected film and glazing compatibility. It can complement a shade, but do not assume it will be invisible or provide nighttime privacy.
7. Motorization for convenient control
Motorization suits tall or hard-to-reach windows. Scheduling needs a compatible motor and control setup; confirm power, charging and any hub requirements. Motorization adds about $210 per blind on suitable products. Novo’s current honeycomb range is cordless, not motorized.
What to check at your window
- Main problem: glare on a screen, fading concerns, heat, or unwanted bedroom light.
- Day and night: compare the view in daylight and privacy with the room lit.
- Fit and controls: check mounting space, edge gaps and comfortable reach.
- Fabric evidence: ask for the chosen fabric’s performance and care information.
For more detail, see our UV damage guide, home cooling guide, Edmonton cost guide and blinds comparison.
Care and consultation
Follow the selected fabric’s cleaning instructions; not every fabric can be wiped or washed. For coverage, see Novo’s warranty terms.
Compare samples during a free in-home consultation in Edmonton and the metro region, or Surrey, Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Call 780-245-0190 or book online; an itemized quote follows the measure and product selection.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best window shades for sun protection?
Solar rollers suit daytime glare and a view; blackout fabric suits darker bedrooms. Honeycomb shades add cellular construction. Choose by the room, fabric specifications and fit.
Do solar shades block UV?
Solar fabrics can reduce UV exposure. Check the selected fabric’s tested rating; openness alone does not tell you how much UV it blocks.
What openness factor should I choose?
Compare 1%, 3% and 5% samples at the window. Lower openness generally reduces the view; colour and lighting also affect glare and visibility. Plan separately for nighttime privacy.
Do sun shades help with cooling costs?
Shades can help manage solar heat, but results depend on the fabric, glazing, exposure, fit and use. Do not assume a particular reduction in cooling costs.
How much do sun-protection shades cost in Edmonton?
Starting prices are around $75 per roller blind for factory pickup, $120 for honeycomb and $100 for Shangri-La. Motorization adds about $210 on suitable products. Confirm the selected fabric, size and service scope in your quote.
Find the right fabric for your light.
Free in-home consultation across Edmonton, the metro region and BC’s Lower Mainland. Compare fabrics in your own light, then receive an itemized quote after the measure.
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