When summer temperatures soar in the Inland Northwest, keeping your home cool becomes a challenging top priority. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine at a river or lake or enjoying a backyard BBQ on the prairie or in the mountains, you shouldn’t have to worry about your home turning into an oven while you cook and socialize. Best Blinds and Awnings solar shades to the rescue! Solar shades are a polished, functional solution that keeps the heat out and the comfort in.
What Are Solar Shades?
Solar shades (aka sun shades) are a type of window treatment specifically designed to reduce heat and glare caused by sunlight while maintaining that Eastern Washington and North Idaho view to the outside. Unlike heavy drapes or blackout blinds, solar shades filter the sun’s rays rather than block them entirely, creating a cooler, more comfortable indoor space that still feels open and airy, yet private.
At Best Blinds and Awnings, we offer a wide range of solar shade styles and fabrics to match your home’s décor while delivering top-tier performance. Whether you’re outfitting a lakeside cabin or updating your windows in a new build, there’s a solar shade that’s got you covered.
How Do Solar Shades Keep Your Home Cool?
Solar shades are made from tightly woven, UV-resistant fabrics that reduce the amount of solar energy entering your home. Depending on the weave and opacity, they can block anywhere from 80% to 99% of UV rays. This prevents your rooms from overheating and protects your floors, furniture, and artwork from sun damage, which is an added bonus for homeowners enjoying the long Northwest summer days.
Here’s how they work:
- Reflect sunlight: Solar shades reflect sunlight away from your windows, reducing heat gain.
- Minimize glare: They help cut glare on screens and surfaces, ideal for home offices or media rooms.
- Maintain outward visibility: You can still enjoy your view of the Spokane River or the Selkirk Mountains without compromising your comfort.
Energy Savings You Can See
One of the most desirable perks of solar shades is the potential energy savings. When your home stays naturally cooler, your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard. That means lower utility bills during the hot months of June, July, and August, and greater longevity for your AC system.
In fact, homes in the Inland Northwest that install solar shades often see a noticeable drop in energy use during peak summer. It’s a simple, sustainable upgrade that pays off over time.
Stylish and Customizable
Just because solar shades are practical doesn’t mean they must be plain. Best Blinds and Awnings offers solar shades in various colors, textures, and openness levels. Whether you prefer a subtle neutral to complement those mountain wood interiors or a bold pattern for a modern lakefront look, we’ve got you covered.
Solar shades can be paired with decorative drapery or layered with blackout shades for added style and light control. For maximum convenience, we also offer motorized options, which can be a valuable feature for hard-to-reach windows or anyone who loves the ease of smart home integration.
The Inland Northwest Advantage
Our local climate brings a lot of sunshine in the summer. That’s great for outdoor fun, but not so great when it means your indoor spaces become greenhouses. Solar shades are uniquely suited for local homes because they balance sun protection and scenic visibility.
Ready to Stay Cool This Summer?
At Best Blinds and Awnings in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the Lewiston Valley, we know window treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer no-cost in-home consultations with one of our professionals throughout the region. We’ll help you through the process and make it easy to choose the right solar shades to fit your needs, style, space, and budget.
Don’t wait for the heat to hit; discover the difference solar shades can make. Contact Best Blinds and Awnings to request a quote and keep your home more comfortable, efficient, and stylish this summer.