Custom Solar Shades: What You Need to Know Solar shades are a sleek, modern window treatment designed to reduce heat and glare while preserving your view to the outdoors. Unlike blackout or room-darkening shades, solar fabrics offer visibility and soft natural light — making them ideal for homes with large windows or bright, sunny exposures. At Mill End Shops, we custom-craft solar shades to fit your windows precisely and match your interior decor. Whether you're trying to protect hardwood floors from UV damage or reduce glare on your television or computer screen, solar shades are a beautiful and functional solution. 🌞 What Makes Solar Shades Unique? 1) UV Protection Without Losing Light – Depending on the openness level (1%, 3%, 5%, or 10%), solar shades can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays while still letting light in. 2) Maintain Your View – Unlike blackout shades, solar fabrics are woven to preserve outdoor visibility during the day — perfect for sunrooms, kitchens, and modern open-concept homes. 3) Minimalist Look – Clean lines, slim hardware, and a roll-up profile make solar shades ideal for contemporary or transitional interiors. 🛠️ Our Full-Service Process We make it easy to get solar window treatments you’ll love — from start to finish: 1. Free Design Consultation Visit one of our showrooms (Rockville, Annapolis, Fairfax) or schedule an in-home appointment. We'll bring samples and help you choose the right openness level, fabric color, and control system. 2. Professional Measuring Our in-house team ensures every shade fits perfectly, minimizing light gaps and ensuring proper alignment — especially for wide windows and doors. 3. Premium Fabric Selection Choose from performance fabrics by top brands like Graber, Hunter Douglas, and Norman — available in neutrals, dark weaves, or specialty textures with reflective backings for added insulation. 4. Lift Options That Work for You Select from cordless, continuous loop, pull wand, motorized, or fully smart home-integrated controls. 5. Local Installation by Experts We don’t outsource. Every shade is installed by trained, in-house professionals who know window coverings inside and out. 🏡 Ideal For: 1) Sunrooms and patios 2) Open-concept kitchens 3) High-rise condos with large windows 4) Living rooms or offices with screens 5) Homes with hardwood floors, artwork, or furniture you want to protect 💡 Did You Know? Mill End Shops has served Maryland, DC, and Virginia for over 80 years with premium window treatments, tailored design advice, and full-service installation. We're proud to be an authorized dealer of Graber, Hunter Douglas, and Norman® solar shades — and we handle every project from consultation to completion. Looking for glare control with modern style? Solar shades may be your perfect fit.