Selecting shade fabric
We work with all of the top shade cloth weavers and we can match specified fabrics and offer custom options. All of our fabrics in our commercial line are fire rated and carry a 10 year warranty. Our residential fabric line offers choices to match any decor and also unique finds that compliment design and architecture. We offer one of the widest selections in the industry and we are constantly updating our inventory with the latest fabrics from around the world.
When selecting shade fabric it helps to narrow your choices by first choosing the percentage of openness that best suits the space and exposure. Next deciding on a light vs. a dark colored fabric. Then finally picking a color range to simplify your decision on the fabric choices that remain. From here finer fabric detail can be considered including the weave and exact color match. When considering larger sized shades 78" or wider, you may start by considering the available fabric roll widths to see if it is possible to avoid railroading and seaming the fabric. Composition of the fibers used in the weave and special features of the fabric could also be the starting point in the search for the right fabric, it all depends on your application. Follow the steps below for detailed examples on how to make your fabric selection by openness, light vs. dark, color range, roll width, fiber composition, and fabric features and technical data: |
Openness Factor
Transparent
3% - 10% openness and higher (sheer)
A sheer fabric will cut the glare while still allowing light in and preserving the view. office space, classrooms, view windows |
Translucent
translucent - 1% openness (privacy)
A light colored privacy fabric will light up the interior during the day while maintaining privacy. urban areas, bathrooms, |
Blackout
0% openness (opaque)
Blackout fabric is used to darken a room and offers the most privacy, day or night. conference rooms, laboratories, bedrooms |
Light or Dark Fabric?
Color is a key factor in selecting a sunscreen shadecloth. Color will directly affect heat gain (shading coefficient), brightness, and glare.
•Light colors are more reflective with lower heat gain and shading coefficients, but with a higher percentage of daylight and solar transmittance.•Light colors, however, are brighter when sunlit which causes high surface brightness (bare light bulb syndrome) and may transmit excessive, debilitating light onto computer screens and work stations.•Light colors are difficult to see through due to surface brightness and higher reflectance and transmittance characteristics. They also tend to reflect more of the interior light back into the space. (See Solar Optical Properties Chart.)•Darker colors provide a better view through the shadecloth to the outside. Dark colors absorb light and heat, and are less energy efficient than lighter colors. They transmit less light and have a lower surface brightness, which lowers reflectivity and provides excellent glare-free environments for CRTs and work stations.
•Light colors are more reflective with lower heat gain and shading coefficients, but with a higher percentage of daylight and solar transmittance.•Light colors, however, are brighter when sunlit which causes high surface brightness (bare light bulb syndrome) and may transmit excessive, debilitating light onto computer screens and work stations.•Light colors are difficult to see through due to surface brightness and higher reflectance and transmittance characteristics. They also tend to reflect more of the interior light back into the space. (See Solar Optical Properties Chart.)•Darker colors provide a better view through the shadecloth to the outside. Dark colors absorb light and heat, and are less energy efficient than lighter colors. They transmit less light and have a lower surface brightness, which lowers reflectivity and provides excellent glare-free environments for CRTs and work stations.
Color Range
Roll Width and Railroading with Seams
Fabric Composition and Features
Fabric Technical Data Explained
