Sandrita Guide: Solar Transmission, Reflection, and Absorption in Roller Blind Fabrics
When choosing interior roller blinds, it's not just color and style that matter. Fabrics have technical properties that influence natural light, indoor temperature, and your home's energy efficiency .
Understanding the difference between solar transmission, solar reflection, and solar absorption allows you to choose curtains that are not only beautiful, but also functional: from blackout roller blinds to filtering roller blinds .
Index
- What is the solar index of roller blind fabrics?
- Solar transmission: managing brightness
- Solar reflection: heat protection
- Solar absorption: energy retained by the tissue
- How to read ST + SR + SA = 100%
- Blackout or filtering roller blinds: which one to choose?
- The advantages of Sandrita roller blinds
What is the solar index of roller blind fabrics?
Every ray of sunshine that hits a window can:
- Passing through the fabric (solar transmission - ST)
- Being rejected (solar reflection - SR)
- Be absorbed by the material (solar absorption - SA)
The rule is simple: ST + SR + SA = 100% . Knowing this balance helps you understand whether a fabric provides more light , more heat protection , or more darkening .
Solar transmission: managing brightness
A high solar transmission value means very bright environments, ideal for kitchens and less exposed living rooms.
A low value, on the other hand, reduces the entry of light and heat, perfect for those looking for filtering roller blinds for rooms exposed to direct sunlight.
Solar reflection: the barrier against heat
Solar reflectance measures the ability of the fabric to reflect radiation outwards.
- Light-colored and coated fabrics have higher SR values.
- They are the best choice for screening roller blinds in south or west facing areas.
- They help keep rooms cool and reduce air conditioning consumption.
Solar absorption: the heat retained
A fabric with high solar absorption retains energy, heating up.
- In winter it can contribute to light thermal insulation.
- In summer, however, excessive absorption can increase the internal temperature.
For this reason , blackout roller blinds are preferred in warm areas.
How to read ST + SR + SA = 100%
Each tissue has its own “energy profile”:
- High transmission, low reflection: more light, less thermal protection.
- High reflection, low transmission: maximum summer comfort.
- High absorption: more heat retained, useful only in cold climates.
The choice depends on the orientation of the windows and the type of room.
Blackout or filtering roller blinds: which one to choose?
- Blackout roller blinds: reduce transmission to almost zero, ideal for bedrooms, TV rooms or offices where complete darkness is required.
- Filtering roller blinds: they modulate natural light, perfect for living rooms and kitchens that require controlled brightness.
Comparison table: solar transmission, reflection and absorption in curtain fabrics
|
Type of tent |
Transmission (ST) |
Reflection (SR) |
Absorption (SA) |
Main features |
|
Blackout roller blind |
0 – 5% |
40 – 60% |
40 – 55% |
Almost total blackout, ideal for bedrooms and TV rooms |
|
Clear filter roller blind |
30 – 50% |
30 – 50% |
10 – 20% |
Lets in controlled natural light, perfect for living rooms and kitchens |
|
Dark filter roller blind |
10 – 25% |
15 – 30% |
50 – 65% |
It shields direct light well but absorbs more heat |
Note: The values are indicative and may vary depending on the fabric and surface treatment.
👉 With Sandrita you can request custom roller blinds with the level of transmission, reflection and absorption that best suits your needs.
The advantages of Sandrita roller blinds
With Sandrita.com you can find interior roller blinds that combine design, technology and functionality :
- Catalog of blackout and filtering roller blinds for every need.
- Possibility of requesting custom-made roller blinds , adapted to your windows and your furnishing style.
- Consulting to help you choose the ideal solution based on exposure, climate, and intended use.
👉 Discover the Sandrita roller blind collection now
👉 Request a personalized quote for your custom roller blinds
Conclusion
Knowing how a fabric's solar index works is the first step to improving the well-being of your home.
With the right interior roller blinds you can have natural light without glare , more pleasant temperatures in summer , and real savings on energy consumption.
At Sandrita.com, you'll find the perfect solution: custom-made blackout, filtering, or screening roller blinds, designed to make any space beautiful, comfortable, and efficient.
