Woven Wood, Solar, or Fabric: Which Shade Material Works Best?

When it comes to choosing custom window shades, the style is only part of the equation - the material you select plays a huge role in how your shades perform and feel. With so many beautiful and functional options, it can be hard to decide which shade material works best for your room, goals, and lifestyle.

Explore the visual and functional differences between woven wood shades, solar shades, and fabric shades

In this post, we’ll compare three of the most popular types of shade materials - woven wood, solar, and fabric — so you can make a confident, informed choice.

Which Shade Material Works Best - A Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s break it down based on key factors like light control, privacy, texture, and aesthetics.

1 - Woven Wood Shades

What it is:

Natural fibers like bamboo, reeds, grasses, and jute woven together into textured panels. Available in various weaves and tones.

Best For:

• Earthy, organic, or coastal interiors

• Rooms where texture and warmth are important

• Adding a natural look with soft, filtered light

Pros:

• Eco-friendly and sustainable

• Adds depth and dimension to the window

• Can be paired with liners for more privacy

Cons:

• Natural light filtering only (unless lined)

• More relaxed and less structured appearance

• May show inconsistencies due to natural fibers

2 - Solar Shades

What it is:

Made from tightly woven synthetic mesh (usually PVC-coated polyester) designed to filter light and block UV rays without blocking your view.

Best For:

• Modern, minimal spaces

• South-facing rooms with intense sun

• Offices, living rooms, or open-concept spaces

Pros:

• Reduces glare and protects furnishings from UV

• Maintains outside view even when lowered

• Available in various openness levels (1%–10%)

Cons:

• Less privacy at night unless layered with drapery

• Has a commercial or industrial feel in some settings

• May feel cooler or less cozy

3 - Fabric Shades

What it is:

Soft textile materials used in Roman shades, roller shades, or layered designs. Available in blackout, light-filtering, or sheer options.

Best For:

• Traditional or transitional interiors

• Bedrooms, dining rooms, or cozy sitting areas

• Rooms where softness and color coordination matter

Pros:

• Huge variety of styles, patterns, and lining options

• Can be layered or shaped for design impact

• Pairs beautifully with drapery for a complete look

Cons:

• Can show wrinkles or creases

• Not as UV-resistant as solar or natural as woven

• May require careful cleaning depending on fabric type

Design Considerations When Choosing Shade Material

• Light Needs: Go solar for sun-blocking, fabric for soft glow, woven for natural filtering

• Style Match: Woven for texture, fabric for softness, solar for sleekness

• Privacy Concerns: Layer with liners or drapery if needed

• Window Size & Mounting: Heavier fabrics or bamboo may require stronger brackets or wider mountings

Custom Shades by DDCD

fabrics. Every shade is handcrafted to your specs and layered beautifully if needed.

• Roman, roller, solar, and woven wood options

• Privacy, blackout, or light-filtering lining available

• Hardware and mounting support

• Fabric and texture pairing consultation

Explore Our Custom Shade Services

Request a Shade Material Consultation

Final Thoughts

So - which shade material works best? It depends on what your space needs most: light control, texture, softness, or privacy. Woven wood brings nature indoors. Solar shades tame the sun while preserving your view. Fabric shades add elegance and warmth. The right answer is the one that works for your design and lifestyle.

Still not sure? DDCD is here to help you make the right call — with materials, construction, and style that feel just right.