Protect Your View, Not Your Vision
Unlike traditional shades that block the view when lowered, Designer Screen Shades maintain visibility to the outdoors. The screen fabric acts like sunglasses for your windows—reducing brightness and glare while keeping your connection to the Ottawa landscape.
Ideal for:
- South and west-facing windows that receive intense afternoon sun
- Condos and high-rises with panoramic city views
- Sunrooms and three-season rooms
- Home offices where screen glare is a constant battle
- Cottages where you want to enjoy the view while staying cool
See outside, stay comfortable—without drawing the shades completely.
Understanding Openness Factors
Designer Screen fabrics are organized by "openness factor"—the percentage of the weave that allows light through. Hunter Douglas offers five options:
- Openness / Light Through / Best For
- 1% / Minimal / Maximum privacy & UV blocking
- 3% / Low / Strong sun control with some view
- 5% / Moderate / Balanced light & view (most popular)
- 10% / Higher / Subtle sun reduction, excellent view
- 14% / Maximum / Light glare control, full view
Our specialists will assess your windows' orientation and recommend the right openness factor for each room in your Ottawa home.
Superior UV Protection
Ottawa's summer sun can damage your interiors. Designer Screen fabrics block between 86% and 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting:
- Hardwood floors from fading and discoloration
- Upholstery and fabric from sun damage
- Artwork and photographs from deterioration
- Electronics from heat damage
This protection happens even when the shades appear nearly transparent. You enjoy natural light and views while your furnishings stay protected year after year. Consider Designer Screen Shades an investment in preserving your interior décor.
Sustainable Fabric Options
Hunter Douglas leads the industry in sustainable innovation. The Greenscreen Sea-Tex™ fabric collection—exclusive to Designer Screen Shades—features yarn made from reclaimed, washed-ashore ocean plastic.
Environmental benefits:
- Diverts plastic waste from oceans and landfills
- Same performance as traditional screen fabrics
- Available in popular colours and openness factors
- GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality
For Ottawa homeowners who prioritize sustainability, Greenscreen Sea-Tex offers a meaningful way to reduce environmental impact while enjoying premium window treatments. Ask our specialists about eco-friendly options.
Operating Systems & Motorization
Designer Screen Shades feature Hunter Douglas's premium operating systems:
- Custom Clutch: Modern hardware with precision-tuned lift technology. Delivers smooth operation and the smallest light gap in the industry.
- LiteRise®: Cordless operation for a clean look and enhanced child safety.
- PowerView® Automation: Schedule shades to lower during peak sun hours and raise at sunset. Perfect for protecting interiors while you're at work.
Motorization is especially valuable for large or hard-to-reach windows where screen shades provide maximum benefit.
Perfect Applications
- Home Offices – Eliminate screen glare without darkening the room
- Media Rooms – Reduce brightness for better TV viewing
- Sunrooms – Stay cool while enjoying natural light
- Condos – Protect views while managing solar heat
- Cottages – Keep cool at the lake or in Gatineau
- South/West Windows – Where Ottawa Sun hits hardest
Find Your Perfect Screen Shade
Visit our Glebe or Nepean showrooms to see Designer Screen fabric samples and compare openness factors. Our specialists will recommend the right solution based on your windows' orientation and your priorities. Free in-home consultations available.
Visit Our Showrooms | Call: (613) 233-8441