Motorized Solar Shades Upper East Side: High-Rise, Three Exposures, and 12-Foot Ceilings
Project Snapshot
- Location: Upper East Side, Lenox Hill
- Home: High-rise apartment with floor-to-ceiling glass on two sides
- Rooms: Open living/dining/kitchen
- Treatment: Custom motorized solar roller shades
- Control: Handheld remote and phone app
The Challenge
Three full glass walls mean incredible light and serious glare. Midday sun washed out the living area, evenings needed privacy, and the 12-foot ceiling height made manual shades unrealistic. The goal: cut glare and UV without losing that classic UES skyline view.
Our Approach
We custom-fabricated solar roller shades sized for the full height, then grouped windows by zone (living, dining, kitchen) so each area can move together or separately. The openness factor was selected to preserve views while softening light; darker screen fabric facing outdoors improves clarity looking out, and lighter interior fabric keeps the room bright. Clean fascia and tight bracket placement keep the lines minimal against the glass.
Installation Notes
- Precision measuring across uneven slab lines typical in towers
- Discreet wiring/power planning to keep hardware nearly invisible
- Programmed scenes: “Daylight,” “Evening,” and “All-Open” on a single remote
- Final on-site leveling so everything aligns
The Result
Glare is under control, heat gain is reduced, art and furnishings get UV protection, and the views stay front-and-center. With one tap, the space shifts from bright and functional to cozy and private.
Thinking about solar shades for a high-rise? Send a few window photos, and we’ll price out options and openness levels that fit your space.