How Solar Shading Controls Light and Glare in Commercial Spaces In modern commercial buildings, daylight is both a valuable resource and a design challenge. While natural light improves health, wellbeing and productivity, its intensity can cause visual discomfort, excessive glare and uneven luminance in workspaces. Effective solar shading systems allow businesses to harness the benefits of daylight while protecting occupants from the negative effects of uncontrolled sunlight. The Importance of Light Management in Workspaces According to the World Green Building Council, employees working near daylight and with visual access to the outdoors sleep an average of 46 minutes more per night, demonstrating the impact of natural light on circadian rhythm and overall wellbeing. Furthermore, 90% of our time is spent indoors (World Health Organization), making internal light quality a critical factor for health and comfort. However, when daylight is not managed properly, it can cause: Glare on screens and surfaces Visual discomfort from high luminance contrast Disrupted focus and eye fatigue Increased dependency on artificial lighting due to inconsistent light levels The UK Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992) require that workstations be protected from excessive sunlight. This legal obligation further underlines the need for adjustable shading solutions in commercial environments. Solar Shading: A Dynamic Solution to a Dynamic Problem Direct sunlight can reach over 100,000 lux, while the ideal lighting level for an office workstation is approximately 500 lux. This dramatic contrast makes it essential to moderate and balance light exposure. Solar shading particularly dynamic, automated systems adjusts to changing daylight conditions in real time. This maintains optimal brightness levels throughout the day, avoiding glare while preserving useful daylight. Unlike fixed glazing or tinting solutions, automated shading can react to real-world solar intensity, angle and user requirements. According to Beck et al. (2010), discomfort glare often results from excessive exterior luminance in the field of view. Dynamic blinds, louvres or tensioned fabric systems provide a responsive solution that balances internal comfort with external variability. Beyond Comfort: Daylight and Human Performance Research shows that access to natural light and control over glare can significantly impact human performance: According to Strong (2012), daylighting has proven emotional, cognitive and behavioural benefits, especially when light levels are carefully managed. A study by the Heschong Mahone Group found a statistically significant link between daylight access and improved student performance in classrooms. The Human Spaces Report (2015) showed that biophilic elements like daylight and plants contribute to 15% higher wellbeing and creativity and 6% improved productivity. Colour Rendition and Light Quality Daylight is also critical to accurate colour rendering, an essential consideration in sectors such as retail, healthcare and creative industries. A high Colour Rendering Index (CRI), achievable when solar shading is paired with clear glazing, ensures that interior spaces appear vibrant and accurate in tone. In contrast, solar control glass with strong tints or coatings can reduce visible light transmission and degrade CRI. While these products may control heat, they often sacrifice visual quality. Solar shading devices offer a flexible and non-permanent solution that preserves both natural light and interior c Key Performance Metric: Visible Light Transmittance (Tvis) Visible Light Transmittance (Tvis) is a measurement of how much visible light passes through glazing or shading. For example, a Tvis of 5% indicates that 95% of visible light is blocked. Dynamic shading systems allow Tvis values to adapt throughout the day, ensuring appropriate light levels for changing conditions. This precision improves workplace comfort and reduces reliance on artificial lighting—a major source of energy consumption in commercial buildings. Practical Applications of Light and Glare Control Offices: Reduce glare on monitors, maintain employee focus and optimise daylight use to reduce artificial lighting. Education: Maintain uniform light levels in classrooms to support concentration and comfort. Healthcare: Improve patient wellbeing through access to soft, natural daylight without visual strain. Retail: Present products in natural light while preventing glare that detracts from the shopping experience. Integrating Solar Shading with Smart Building Design Automated shading systems can be seamlessly integrated with Building Management Systems (BMS), ensuring blinds respond to light sensors or time settings. This reduces manual intervention and ensures a consistent, user-focused light environment. At Bright A Blind, we specialise in the design and installation of intelligent solar shading systems for commercial spaces. Whether your goal is to meet workplace regulations, improve staff wellbeing or reduce energy use, our team can help you choose a tailored solution. Conclusion Uncontrolled daylight can lead to glare, discomfort and inconsistent light levels that impact occupant wellbeing and building performance. Solar shading is a proven, cost-effective solution that allows commercial buildings to benefit from daylight while eliminating its challenges. By investing in dynamic solar shading, businesses can improve productivity, lower energy bills and support the health and wellbeing of those who use the space daily. For more information call 020 7700 6000 or send an enquiry.
