What Are The Solar Shading Trends In Europe In 2025?

Europe is now the fastest-warming continent with 2024 being the warmest year on record with the longest heatwave ever experienced.

Southeastern Europe experienced its longest heatwave on record in July 2024, lasting 13 days and affecting 55 per cent of the region.

In addition, there were a record-breaking 66 days with at least ‘strong heat stress’  and 23 tropical nights in southeastern Europe during last summer.

These startling facts came out of The European State of the Climate 2024 report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in April 2025.

Solar Shading is the only option

The report highlighted that adaptation is a must to protect us from the heat during the day and at night.

However, the old default of air conditioning is no longer an optimal choice, because of its high cost and energy use.

Instead, solar shading is increasingly being used across Europe as a sustainable and efficient way to create climate-resilient buildings and keep occupants cool.

Solar shading stops overheating from happening in the first place, keeping most of the heat outside our homes, rather than dealing with its consequences.

Solar Shading is so popular it has its own day

Yes, that’s right! March 21 is the official Solar Shading Day with the motto ‘Save Energy, Be Comfortable, Protect the Planet’.

It has been running for two years and is organised by the European Solar Shading Organisation, a not-for-profit organisation that supports the EU’s ambitious energy-efficiency goals.

The day is a call to action for governments, architects, engineers, and individuals to integrate solar shading into their daily lives and long-term planning to save energy, keep buildings cool in the summer, and warmer in the winter.

External Blinds Solutions

External blinds are set to remain a popular choice for architects in 2025 because they look sleek and stylish and are easily tailored to suit different types of windows.

For example, they can be fitted to skylights, orangeries, outdoor kitchens, and corner windows for uninterrupted views.

They are very popular in houses and other buildings built to Passivhaus standards because they are so effective at keeping buildings cool as well as retaining heat in the winter and can be controlled remotely.

The open weave fabric used in external blinds allows the light in so occupants can still enjoy the view outside while protecting any soft furnishings from sun damage.

Awnings

Awnings made from sustainable, recycled or eco-friendly and UV-resistant fabrics are growing in popularity.

Key trends for fabric designs include bold and colourful geometrics, stripes and tropical-inspired prints for homeowners wanting to make a statement. But for an understated look, subtle earthy tones remain popular.

Solar Panel Blinds

These are external blinds made from solar panels which produce energy, helping to cut electricity bills, slashing carbon while keeping a building cool.

They look just like external shutter blinds and are placed on rigid guides or steel cables outside windows.

They are set to become more popular especially in offices and houses where owners want to generate solar energy but don’t have enough roof space for panels.

Smart glass

Smart glass is gaining in popularity as it stops sunlight and heat entering through the window at the flick of a switch or voice command.

Like external blinds, it can be controlled remotely and integrated with popular platforms so homeowners and office building managers can control the heat inside and schedule to allow more or less light in.

Dynamic shading or smart shading

Intelligent building control technology is set to gain ground as awareness of its capabilities increase across the continent.

The tech can manage how much sunlight is let into the house or office by activating external, screens or shades using real-time weather data, creating a comfortable temperature even in extreme heat.

Stop the heat this summer

Looking for a smart, energy-efficient way to stop the heat this summer? Find out more about our range of exterior blinds, or get in touch to discuss your options.