BLIND SOLUTIONS
Colour Selector — Cheat Sheet
Quick-reference cheat sheet for the Colour Selector tool.
Published 27 May 2026
CHEAT SHEET
Colour Selector
Quick-reference companion for the free Portal tool
What This Tool Does
The Blind Solutions Architects Portal's Colour Selector is an indispensable tool designed to assist South African architects in making informed decisions about blind and shading product colours. It goes beyond aesthetics, helping you understand the thermal and light performance implications of different colour choices, critical for energy efficiency and occupant comfort in South Africa's diverse climate zones.
Use this tool during the early design stages to evaluate colour impact on solar heat gain, glare reduction, and natural light penetration. It's essential for projects aiming for SANS 10400-XA compliance, Green Star SA ratings, or simply optimising building performance. Any architect, façade consultant, or interior designer specifying blinds for commercial, residential, or public buildings in South Africa will find this tool invaluable.
Step-by-Step Usage Guide
Step 1: Access the Tool
Navigate to the "Colour Selector" within the Blind Solutions Architects Portal. Ensure you are logged in to save your selections.
Navigate to the "Colour Selector" within the Blind Solutions Architects Portal. Ensure you are logged in to save your selections.
Step 2: Define Project Location
Input your project's geographical coordinates or select a major South African city from the dropdown. For example, enter
Input your project's geographical coordinates or select a major South African city from the dropdown. For example, enter
-26.2041 for Latitude and 28.0473 for Longitude (Johannesburg CBD). This calibrates solar angles and intensity relevant to your site.
Step 3: Select Blind Product Type
Choose the specific Blind Solutions product range you are considering (e.g., "Roller Blinds," "Vertical Blinds," "Venetian Blinds"). Different product types have inherent performance characteristics that influence colour impact.
Choose the specific Blind Solutions product range you are considering (e.g., "Roller Blinds," "Vertical Blinds," "Venetian Blinds"). Different product types have inherent performance characteristics that influence colour impact.
Step 4: Choose Fabric/Slat Material
Based on your product type, select the material. For roller blinds, this might be "Polyester Screen," "Blackout Fabric," or "Thermal Reflective." Each material has different base optical properties.
Based on your product type, select the material. For roller blinds, this might be "Polyester Screen," "Blackout Fabric," or "Thermal Reflective." Each material has different base optical properties.
Step 5: Experiment with Colours
Browse the available colour palette for your chosen material. Click on a colour swatch (e.g.,
Browse the available colour palette for your chosen material. Click on a colour swatch (e.g.,
"BS-RL-012 Light Grey", "BS-RL-001 White", "BS-RL-030 Charcoal"). The tool will dynamically update the performance metrics.
Step 6: Review Performance Metrics
Observe the updated values for:
Observe the updated values for:
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Lower values mean less heat entering the building.
- Visible Light Transmittance (VLT): Higher values mean more natural light.
- Openness Factor (OF): For screen fabrics, indicates view-through.
- Glare Reduction: A qualitative or quantitative indicator of glare mitigation.
Common Scenarios & Expected Results
| Scenario | Input | Expected Output |
|---|---|---|
| High Solar Heat Gain Reduction for West-facing Facade in Pretoria (Zone 2) | Product: Roller Blind Material: Thermal Reflective Fabric Colour: "BS-RL-001 White (Exterior Facing)"Glazing: Clear Double Glazing (SHGC 0.6) |
Significantly reduced SHGC (e.g., 0.15 - 0.25 overall system SHGC). Excellent glare control. Minimised heat ingress, contributing to SANS 10400-XA compliance. |
| Optimising Natural Light & View-Through for Office in Cape Town (Zone 1) | Product: Roller Blind Material: Polyester Screen (3% Openness) Colour: "BS-RL-012 Light Grey"Glazing: Low-E Double Glazing (VLT 0.7) |
Moderate SHGC reduction (e.g., 0.35 - 0.45 overall system SHGC), good VLT (e.g., 0.2 - 0.3 through blind), comfortable glare reduction, maintained outward view. |
| Complete Blackout for Auditorium in Durban (Zone 3) | Product: Roller Blind Material: Blackout Fabric Colour: "BS-RL-030 Charcoal" (or any colour, as blackout is material property)Glazing: Single Clear Glazing |
VLT approaching 0%. Complete privacy and elimination of light penetration, regardless of external colour. SHGC primarily determined by fabric's thermal properties. |
Pro Tips
Consider Exterior vs. Interior Colour: For many fabrics, the exterior-facing colour has a significantly greater impact on solar heat gain. Lighter colours facing outwards reflect more solar radiation, crucial for cooling loads in hot SA climates like Zones 2 and 3.
Don't Isolate Blinds: Always consider the blind's performance in conjunction with the glazing system. The tool provides system-level SHGC, which is what truly matters for energy modelling and SANS 10400-XA compliance. A high-performance blind can compensate for less efficient glazing.
Balance Aesthetics with Performance: While a dark blind might look sleek, it could absorb more heat internally. Use the tool to find the optimal balance. For instance, a light exterior-facing fabric with a darker interior-facing fabric can offer both thermal performance and desired interior aesthetics.
Leverage Openness Factor (OF): For screen fabrics, the OF is critical. A lower OF (e.g., 1%) offers greater glare control and privacy but reduces view-through and natural light. A higher OF (e.g., 5-10%) maintains more view and light but is less effective at glare and heat control. Match OF to the specific function of the space and orientation.