Why are "solar" window blinds black? I thought black retains heat.?

Question

I have a south facing kitchen window. I want that side of the house to stay cool since it gets all the heat. I saw solar blinds at Home Depot, and they're black with little holes. Won't that make everything hotter?

Answer 1

You are right, black absorbs heat and light colors reflect it, also, make sure if you really want to reflect the heat be sure the shade is on the outside of the window to prevent the glass window form heating up.