An efficient solar reflective thermal insulating coatings (SRCs) based on Y-stabilized Sb2O3 nanoparticles has been prepared via a facile one-pot ball-milling route. Y-stabilized Sb2O3 have smaller particle size (about 5 nm), disperse more evenly in coating films and exhibit higher solar reflectance compared with pure Sb2O3. Y-stabilized Sb2O3 SRCs have the reflectance of more than 90% in the region 450-1600 nm and more than 80% in the region 1600-2200 nm and excellent thermal insulating properties. The observed solar reflectance properties of Y-stabilized Sb2O3 SRCs were explained on the basis of the electronic structure of the material and physical parameters such as mean particle size (crystallite size) and refractive index. Due to its high solar reflectance and excellent thermal insulation properties, as-prepared Y-stabilized Sb2O3 SRCs maybe a promising candidate for the energy saving applications in the constructions and industry furnishment. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.