Sunlight streaming into your home might look nice, but those who have experienced sun damage know that it can silently wreak havoc on your favorite items. UV rays are notorious for fading vibrant rugs, damaging upholstery, and dulling the colors in your artwork.
If your windows let in a lot of light, it might be time to think about how to protect your space.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Not all window treatments are created equal
Traditional blinds and shutters may look nice, but their slatted designs let rays slip right through— sometimes leaving stripes of sun damage behind. If you’re serious about UV protection, you’ll want something more solid. Think: our cellular or roller/solar shades.
2. Cellular shades are your best defense
Our cellular fabrics block over 99% of UV rays— yes, even the light-filtering options! Whether you go with light-filtering or blackout, these shades are designed to act as a shield for your interiors, all while helping insulate your home against heat.
3. Roller shades offer style and substance
While they don’t block quite as much as cellular fabrics, roller shades still reduce a substantial amount of UV exposure— especially when you choose a more opaque material. They’re a great option for large windows or rooms where you want to maintain some view while also protecting your floors, furniture and art.
4. Worried about losing daylight? You’ve got options.
If you want to enjoy natural light without sacrificing protection, light-filtering or top-down/bottom-up styles are perfect, as you can keep UV rays off your furniture while still letting daylight in from above.
5. We Recommend Keeping Shades Down When You’re Out
Even if you’re not home, the sun still is. Keeping your shades down while you’re away— especially during peak sunlight hours— adds another layer of protection.
6. Go Motorized
Motorized shades can be programmed to adjust with the sun, opening and closing based on the time of day– or even the weather. That means your furniture stays safe without you even having to think about it.
If you’ve invested in beautiful furnishings, rugs, and art that you love, make sure they last. The right window treatments don’t just add style— they preserve what matters most. If you have any questions about which type of window treatment is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of Shade Gurus for advice tailored to your unique needs.