When you’ve spent a small fortune on your home furnishings and you’re really proud of them, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect them. Unfortunately, one of the biggest threats to the appearance of your furniture is over-exposure to sunlight, and this can lead to the threads and fibers of your treasured pieces fading beyond repair. Once they are faded, there is very little you can do to restore the materials to their former glory, so your only option is to have the furniture reupholstered, or replace it altogether.
It’s not just your furniture either – carpets, rugs and paintings are also at risk from sunlight damage. It’s a common problem and one that has many solutions, and we’ll list some of them here to give you some ideas:
Tinted Windows
Tinted Windows
If you love your big windows and don’t want to cover them up with curtains, then a great option is to have your windows professionally tinted. You can keep your existing glass and have it treated with a film which blocks the UV rays from the sun, therefore protecting your furnishings, carpets and precious belongings. It’s a really good solution as it still allows plenty of daylight into the room so it retains its bright outlook. Have a look online for people that offer this service near you – you will find that it is surprisingly affordable too.
Heavy Curtains
Some rooms can look really good with thick heavy curtains on the windows, so it’s well worth having a look at all of the many drapery options there are out there. The beauty of curtains is that if you are out for the day, for example if you work, then you can just leave the curtains shut, meaning the room stays dark and your belongings don’t fade. Only throw the curtains open when you are using the room, and you will find that the limited exposure to the sun’s rays has very little or no effect at all.
Shutters & Blinds
Another very popular solution is to have shutters affixed to the outside of the windows, or blinds fitted to the interior. Shutters look wonderfully continental and have the added bonus of shutting out all of the light during the day. This keeps the house lovely and cool during the hot months. Blinds on the inside of the windows are also very effective, and because they are so neat you’ll barely notice that they are there. There are all sorts of different types of blinds available, so you’re bound to find a type that suits the style of your décor.
Replacing faded carpets and furniture is a very expensive thing to do, so instead make sure you protect your existing pieces from the damaging UV rays of the sun. You will get a considerably longer lifespan from all of your belongings and this will in turn save you a lot of money. Making sure your windows are adequately covered is a practical issue as much as it is a stylistic one, so choose something that not only looks great, but that serves a purpose too.
Jack Sanders is a technician at Sunscreen Window Treatments, a company providing window tinting solutions in Mississauga, Canada. He is a diligent employee and he enjoys spending time with his family when he gets free.
Leave a Reply