Sun Protection for Your Home

We all know the benefits of using sunscreen to protect our skin when we are outdoors. We can even buy protective clothing and swimwear with built in sun protection. Without a good sunscreen, extended exposure to the sun will at a minimum cause premature aging and discoloration of the skin.
 
Our homes are often our biggest investments. The sun’s rays can cause similar damage to a home’s furniture, flooring, and furnishings as it does to your skin.  If your upholstery, carpeting, wood flooring, or furniture are exposed to long-term sunlight you may have already noticed the sun’s effect – fabrics fade, wood furniture and flooring discolors. Even your artwork, photos, lampshades, and books may be at risk. 

Some fabrics will fade more quickly than others.  Cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic blended wool will fade less quickly than a linen or silk fabric. Darker colors will show signs of fading earlier than lighter colors. Leather is very vulnerable to sun exposure. Over time the sun will cause leather to crack, fade, and stiffen. And once it is dried out, it is nearly impossible to heal or restore leather. 
 
But there is good news! Medical advances over the years have produced improved sun blocking lotions and clothing to better protect our skin. Similar technologies are being used for our home’s window treatments to produce fabrics that better protect the furnishings in our homes.  The right window treatments or shades can help protect your home and your investment.

Keeping our furniture and furnishing out of the sun is the most effective preventative measure. Window treatments can protect your home’s interior while also complimenting your décor and providing function and privacy. Sun control fabrics filter and diffuse harsh UV rays, control glare, and reduce solar heat. The color and opacity of the fabric you select will affect the degree of protection in each area. With so many considerations and options, it is best to contact your local window covering professional. We can help you choose the product and fabrics that will compliment your style, putting the finishing touches on your home’s décor, while also protecting you and your home.