It’s no secret how important it is to protect your skin from the sun. But have you ever considered how important it is to protect your home furnishings from it as well? Now that warmer weather is upon us, there’s no better time than the present to give it some serious thought.
There’s no doubt that natural light improves the look of any room. However, constant exposure to the powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, will cause your fabrics, flooring, and even your artwork to fade and deteriorate. In fact, even on cloudy days, these items can be at risk. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can be proactive, increasing the longevity of your furnishings.
1. Hang Window Treatments
Adding window treatments is one of the easiest strategies when it comes to blocking light that enters your home— up to 90% in fact, depending on the type you buy. In addition to blocking light, window treatments can insulate your home, keeping your rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
While decorative treatments such as Roman shades or drapes are certainly a great option, they aren’t the only ones. Solar window shades and window film are two other wonderful options that can block annoying glare and provide excellent UV protection.
2. Pay Attention to Fabric Type and Color
When the time comes to shop for furniture, keep in mind that not all fabrics are created equal. While some fabrics are quite resilient to fading, others are not and may need extra care. Doing some basic research ahead of time and talking with the fabric supplier can help you make an educated purchase. It can also give you a better idea as to what to expect in regard to wear and tear with your new upholstery.
Another thing to pay attention to is color. In general, darker fabrics tend to fade much more rapidly than lighter fabrics. With that said, there’s no reason you can’t get that rich-colored sofa you’ve been dreaming of. Instead, practice one of our other tips to help preserve its life.
3. Rearrange When Necessary
Not everyone has the luxury of being able to rearrange their furniture— but if you do, consider giving it a go. Rotating furniture every so often is an easy and effective way to help the fading happen uniformly and evenly.
How often you do this is entirely up to you. Depending on how much direct sunlight your furnishings get this could mean anywhere from weekly to monthly to bi-monthly. If it’s a sofa or chair you’re rotating, don’t forget the cushions! Flip them over every now and then so they fade gradually as well.
Cutting Corners for Your Fabric Needs
The thought of your investment being so vulnerable is never fun. And while sun damage may not be noticeable at first, over time, those damaging UV rays can really harm your furnishings. However, you can minimize sun damage and slow down the process by applying some of the tactics listed above. It will take some extra effort, but in the end, it will be worth it.
When the time comes to shop for upholstery, rugs, or window treatments, be sure to stop by our showroom near Pasadena, TX or browse online to see our lovely selections. We have a variety of designer fabrics, including performance fabrics, at discount prices, making it possible for everyone to find something they’ll love for their home.
