Sun Damage Protection: How To Keep Your Curtains Beautiful
Posted on: 30 July 2015
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Light from the sun can be an asset in many rooms. Sunlight can brighten the mood, save money on electric lighting and make plain spaces seem cheery and pleasant. Still, sunlight has its downsides, and one of those downsides is the damage that it can do to your curtains.
At one time, curtains were made with solvent-based dyes that promoted color fastness in fabrics. Unfortunately, these dyes are now known to be bad for the environment, and fabrics today are colored with water-based dyes. These dyes are more vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays. In addition, depletion of the ozone layer has contributed to a higher percentage of UV rays entering the atmosphere. Sunlight is more damaging now than it was years ago.
While sheers and blinds placed between the windows and the curtains can help shield the curtains from the worst of the sun, there are other ways that you can help save your curtains and keep your room looking bright and cheerful. Consider all your options before picking the one that's right for you.
Low-E Windows
Unglazed, untreated windows allow UVA and UVB rays to enter the home. UV rays cause sunburn in humans and are known to be the greatest contributing factor to the fading of fabrics. A modern solution to this problem is the installation of low-E windows, or installation of low-E window coatings on existing windows. Low-E coatings reflect UVA and UVB rays back to the outside, allowing only visible light to enter the home.
Tinted Windows
Like windows with Low-E coatings, tinted windows prevent some types of light from entering the home. Unlike Low-E windows, tinted windows do this by absorbing light and heat, and may not be as effective as Low-E windows. To ensure maximum protection from UV rays, check the percentage of UV rays that are prevented from entering the home before installing any specialized windows or window coatings. Shop around for the coating that blocks the highest percentage of UV rays.
Avoid Dark Colored Curtains
Dark colored curtains fade faster because they absorb light while lighter colored curtains reflect light back into the atmosphere. Avoid using darker colored curtains, especially in rooms with southern and western exposures, because this is where your curtains will be exposed to the most direct sunlight.
Use Layers
Layered curtains provide a look that many homeowners and decorators enjoy. By positioning light colored curtains on the outside and dark colored curtains on the inside, sunlight that streams through the window will be reflected back out and away from the darker colored curtains.
Whichever method above that you pick to protect your curtains, taking one of these steps to protect the fabric will keep the curtains looking beautiful for longer. Contact a local outlet, such as D. Schultz Interiors, for further assistance.