Best blinds to stop furniture fading in the sun
Stop the sun from bleaching or damaging your furnishings with these indoor and outdoor products.
As Western Australians, we’re certified sunworshippers; it’s in our blood! But as much as we love the feeling of the sun on our skin or pouring through our windows, we also know how damaging it can be.
How to keep your furniture from fading in the sun
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun, which is the primary cause of damage to our skin. It’s also the primary cause of damage to indoor and outdoor furniture in the form of fading and discolouration.
But how do you protect furniture from UV rays? Well, there are few different ways to do so. Keep reading to find out!
How do you protect indoor furniture from the sun?
Contrary to popular belief, the main causes of damage in the light spectrum are UVA rays, UVB rays and heat radiation (not just sunlight!). While you don’t want to completely block natural light out of the home, your windows definitely need a protective barrier of some sort in place.
One of the most effective ways to minimise the damage of UV rays is to install the right light filtering window coverings. Some of the best indoor styles include the following.
(Aero) Double Roller Blinds: Double Roller blinds make a fantastic addition to bedrooms that are frequently exposed to sunlight. They feature two layers of fabric in the one roller system, meaning you get twice the UV protection.
For best results, pair a blockout fabric layer with a sunscreen fabric layer. The blockout layer will ensure you get a great night’s sleep, while the sunscreen layer softens the light that filters through your windows, protecting your furniture and carpet in the process.
Sheer Curtains: Does your main living area receive endless sunshine? Sheers are the way to go. These curtains will ensure you still get plenty of natural light, while filtering out some of the sun’s harsher rays.
Indoor Shutters or Venetian Blinds: Both of these styles can offer protection from sun damage due to their adjustable nature. Throughout the day, simply angle the slats to direct the sunlight away from your furnishings or flooring.
How do you protect outdoor furniture from the sun?
Just because the sun’s not out, or it’s not in the middle of summer, doesn’t mean that the sun still isn’t harming your furniture! Damaging UV rays are present on most days, even on cloudy or rainy ones. However, they are their most intense in the middle of the day and during the summer months.
To protect your outdoor furniture from the sun, consider installing some of these popular outdoor products.
Sunscreen patio blinds: Our sunscreen patio blinds are made from a specially designed mesh fabric which can prevent sun and heat from entering your home or alfresco area.
Zipscreen blinds or Wireguide blinds: With either of these outdoor blinds installed around your patio, balcony or alfresco area, you can reap the benefits! From keeping out wind, rain, insects and UV rays, these blinds offer it all.
Retractable awnings: This type of awning acts as a supplemental overhead shade that extends from your patio roof. When extended, the awning can block harsh UV rays to protect your outdoor furniture from sun damage. It will also offer shelter from the rain during the cooler months.
How to restore sun damaged wood furniture
Once your timber furniture has been bleached by the sun, not all hope is lost! A stain or paint can be applied to bring the surface of the wood back to life. Consider trying a natural stain, like balsamic or apple cider vinegar (depending on the colour you prefer). The vinegar can be scrubbed in with a wire brush to really get into the wood grains and refresh the appearance of the wood.
Alternatively, you can simply purchase a stain or paint from your local hardware store. Be sure to buy the right product for the variety of wood and follow the directions on the packaging.
Additional Advice
Think about fabrics that fade: Will your couch or carpet be directly under a sunny spot? Consider fabrics that are less likely to fade, like cotton, acrylic, polyester, and nylon. Even though they are beautiful, linen and silk tend to fade faster.
Choose colours carefully: Dark colours fade much more rapidly than lighter ones, so if you know the sun will be shining bright, opt for lighter shades such as earthy tones like light brown, beige or a pastel red.
Go green: If you’re going to be living in your home for a while, consider consulting a landscape architect so that you can make use of nature’s shade! With the right advice, you’ll be able to shade your windows, protect your indoor furnishings and even lower the indoor temperature by a few degrees.
Interested in window treatments that can prevent sun bleaching and fading? Give us a call on 13 13 15, visit one of our Perth showrooms to view our blinds gallery or arrange a free measure and quote with one of our highly-trained consultants in your own home. You can also view our blinds online.
Nearly all of our outdoor alfresco blinds and awnings are made in Australia and are sold for the lowest prices in the market, guaranteed. Just bring in a quote on any competitor’s comparable item and we’ll beat it by 5%!