Sunlight can brighten your home, making it cheery and warm. However, that lovely sunshine can also wreak havoc on your home’s interior. Over time, UV rays can fade wood flooring and furniture, bleach and fade your upholstery, and break down the fibers in your rugs and curtains. If you live in North Idaho or Eastern Washington, where long summer days bring plenty of sunshine, protecting your furniture from UV damage is essential if you want your interior furnishings to continue looking their best.
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we help homeowners in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, and nearby communities find stylish, practical window coverings that look good, provide privacy, and shield interiors from harmful UV rays while maintaining natural light and comfort. Here’s how the right window treatments can make all the difference in protecting your investments.
How UV Rays Damage Interiors
UV radiation can cause sunburn on your skin, so imagine how powerful it is on other materials. UV rays can break down organic materials such as wood and cotton in furniture and fabrics. Leather sofas can dry out, crack, and fade. Hardwood floors can lose their color. Artwork can discolor. If you’ve noticed uneven fading on your drapes or couch cushions or different shades on your carpet, it may be due to prolonged sun exposure.
Window Coverings That Block UV Rays
Window coverings can protect your investment in beautifully finished floors and fabrics. Some great options include:
1. Solar Shades
Solar shades are specifically engineered to block UV rays without completely darkening a room. Solar shades come in different openness levels, determining how much light gets through.
Benefits:
- Reduces up to 99% of UV rays
- Preserves views while filtering sunlight
- Modern, minimal design
Best for: Living rooms, sunrooms, and areas with large windows.
2. Cellular Shades
Also known as honeycomb shades, these are 3D shades that capture air within their cells. They offer insulation and excellent UV protection, and come in complete blackout or light-filtering fabrics that help limit sun exposure while improving energy efficiency.
Benefits:
- Softens light and blocks harmful rays
- Adds insulation to reduce heat
- Available in a range of styles and opacities
Best for: Bedrooms, dining rooms, and spaces needing extra comfort and control.
3. Drapes and Layered Treatments
Heavy curtains or layered drapes combined with other treatments like roller or solar shades provide excellent protection from direct sunlight. When the sun is at its peak, they can be closed to remove harsh glare and keep a room cool.
Benefits:
- Complete light blockage when closed
- Adds design depth to your windows
- Versatile styling options
Best for: Formal rooms, home theaters, or anywhere you want dramatic style and complete sun control.
4. Motorized Blinds and Shades
Today, all types of shades and window appointments can be automated, either at the touch of a button or through a smart app that lets you program opening and closing times. This allows you to adjust your window coverings throughout the day, even when you are not home, blocking UV rays during peak hours and protecting your furnishings.
Benefits:
- Consistent sun protection
- Energy savings
- Seamless integration with smart home systems
Best for: Tech-savvy homeowners and rooms with large, hard-to-reach windows.
Invest in Long-Term Protection
Faded furniture and damaged flooring are costly to replace, making your home look old and rundown. Installing the right window coverings is a simple, effective way to extend the life of your home’s interior and keep your furnishings and floors looking showroom-new.
Best Blinds & Awnings in Spokane, Lewiston, and Coeur d’Alene offer in-home consultations and expert guidance to help you choose the right UV-blocking window treatments to match your style and budget. Contact us today to explore window covering solutions designed for the sun-filled summer days of North Idaho and Eastern Washington.