For most of us, our home is the largest investment of our lives.
We work hard to maintain and protect the exterior materials of our house to extend its longevity, but are we doing all we can to protect the interior? While we Californian’s love our sunshine, it is not a friend to our most vulnerable furnishings in our homes interior like artwork and family heirlooms.
Determining what your space needs has many elements to consider when sorting through all the options in window coverings.
Ask yourself what you want aesthetically and what the space demands (temperature control, privacy, etc.). Marrying the two can be daunting but fortunately you don’t have to go it alone. Elite’s designers are experienced in all aspects of the process.
Sunscreen for Your Art, Fabric, Rugs & Furniture
We all know the importance of protecting our skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. But have you ever thought about what the sun could be doing to your valuable art, furniture, flooring and other home interiors? Luckily, the right window treatments can not only protect your furnishings from the sun, but they can increase energy efficiency, add value, and create the perfect ambiance in your home.
Even Furnishings Need Sunblock
The damaging effects of the sun on your furnishings can be brutal. Even on cloudy days, the sun can fade and deteriorate your fabrics, carpet, hardwood floors and even your artwork. It can bleach and dry out your wood furniture, breaking down the stain or paint finishes and joint sealants. And on top of that, the heat can run up your electric bill. But with all the window treatment options out there, how do you know which ones are right for you?
Light Control + Energy Efficiency
Honeycomb cellular window shades also have a selection of light-control options from sheer to opaque, plus an energy-efficient design that adds a layer of insulation at the window. They typically block 98%-99% of damaging UV rays. They are available in single and double cell. Double cell shades have a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design with more insulating air pockets than the single construction.
UV Protection
Rooms that get a lot of sun require a window treatment that both blocks sunlight and regulates room temperature. And while a room-darkening fabric might be fine for a room with less light, a blackout shade lets you enjoy complete darkness in light-facing rooms, any time of day. A great choice for excellent UV protection that also maintains your view of the outdoors, Screen shades are perfect for patios and sunrooms, and they offer different opacities so you have a variety of options for controlling light.
Sheer Window Treatments = UV Protection
Depending on your needs, you don’t necessarily have to go with non-sheer window treatments. Sheer window coverings can block up to 88% of UV rays—and that’s with the vanes open! This allows you to protect your home’s interior without sacrificing your view.
Finding The Right One
There are so many choices and unfortunately, also the opportunity to make the wrong one. Elite Shutters & Shadings can help you navigate through the process of finding the best options for your home. We have a team of experienced designers, installers and support staff to guide you throughout your entire project. As a certified Hunter Douglas repair facility, Elite can also support your purchase with post installation services backed by one of the most robust warranties in the industry.
We look forward to assisting you with your window covering project.
By Janice Tracy, Interior Designer, Elite Shutters & Shadings