April Heatwave: experts reveal how to protect your furniture from sunlight bleaching
With parts of the UK set to experience a mini heatwave this month, experts reveal how to protect your furniture from sunlight bleaching and discolouration.
UV rays can cause discolouration to your carpets, soft furnishings, and pictures. To help, the experts at Independent Advisor Windows have offered their tips on avoiding this.
Katharine Allison, energy-saving expert at Independent Advisor Windows, comments: “UV rays have a bleaching effect on many materials, including fabrics, paint, leather, and paper, meaning your belongings are at risk of being damaged from sunlight exposure. The UV rays break down the molecules responsible for colour, causing them to fade over time. This process is worsened in areas with prolonged exposure to sunlight.”
Top tips to protect your furniture from sunlight bleaching:
Positioning
If you can, place your furniture, paintings, and photographs away from direct sunlight, especially during the hours when the sun is at its highest. Rearranging your space or using window coverings can minimise direct sunlight exposure.
UV-filtering window treatments
Install blinds, curtains, or shades that are specifically designed to block UV rays. These window treatments can help reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your space and reaches your belongings.
Choose UV-resistant materials
When you’re buying new furniture, paintings, or frames for photographs, choose materials that are UV-resistant or have been treated with UV-preventing agents. This can help prevent fading over time.
Use varnish or sealant
By applying a UV-resistant varnish to your furniture, you can protect your belongings from sun damage, as well as heat and water harm.
Monitor humidity and temperature
Maintaining temperature levels indoors is important, as keeping your house too warm or too cold can exacerbate the effects of sunlight exposure on materials. If necessary, you can buy dehumidifiers and air conditioners to control your humidity.
Consider conservation framing
For valuable artwork or photographs, consider investing in conservation framing. This method uses UV-filtering glass or acrylic to protect the artwork from sunlight damage.
Invest in new windowsThis option is more expensive, but investing in new windows can help protect your belongings. Modern windows can prevent UV rays if they are made with speciality glass.
