Protecting Your Drapes - Movers.com
Home > Moving Guides > Home Improvement 101 > Interior > Protecting Your Drapes

Protecting Your Drapes

  0.0/5
views  399 Views
Drapes may not be the first thing you think of when you consider room décor, but they really are essential features of any room. Beyond the color and depth they add to a room, they also provide shade during harsh summer days and get rid of that pesky glare when you're trying to watch a movie or work on your computer. Unfortunately though, consistent exposure to sunlight can, overtime, damage and discolor your drapes. Read on to learn a little more about this damage and how to prevent it.

The Problem

The sun's rays can affect drapery in two ways. First, sunlight will cause the drapes to fade. Portions of the drapes will retain their original color, while some parts will be discolored, the result being a patchy and irregular look.

Second, the actual fibers of the drapes can be made stiff and brittle by the sun. This makes the drapes less soft to the touch and prone to tearing.

The Solutions

The best solution is to have your drapes lined with something that will protect them from sunlight. You can actually purchase drapes that are coated with lining that is resistant to sunlight and heat. It's also possible to apply that lining after purchase.

Another option is to have a neutral-toned, heat/sunlight resistant material sewn onto the side of the fabric that will be facing the sun. This material, rather that the fabric of the drapes, will absorb the sunlight.

Note: When purchasing sunlight/heat resistant materials, you're likely to encounter various "levels:" one-, two-, or three-pass, with three-pass linings being the thickets and most effective.

You can go another route altogether if you wish to leave your drapes untreated (perhaps in the case that they are antique or fragile). Installing window treatments, like blinds, shutters, or awnings, will effectively protect your drapes from sunlight. However, keep in mind that blinds and shutters are only effective if they remain closed during all daylight hours.

One last option is to put UV blocking film in your windows. This isn't the most popular choice, because it can give your home an odd "blind" look when viewed from outside. At the same time, though, it affords you a great deal of privacy.

Figure out which of these methods will work best for you, and then rest assured, knowing that your drapes will last for a long time and remain vibrant in color.

Adam Mandelbaum  Posted by Adam Mandelbaum on January 7, 2013

Rate this guide Protecting Your Drapes