UV Ray Protection with Sheer Curtains

by David
(Union, KY USA)

Question

We have six foot windows on both sides of our home. Our house is a Victorian and we have lace curtains at the windows now. The sun has come through those curtains and our hardwood has bleached almost blond. We were thinking about using sheers behind our curtains but wonder if they will provide enough protection. The first page of this web site said that sheers offer "basic protection." Is there a sheer fabric that provides more than just basic protection?

Thank you very much!

Answer

Look into outdoor fabrics for uv ray protection. Since they are made for the outdoors they are made with more consideration to the elements like the sun.

I saw a fabric from Shumacher called Key Largo Sheer it is made from a fiber called Dolan and it blocks up to 90% of the UV rays.

Another idea if is Hunter Douglas Luminette. It will protect 99% of the rays only when the vanes are closed. When the vanes are open the sheer fabric will block 66% of the rays.

You can also try window film which has UV ray protection.

See through curtains

Question

Is there a curtain material that protects against the sun AND allows one to see the outdoors? Thanks.

Answer

Sheer fabric is see-through so that you can see outside while it protects you from the sun's glare. It also offers basic UV ray protection.

Instructions on Fabric Sheer for Sunburst Kit

by Sonya
(Richfield, Wisconsin)

Question

Hello,

We have an eyebrow shaped window that needs some shading from direct sunlight although we don't want to block out the light completely or cover the beautiful architecture.

The sunburst kit looks to be what we need but I see that we'd have to purchase and attach the fabric on our own.

Does your kit provide instructions on how to assemble the fabric ourselves and do you have any real pictures of a sunburst kit for this (or any type) of window?

Thanks for you help!

Sonya

Answer

Hi Sonya

Our fabric sunburst window treatment kit has clear instructions on how to make it. It requires some sewing and some screwing (into the window frame).

If you use a sheer fabric you will achieve the affect you are looking for. The fabric will block direct sunlight but will still allow plenty of light in while not compromising on the beauty of your window.