Sun fade is a major bummer because it not only can destroy the curtains that you look so long to carefully pick out, but it can also ruin your home’s entire aesthetic.Â
But, perhaps the biggest downfall is the money you will spend to replace them.
So, do curtains fade in the sun, and which type of curtains fade the most? Here is everything you need to know about how certain materials hold up against the sun
Here’s Whether Curtains Fade in the Sun
Curtains will fade in direct sunlight after 8-10 years. It’s inevitable and you can best avoid it by installing very light-colored curtains. Strong colors will fade more over the years. Polyester curtains, however, does fade very little and can be a good option in this regard.
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Do BLACKOUT Curtains Fade in the Sun?
Blackout curtains are double, and sometimes even triple, layer fabric that is manufactured to be tightly woven together fibers.
This not only offers durability but also works to completely block out the sun. Because the fabric is sewn together so tightly, there is less of a chance of the sun breaking through which not only can help keep your home cooler but can promote better sleep.
But, how do these triple-lined heavy curtains hold up against the sun?
Blackout curtains can fade in the sun. but it will take a VERY long time.
This is because these curtains are not only designed the block UV rays but also work to protect your flooring and furniture from fading in the sun.
This is because of the special way they are designed, they almost trap the sun’s harmful rays so that your home can be protected.
But, you can expect a small amount of sun damage to occur since these curtains are absorbing the harmful rays. However, the good news is that it will take a long time to start seeing that damage, as long as even a decade.
So, when buying blackout curtains take some solace in knowing that they will not only protect you and your home, but they are a great investment that will last.
Do VELVET Curtains Fade in the Sun?
Velvet curtains were all the rage back in the 1970s-80s. In fact, we were so obsessed with this butter-like fabric that we had velvet curtains, sofas, and even velvet art!
While this fabric has sort of disappeared from popularity at the turn of the century, you may be glad to know that it is making a huge comeback.
You will start to see more velvet touches being featured in many more homes to come! This is because velvet is so soft and gives any room a certain type of luxury.
But, how do they hold up against the fading from the sun?
Velvet is one of the most amazing fabrics to touch. But, with every good, there is some bad. While it is soft, velvet is also known to be one of the most sensitive fabrics. This means that it will not only easily fade in direct sunlight, but it will also fade quickly.
This is especially true for the deeper colored velvet curtains like royal blue or emerald green. There is nothing worse than a beautiful velvet curtain with a giant sun-faded spot!
So, keep that in mind before hanging these delicious curtains over your windows.
Do COTTON Curtains Fade in the Sun?
If you ever dreamed of living in a cottage with that perfect breeze that so effortlessly blows your curtains and makes them look like there are dancing with the flow?
If so, chances are you are dreaming about cotton curtains. Cotton curtains are a great choice because they are durable, strong, flowy, and just beautiful to look at.
Sometimes there is nothing better than the basics. But, do cotton curtains fade in the sun?
Cotton curtains will absolutely fade in the sun, but the reason why is far more interesting!
Cotton curtains fade quickly in the sun because they are made from 100% cotton which is a natural material.Â
Natural fabrics that are not blended with some sort of synthetic fabric are not protected from the sun. However, if you purchase true white cotton curtains, the fade that will inevitably happen will be far less noticeable.
In fact, it will start by slightly yellowing the curtains and not quite fading them.
Do POLYESTER Curtains Fade in the Sun?
While we’re on the subject of more synthetic type curtains, let us dive into polyester curtains and whether or not they fade in the sun.
Polyester became super popular in the early 90s. Back then we didn’t think too much about the impact on the earth, it was more about how we can increase production and make products at an alarming rate.
While being a “synthetic” product doesn’t always sound appealing, there is one great positive to using polyester for curtains.
This is that it is really difficult for them to fade, even in direct sunlight! This is because they are treated specifically to block UV rays and to last a long time.
Plus, since treated polyester comes in so many different colors and designs, you don’t have to worry about buying darker ones since no matter the shade, they won’t fade easily!
Do LACE Curtains Fade in the Sun?
While lace is its own type of style, it is technically considered a “sheer” fabric curtain. They fit in the same category as mesh and tulle-styled curtains. Lace curtains, as well as other sheer styles, don’t really fade all that much.
This is because these types of curtains are much more of a design element to your windows rather than functionality.
This means that it is less likely to fade because they are not designed to absorb UV rays.
Most curtains are meant to protect your home, flooring, and furniture from sun damage while also keeping the temperature of your home low. Lace curtains don’t really have this same function. Since they can’t absorb UV rays, you are not really protecting your home.
But, the good news is that the UV rays won’t specifically target the lace curtains meaning that there is less of a chance they will fade in the sun!
Do MUSLIN Curtains Fade in the Sun?
While muslin is made from cotton, it is not to be confused with cotton curtains! This muslin is tightly woven together to make a very structured fabric that is often used in clothing design as well as home textiles.
While cotton is breathable, muslin is denser.
This also means that it is much more durable and can take more destruction than regular cotton can.
However, since muslin is still in the cotton family, you can expect it to fade in the sun. But, since it is treated much more differently, especially when it comes to how it is put together with very tight weaves, it will take more time for them to fade as opposed to pure cotton curtains.
Better yet, since it is a stronger and thicker weave, you can expect it to better protect your flooring and furniture from fading as well!
Do SILK Curtains Fade in the Sun?
When talking about luxury fabrics for curtains, you have to mention silk! Our obsession with silk fabrics dates all the way back to when silk was associated with wealth and success. Who wouldn’t want to drape their entire home in this ultimate fabric?
But, is it really a luxury when you have to replace them so often because of sun damage?
This begs the question, does silk easily fade in the sun?
When talking about silk. you have to remember that we’re talking about another one of those natural fabrics. As mentioned, natural fabrics fade quite quickly in the sun because they aren’t treated with any type of synthetic materials.
While silk will absolutely fade in direct sunlight, you also can expect it to break down much quicker.Â
This is because silk has been known to absorb moisture easily which can not only help it fade faster but will also give you a major mildew problem to deal with!
Do LINEN Curtains Fade in the Sun?
Linen curtains just happen to be one of my favorite types of fabric curtains. Not only are they easy to care for, but they also offer some simple elegance and help to make your home feel more comfortable which such a non-imposing fabric.
But, being simple is one thing, and holding up against the sun’s harmful UV rays is quite another.
While linen is a natural fabric, you will be surprised to learn that they do not fade as easily in direct sunlight!
This makes them a great option for people who want a more natural style without sun damage. Linen does not absorb heat and moisture the same way that other natural materials like silk do.
This means that it will take a very long time to start to see the effects of sun damage.
However, it is important to note that if you choose a darker shade of linen, they are much more likely to fade!
Do ACRYLIC Curtains Fade in the Sun?
Most people prefer synthetic-type of curtain materials like acrylic.
This is because they are less expensive and easier to find as well as replace. Acrylic curtains are made much like a plastic-type fabric that is produced in order to last a long time. So, does this mean that acrylic curtains are less likely to fade in the sun?
Let’s find out!
Most popularly, you will see acrylic curtains that are made from natural linen but have been treated with an acrylic-type coating in order to protect the fabric.
This coating not only protects the curtains from wear and tear but also staining. Since it is treated this way, sun fading is far less likely to happen.
This doesn’t mean, however, that acrylic curtains won’t fade. It just means that if they do, chances are you won’t even notice because it will be long enough in the future for you to want to make a design change.
How Do You Stop Curtain Colors from Fading in Sunlight?
Now that you know what types of curtains will fade quickly in the sun and what types don’t, it’s time to start learning about ways for you to protect your curtains from fading, especially when it comes to curtains that are colored!
Colored curtains, as opposed to white, most noticeably fade over time.
Here are some of the best ways that you can give your colored curtains the best shot at staying true to color!
Use A Special Lining
Most stores that sell curtains also carry special liners that are specifically designed to protect the color of your curtains.
These types of liners are made from synthetic materials that are produced in order to not only absorb the light that would typically reflect off of your curtains but will also direct light away from your curtains.Â
The best part is, that they are easy to install!
All you have to do is place them behind your curtains, facing the window, on the same loops that your curtains are attached to.
It’s that simple!
The result is that you will see your curtains last much longer and won’t fade half as easily.
Add A Window Tint
If you are worried about a liner making your curtains look too bulky, consider hitting the problem at the source!
Windows are designed to let light in, but did you know that you can tint your windows?
When I think of tinting, I think about how car windows are tinted. This doesn’t seem appealing for the home because having natural light is such an important design element.
However, tints that are made fr the home are much less noticeable and are not really there for privacy but for UV protection.
Combine Your Window Treatments!
Another great way to keep your colored curtains from fading is doubling your window treatment up with a combination of blinds and curtains!
This way when the sun is highest in the sky, you can easily draw the blinds without ruining your home’s overall look.
This is just another way to create an extra barrier of protection so that your curtains won’t noticeably fade from the sun’s harmful rays.
Wrapping It Up
We shouldn’t have to choose between function and style.
When it comes to curtains, we should be able to choose exactly what we want and expect them to last for as long as we need them. Being held down to only certain types of curtain fabrics as well as colors can be an absolute bummer.
But, there is no reason why you can’t get exactly what you want! With the right protection and plan, you can easily make any curtain style work for you – even in the sunlight! So, be bold – your home will thank you for it.
Good luck!
Reference Links:
https://www.quickfitblindsandcurtains.com.au/blog/why-do-some-kinds-of-curtains-fade-from-sunlight-/
https://acleanerworld.com/cleaning-tips/how-prevent-color-fading-sunlight