Let’s find out why interiors ‘fade’ and how to stop this process without covering the windows in foil.
Why does everything ‘fade’? It’s not just down to UV light.
Many people think that if glass blocks ultraviolet (UV) light, their furniture is safe. In reality, it’s a bit more complicated than that. There are three factors responsible for the fact that the area under your carpet remains bright, whilst the surrounding area turns yellow:
- Ultraviolet light (40%)
The main culprit. It literally breaks down the structure of the dyes in fabric and wood. - Bright visible light (25%)
Ordinary light, the kind we see with our eyes, also gradually ‘fades’ the colour. - Infrared radiation and heat (25%)
Surfaces exposed to the sun become very hot, which accelerates the ageing process of materials. - Everything else (10%)
The quality of the dyes themselves and the humidity in the room.
Conclusion: Even if you close the net curtains, heat and part of the light spectrum will still pass through the glass and continue to ruin your new décor.
What is the first thing to suffer?
- Walls (wallpaper and paint)
This is the trickiest part. You only notice the problem when you decide to rearrange the furniture or take a picture off the wall. It turns out that the main colour of the walls has long since ‘faded’, whilst the bright original colour remains behind the cupboard. In the sun, the paint can become patchy or take on an unpleasant yellowish tinge. - Wooden flooring
Parquet flooring or high-quality laminate exposed to direct sunlight will either take on an unattractive yellowish tinge or, conversely, fade to a pale colour. - Sofas and armchairs
Upholstery (especially dark or bright colours) on the side facing the window starts to fade after just a couple of seasons. - Curtains and blinds
Ironically, the very things we use to protect ourselves from the sun are the first to deteriorate, turning into a brittle, faded rag.
Sun protection film: how it works in practice
The main fear is that once the windows are covered, the house will be as dark as a cellar. But modern sun protection film for windows works differently:
- Blocks 99% of UV rays: That’s the basics. The main cause of sun damage is completely eliminated.
- Reduces heat build-up: Surfaces (floors, tables, sofas) no longer become scorching hot. This slows down the ageing of materials.
- Gentle on the eyes: The film reduces excessive glare, making the light in the room soft and pleasant, whilst the view from the window remains natural.
Why aren’t standard windows up to the job?
Even high-quality modern double-glazed windows, which we discussed in detail in our article on the difference between internal and external installation, are primarily designed to retain heat in winter. Protection against fading is a secondary function. Professional film is like a high-quality filter that ‘upgrades’ a standard window to the level of a reliable shield.
FAQ: Simple answers to frequently asked questions
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A patch on my wall has already faded. Will the film help to restore it?
Unfortunately, no. The film acts as a ‘barrier’ rather than a cure. It will halt the process at its current stage and prevent the rest of the walls from deteriorating.
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Won’t it be too dark in the flat?
It all comes down to choice. There are films that are almost invisible to the naked eye, yet effectively filter out harmful light. The room will remain bright; it’s just that the ‘blinding sun’ effect will disappear.
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How does cling film affect houseplants on the windowsill?
Plants need visible light, not harsh radiation. Most flowers thrive better under plastic sheeting because their leaves stop getting scorched.
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Is it possible to protect the furniture and reinforce the glass at the same time?
Yes, there are combination protective films available for this purpose. They make the glass impact-resistant and also act as a sun filter.
Summary: counting money
Reupholstering a sofa or replacing the flooring in a single room costs several times more than fitting window film to all the windows in a flat. In Estonia, where the spring and summer sun is particularly intense, window film is the simplest way to keep your home looking as good as new for 10–15 years.
At aknakile24, we can help you find a solution that will keep your home cosy and save you money on future renovations
