Do Curtains Block UV Rays From Windows? What You Need To Know

UV rays are invisible rays of energy that come from the sun and can cause various health problems, such as sunburn, skin cancer, eye damage, and premature aging. UV rays can also damage your home furnishings, such as furniture, rugs, paintings, and fabrics, by fading their colors and weakening their fibers. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself and your home from UV rays by using proper window treatments, such as curtains. But do curtains block UV rays from windows? And if they do, how effective are they? Here’s what you need to know.

Do curtains block UV rays from windows?

The answer is yes, but not all curtains are equally effective. Curtains can block UV rays from windows by acting as a physical barrier between the sun and your home. However, the amount of UV rays that curtains can block depends on several factors, such as the type, thickness, color, and material of the curtains.

Generally speaking, the thicker and darker the curtains are, the more UV rays they can block. This is because thicker and darker fabrics can absorb more sunlight and prevent it from passing through. However, this also means that thicker and darker curtains can make your room darker and warmer, which may not be desirable for some people.

On the other hand, lighter and thinner fabrics can let more sunlight and UV rays through, but they can also make your room brighter and cooler. However, this does not mean that lighter and thinner fabrics are useless for blocking UV rays. Some fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, silk, and wool, have inherent properties that can block UV rays effectively¹. These fabrics can also be treated with special coatings or dyes that can enhance their UV protection.

Therefore, the best way to choose curtains that can block UV rays from windows is to consider both the fabric type and the fabric weight. You should also consider the style and design of your curtains, as well as the size and shape of your windows.

Types of curtains that can block UV rays from windows

There are different types of curtains that can block UV rays from windows, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common types of curtains that can block UV rays from windows:

• Blackout curtains: Blackout curtains are designed to block out 100% of sunlight and UV rays from windows. They are made of thick and opaque fabrics that have a special lining or coating that prevents any light from passing through. Blackout curtains are ideal for bedrooms or media rooms where you want to create a dark and cozy environment. They can also help you save energy by keeping your room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Light filtering curtains: Light filtering curtains are designed to block out some sunlight and UV rays from windows, but not all. They are made of lighter and thinner fabrics that have a translucent or semi-transparent quality that allows some light to pass through. Light filtering curtains are ideal for living rooms or dining rooms where you want to create a soft and airy environment. They can also help you reduce glare and heat by diffusing the sunlight.
• Thermal curtains: Thermal curtains are designed to block out both sunlight and UV rays from windows, as well as heat and cold. They are made of thick and insulated fabrics that have a special lining or filling that traps air and creates a barrier between the window and the room. Thermal curtains are ideal for any room where you want to improve the insulation and energy efficiency of your home. They can also help you reduce noise by absorbing sound waves.
• Sheer curtains: Sheer curtains are designed to block out very little sunlight and UV rays from windows. They are made of very light and thin fabrics that have a sheer or transparent quality that allows most light to pass through. Sheer curtains are ideal for decorative purposes or for layering with other curtains for more versatility. They can also help you create a romantic and elegant environment by adding some texture and color to your windows.

How to hang curtains to block UV rays from windows

Hanging curtains to block UV rays from windows is not only about choosing the right type of curtains, but also about choosing the right way to hang them. Here are some tips on how to hang curtains to block UV rays from windows:

• Hang your curtains as high as possible: Hanging your curtains as high as possible can make your windows look larger and your ceiling look taller. It can also help you block more sunlight and UV rays from windows by covering more surface area. You should hang your curtain rod at least 4 to 6 inches above the window frame or closer to the ceiling if possible.
• Hang your curtains as wide as possible: Hanging your curtains as wide as possible can make your windows look wider and your room look more spacious. It can also help you block more sunlight and UV rays from windows by covering more surface area. You should hang your curtain rod at least 8 to 12 inches wider than the window frame on each side if possible.
• Hang your curtains as long as possible: Hanging your curtains as long as possible can make your windows look more elegant and your room look more cozy. It can also help you block more sunlight and UV rays from windows by covering more surface area. You should hang your curtains so that they touch the floor or hover slightly above it for a floor-length look, or so that they end at the sill or slightly below it for a sill-length look².

FAQs

Q: How do I choose the right color of curtains to block UV rays from windows?

A: The color of curtains you choose to block UV rays from windows depends on your personal preference and the mood you want to create in your room. Generally speaking, darker colors can block more sunlight and UV rays from windows, but they can also make your room darker and warmer. Lighter colors can block less sunlight and UV rays from windows, but they can also make your room brighter and cooler. You can also choose colors that match or contrast with your existing decor, or colors that reflect the amount of light you want in your room, such as white for more brightness, beige for more warmth, or gray for more coolness.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my curtains to block UV rays from windows?

A: Cleaning and maintaining your curtains to block UV rays from windows is easy and simple. You just need to follow these tips:

• To clean your curtains, follow the care instructions on the label. You may need to wash them by hand or in the machine, depending on the fabric and type of curtain. Use cold water and mild detergent, and avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or harsh chemicals that may damage the curtain.
• To dry your curtains, hang them on a clothesline or a drying rack, or tumble dry them on a low heat setting. Avoid wringing or twisting them as this may cause wrinkles or damage.
• To iron your curtains, use a low heat setting and a pressing cloth, and avoid ironing the seams or hems as this may cause marks or creases.

Q: How do I layer my curtains to block UV rays from windows?

A: Layering your curtains to block UV rays from windows is a great way to add more style and versatility to your window treatments. You can layer different types of curtains, such as sheer curtains with blackout curtains, light filtering curtains with thermal curtains, or sheer curtains with light filtering curtains, depending on your needs and preferences. You can also layer different colors or patterns of curtains, such as solid colors with prints, neutral colors with bright colors, or complementary colors with contrasting colors, depending on your style and decor. To layer your curtains to block UV rays from windows, you just need to follow these steps:

1. Choose a double rod or a double track that can hold two layers of curtains separately.
2. Hang the first layer of curtain closest to the window, usually the lighter or thinner one, such as sheer curtains or light filtering curtains.
3. Hang the second layer of curtain on top of the first one, usually the heavier or thicker one, such as blackout curtains or thermal curtains.
4. Adjust the position and length of both layers of curtain as needed, and arrange the folds or pleats to your liking.

Final thoughts

Curtains can block UV rays from windows by acting as a physical barrier between the sun and your home. However, not all curtains are equally effective at blocking UV rays from windows. You need to consider the type, thickness, color, and material of the curtains you choose to block UV rays from windows. You also need to consider the way you hang and layer your curtains to block UV rays from windows.

I hope you found this post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you’re looking for some fun and quirky home furnishings ideas, check out my blog at Huetifulhomes.com!

Dale

Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.