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Home SPF Tool
Is your home suffering from a
"hidden" sunburn?
Most of us know the importance of SPF for our skin, but we know our most expensive investments — our hardwood floors, bespoke furniture, and heirloom rugs — completely unprotected.
But just how damaging are the effects of ‘naked’ windows?
Standard double-pane window glass allows for up to 75% of damaging UVA rays to pass through unfiltered, meaning that UK furniture is "sunbathing" all year round if window dressings aren't effectively used as protection.
The data shows that UV-related damage is a primary contributor to the £2.3billion of annual UK losses, in relation to replacing floors, upholstery and artwork prematurely.
Unlike solar heat that peaks in July, UV rays remain consistent through the year. Roughly 40% of all fabric fading is caused by UV light, which can cause damage outside of the Summer season, including on overcast days, or throughout autumn and winter.
Careful selection can help protect and enhance your home.
The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) is the UK’s only trade body for the blinds and shutters industry, promoting high standards of product quality, service, and fair trading across the sector. It also leads research and provides guidance on the benefits of solar shading in the home.
This work shows how shading can help keep homes comfortable, reduce energy use, and limit the effects of sunlight on interiors, such as fading of furniture and flooring. Choosing the right solar shading solution is key and, as every window performs differently, careful selection can help protect and enhance your home.
Dr Zoe De Grussa,
Head of Technical and Scientific Affairs
British Blind and Shutter Association
You wouldn't skip sunscreen, so why are you leaving your furniture to burn?
Whilst you stay cool inside, 75% of damaging UVA rays pass through "naked" windows, leaving your furniture unnecessarily worn, damaged, or faded in the process, but not every room is at equal risk. Discover your home's unique UV fingerprint and learn how to protect your furniture below.
Map your exposure
Tell us which way your windows face.
Identify the variables
Share your current window protection.
Get your score
Receive a personalised Home SPF rating with a range of options to protect your home.
Find My Home SPF
Which way do your main windows face?
What window covering do you currently use?
Select an answer to both questions to continue.
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Recommended protection:
Recommended UV blinds for your windows
Protect your furniture with our durable blinds for the perfect solution to reduce sun damage in your home.
Recommended thermal curtains for your windows
Shop our collection of curtains in a range of patterns and colours, and protect your fabric and furniture from harsh sun rays.
Preserve What You Love
Hardwood flooring
Sunlight can fade and discolour hardwood flooring over time. Keep blinds closed during peak sunshine and regularly polish or reseal floors to preserve their colour and finish.
Sofa or armchair
Upholstery can quickly fade in direct sunlight. Use blinds to limit UV exposure, while throws or washing covers provide an extra layer of protection in brighter areas.
Rugs
Strong sunlight can bleach rugs and carpets, causing uneven fading. Close blinds during peak sunshine and rotate rugs every few months to spread wear more evenly.
Artwork / photos
UV rays can permanently fade artwork and family photos. Keep blinds closed in direct sunlight and use UV-protective glass or position frames away from windows for added protection.
The No-Fade Checklist
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Install your SPFThe most effective line of defence is a physical barrier. We recommend using UV-rated solar blinds, which block up to 99% of UVA rays.
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Utilise ‘smart scheduling’
Take advantage of automation and use blinds to close automatically during peak hours, typically between 11:00am and 3:00pm.
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Mind your materials
Be as strategic as possible with more sensitive materials, such as silk, velvet or fine leather, placing them in lower-exposure areas.
Something as simple as having blinds fitted will significantly reduce the effects of UV damage.
“Customers regularly ask for advice on which fabrics don’t fade in the sun, but unfortunately UV exposure always wins. The UV light breaks down the dyes in the fabrics and causes a bleaching effect, often leaving the fabrics in our home permanently damaged.
I’d advise to go for lighter colours, which will help to make this bleaching a little less obvious, or make a cover in the same fabric to put over the back of the furniture.”
Karen Burke, Upholstery Expert Abbey Upholstery
Campaign Methodology & Data Sources
For journalists and researchers interested in the research and data behind this campaign,
view our full methodology and data sources.
