There’s nothing quite like natural light streaming into a New York City apartment. Floor-to-ceiling windows in a Midtown high-rise, a sun-drenched corner in a Brooklyn brownstone, or even a cozy nook in a Queens townhouse all feel more open and inviting when the sun pours in. But as beautiful as daylight can be, it also comes with challenges. UV rays can slowly cause damage that’s easy to overlook until it’s too late. Then, one day you’re looking back at your fading fabrics, discoloring wood floors, or overheating room, wondering what’s gone wrong.
UV-blocking window treatments have become an essential design choice for NYC living. They let you enjoy the city’s light-filled spaces without sacrificing comfort or the longevity of your interiors.
1. Protect Your Style from Fading
Your space reflects your taste. Whether you’ve invested in a statement sofa, hand-picked a collection of artwork, or curated rugs and textiles to layer warmth into your rooms, you want them to last. Unfortunately, UV rays can break down fibers, dull colors, and leave once-vibrant pieces looking worn.
The best fabric for UV protection acts like sunscreen for your interiors. Sheer materials can filter harsh sunlight and preserve your view, while more opaque styles provide stronger protection in high-exposure spaces. With the right selection, you can keep your furniture, flooring, and art looking as fresh as the day you brought them home.
2. Create Comfort in Every Season
Living in New York means adjusting to four distinct seasons, each with its own relationship to natural light. Summer afternoons can be intense, with sunlight heating up smaller apartments faster than air conditioning can cool them. In winter, the low angle of the sun often causes glare, even when warmth is welcome.
Whether you’re beating the summer heat or cozying up inside during a blizzard, our secret weapon that functions both as a UV blocking shade and gives your space some added energy efficiency is cellular shades. They provide a buffer between your windows and the outside world to keep your apartment a consistent temperature while filtering out harsh rays and adding some style and maybe even a pop of color to your space.
With cellular shades, you’ll notice a difference in both your daily routine and your energy bills.
3. Enhance the Look of Your Space
Practical doesn’t have to mean plain. Today’s UV-blocking options come in a wide range of fabrics, textures, and styles that can complement any interior. A West Village studio might call for clean, modern roller shades, while a Park Slope townhome may benefit from layered treatments that pair UV protection with blackout options for bedrooms. Either way, a versatile collection of Roman shades with memorable patterns and prints is a must-have.
Modern collections boast multiple layers nestled in one rippling shade so that you can customize your ideal light control. Add a room-darkening liner to a floral pop or subtle knit to cozy up a bedroom without sacrificing style. The best part? You don’t have to choose between style and function. The right UV-blocking window treatments highlight your windows and architecture while protecting everything inside.
Combine UV Protection and Stunning Style in Your NYC Apartment
At Janovic, our design team creates solutions that balance light, style, and protection. We’ll help you explore the best fabric for UV protection, whether you want sheer elegance, bold texture, or something in between.
Schedule a consultation online today and we’ll get to work in your space, helping you find the best UV-blocking shades for your apartment. Show us your inspo boards and we’ll bring our A-team!
We are located throughout the New York City area including, Manhattan, SoHo, Chelsea, Long Island City, Gramercy Park, Hell’s Kitchen, Lower East Side, Throggs Neck, The Bronx, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Uptown West, and Yorkville.
