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Dear Jessica,
I just moved into a new home. The floor plan is open, with large windows and a spectacular view of the outdoors. I love the natural light and hate to cover up my windows, but I am now concerned about the sun fading my furniture. Do you have any ideas for preserving my furnishings? — Connie, Greensboro

Dear Connie,
You are correct in considering how to protect your furnishings from the very real possibility of damage from ultraviolet rays. I recently ran into this very same predicament, having just opened a fabric and furniture showroom in Greensboro. Since I moved into a bright space, fading was one of my biggest concerns. While I love the light, airy feel of the new space, I am not willing to risk any damage to the fabric samples and furniture upholstery in my showroom.

My first step was to have window film applied to the larger windows — those windows that I did not want to completely cover with decorative window treatments. Window film screens out the UV rays and allows the showroom to remain sunny and bright.

There are varying levels of sun protection available in window film. Some are very subtle and virtually undetectable; others are more commercially oriented and tint the windows or create a mirrored effect.

Depending on your needs, window film can be a very low-maintenance option and it is ideal for larger windows that you do not want to fuss with on a regular basis or windows that are located in a difficult spot to reach. I also feel that this is a “must have” option for anyone who has invested in a finer decorative carpet.

It’s worth noting that window film is great for screening out harmful UV rays, but does nothing to control the sun’s glare. When I started using my new space, I soon noticed an annoying shine on my computer screen. I installed solar sheers on the windows behind my desk to control the glare.

Like the window film, solar sheers are available in varying degrees of light filtering and UV protection. Once thought of strictly for commercial use, the simple, clean look of solar sheers are a big hit in the residential design world.

As décor has transitioned from ornate to clean lines, these streamlined roller shades are becoming a mainstream décor option. The installation is an easy do-it-yourself job.

Solar sheers blend into the window molding. Fabricated from a flat mesh screen, solar sheers can be easily painted to match your décor, customized with a monogram, or designed to match your fabric. These also are a great option for use in damp locations, such as bathrooms.

Another option for you — whether your style is traditional, transitional or contemporary — is pinch-pleated sheer drapery panels. The pinch-pleated panels provide a beautiful, soft touch to any décor.

Some sheer materials are now available and marketed as providing UV protection. Depending on your needs, a sheer drapery treatment may just be worth consideration. Sheers are now available in every conceivable pattern and color to work in any décor scenario.

While all of the options that I’ve described are wonderful at blocking the sun’s harmful rays, additional treatments may be needed to provide privacy. If your goal is to keep the rays at bay, but also provide privacy when needed, there are a number of manufacturers offering decorative sheer fabric shades, such as Silhouettes by Hunter Douglas. These sheer fabric shades offer the ability to control the light by positioning the fabric vane and can provide soft light filtering effects to full black out.

They tuck nicely into a small fabric head rail. These types of shades are also available with a remote control for use on larger or hard-to-reach windows.

Years ago, covering windows with heavy curtains was viewed as one of the only ways to prevent fading from the sun.

As you can see, there are plenty of options available today so that you can enjoy the abundant natural light in your new home, but also protect your furnishings.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington, and The Studio, a trade-focused fabric and furniture resource. Visit her Web sites at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com or www.thestudioofgreensboro.com. Have questions? E-mail Jessica at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.