What are the quality sun-resistant fabric brands?

July 3, 2024 9:27 PM

I have an interior window seat with an upholstered cushion that got wrecked by the amount of sun that comes in through the window. So I'm going to reupholster it in sun-resistant fabric, but the prices I'm seeing for Sunbrella are astronomical. Is there another good brand? Or a good place to buy Sunbrella? I'd ideally like a fabric that doesn't seem so outdoorsy, but maybe that's a pipe dream?
posted by BlahLaLa to Home & Garden (11 answers total)

Is there any chance that existing and attracitive outdoor chaise lounge cushions in Sunbrella fabrics would fit your window seat or could be tailored by an upholsterer to fit?
posted by Elsie at 10:37 PM on July 3

Joann has some. They're certainly not bad, I've had stuff sitting outside in the California sun for a few years.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 10:44 PM on July 3

Sorry for not answering the question, you've probably already investigated this, but these days there's some quite effective anti uv film you can apply to windows, in a range of options for reducing glare, heat, uv, etc. That might help?
posted by Zumbador at 11:13 PM on July 3 [6 favorites]

You might check fabricguru.com for Sunbrella. They have sale/clearance/remnants that might be cheaper.
posted by oneear at 11:27 PM on July 3

What if you got it upholstered in regular fabric and then just covered it in a sacrificial blanket ?
posted by St. Peepsburg at 11:28 PM on July 3 [1 favorite]

Check ebay for people selling sunbrella remnants. Though ebay is not really a place for instant gratification, you may have to wait to get color or pattern you want.
posted by brookeb at 4:12 AM on July 4

I would turn it over to the un-sun-bleached side for company, or maybe use a piece of fabric to protect it it. You can wrap a pillow like a gift, secure it on the back with a pin. I keep umbrellas on my deck; they help cool the house. Even sun-resistant fabric fades, just not quite as fast.
posted by theora55 at 10:34 AM on July 4

Sturdy cotton or hemp twill/drill in off-white or cream?
posted by lokta at 11:58 AM on July 4

I'm with the suggestion to use natural fibers in white or natural/unbleached/unprinted tones. Lightfastness is not absolute for any material, including the name brand one you mention, so any dyed or dye-impregnated material will fade differentially in high-low exposure zones (think seams, button attachment points, zipper wells, piping, any other ridges or puckers, etc.). Cotton and linen will do well in bright light as long as they aren't routinely left wet. This is what I arrived at in a decade and a half living in California—by the end of my tenure, curtains had gone from colorful to natural tones.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 1:18 PM on July 4 [1 favorite]

Sailrite is a company that caters to DIY boat owners. They started with sails, but support canvas and upholstery. Probably not especially cheap, but decent variety.
posted by SemiSalt at 5:15 AM on July 5

There are sprays that you can use on any fabric that will prevent fading from UV rays if you really have your heart set on a specific look/price. I've found that offgassing isn't too bad if you keep the item outside to dry for a week or two.
posted by little king trashmouth at 8:32 AM on July 5