Looking for some insight regarding UV blocking material for my windows in the game cave. I'd like to keep as much natural light in the room as possible, so blinds are a last option.

I was looking at something along these lines, but would ideally like something that didn't darken the room as much and could still provide great UV protection.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gila-36-in-x-180-in-Heat-Control...

The windows are located under my deck, giving me some protection from direct sun. Here's an early morning picture (6:45am)

https://imgur.com/vhRbTRg...

Thoughts?

I've had this in the back of my mind for when I finally get my collection shelved. I was thinking about adding some Plexi doors to the front of the shelf and coating it like this but doing the windows would make more sense.

The stuff you linked looks like its quite a bit darker. Have you found any clearer options?

Unfortunately I have not found a clearer option. I was hoping someone here could enlighten me!

I've got dark, mirrored UV film because it had the best UV rating for whatever brand I chose, but they do make clear (or at least clearer) films. IMO it's kind of a pain in the ass to install and you can tell it's DIY and not a perfect slate mirror finish so consider a professional if this window is the focus of the room.

UV film helps but doesn't prevent fade. This was a test on Pinside with construction paper for a month with no film, Gila "up to 99%" UV film, and a control placed in the dark. Curtains are still the gold standard if you're trying to prevent fade:

Thanks for the information DefaultGen, I'm impressed with your test results. Guess I'll be going with blinds...

Good ol' masonry would do the job!

*hides in the dark*

Wow great testing Default. Even had the control piece! I'm glad I don't need to worry about this my game room has one very small window and the sun shines on the floor when it's early morning. My game room is in the finished basement.

Any automotive tint with 100% UV blocking will work fine. I've even installed it on a computer monitor, it'll stick to anything.

If you want natural light this won't work for you but I go with the old blanket and push pins method lol

I use heavy curtains and my windows are tinted as well with a slight mirror tint. I'm sure over time natural light. Will cause a degree of fade but you are going to have that if you wa t to have a display. My basement displays I have shutters over the windows blocking out 100% of the light. Still deal with the lighting you use in the room.

LET THE LIGHT SHINE IN!

Just kidding... Curtains. Get some that aren't quite opaque, so they let some light in. THen open them a little when you need/want to.

Coincidentally I'm about to post some pictures of my curtains... as I randomly found a SMB bed sheet that someone has sewn into the shape of a "curtain".

Thanks for the input guys! 👍