The Sneaky Damage Your Closet Window Is Causing (And How To Stop It)

At first glance, a window in your walk-in closet seems like a smart design decision. Windows improve natural light in your closet, which makes it easier to find pieces to assemble the perfect outfit. Natural light also makes rooms feel more spacious, which could help your small walk-in closet feel larger and more welcoming. But having windows in your closet isn't all positive. Privacy concerns might come to mind, and that can be an issue if you change in your closet. However, an even larger issue could be the UV rays that pass through your closet windows.

When it comes to fabrics, fading is a common effect of UV rays. Since your clothes hang together in the closet, the faded colors could be patchy, effectively ruining the clothing item due to the irregular spot of faded color. This is most noticeable on brightly colored clothes. Sunlight can also break down clothing fibers and cause the fabric to become weak or brittle, which could make them deteriorate or become damaged more easily. No matter what effects the sunlight has on your wardrobe, they all tend to shorten the life of your clothes, whether it's because they're damaged or they simply don't look as good.

Some types of clothing are more vulnerable that others. Vintage clothes may break down faster than modern clothes because the fabrics are often made of natural materials. Delicate fabrics or items made from cotton and silk have the highest risk of sun damage. Thicker, denser fabrics with tighter weaves tend to hold up better against UV rays. Protecting all clothes, even the more durable options, helps your wardrobe last longer.

The treatment you choose for your closet window impacts how much protection you get from UV rays. You can find a wide range of UV-blocking shades, including both blackout and partially transparent options. If you want to maintain some natural light, look for a solar shade with some transparency to balance your needs. Keep in mind that these window coverings don't offer as much privacy as blackout options, and could allow people to see more than you want.

If you want to hide the window completely, consider adding a curtain wall to your closet. Covering the wall with curtains eliminates any gaps along the edges of the window that affect your privacy and protection from UV rays. A wall of curtains adds a soft, textured look with a wide range of color, pattern, and fabric options, allowing you to create a custom look. Heavier curtains also help block sound, which creates a quieter, more relaxing closet space.

Another option is to apply special window films to your closet windows. Applying window film allows you to still have the natural light in your closet without the harmful effects of the UV rays. Choose an option with UV-blockers in the film to provide protection against fading and deterioration. Ceramic window films are often one of the most protective options available. Compare materials to determine what percentage of UV rays each film blocks.

When you have a closet window that you don't use, covering it with decorative items is another option. A practical solution for a walk-in closet is hanging or leaning a full-length mirror on the wall to cover the window. The large mirror blocks sunlight from reaching your clothes and makes it easier for you to check out your outfit. Another option is to choose a large canvas print of your favorite artwork to hang over the window. If the window is centered on the closet wall, the artwork will also be perfectly centered and create an attractive focal point for your closet.

You can also use a piece of freestanding furniture to block the closet window. Position a tall dresser, bookshelf, or freestanding wardrobe in the area to add storage to your closet and give you more options to organize your clothes in drawers and on shelves. A privacy screen is an option that you can easily move if you want to open the window or let in sunlight while you're trying on clothes. It also offers more privacy by allowing you to get dressed behind the screen, depending on how you position it within the closet. 

If you have a large walk-in closet, you have flexibility in how you arrange your clothes and upgrade the space. One option is investing in a custom walk-in closet with storage options that limit sunlight exposure. Enclosed cabinets with wood doors and drawers inside your closet shield the contents from direct sunlight. Plus, they offer organizational opportunities to keep your wardrobe tidy. If you want some open shelves or hanging areas, design your custom closet to position those areas away from the window.

When a custom closet isn't an option, consider repositioning the hanging racks you already have to move them out of the direct sunlight cast through the window. You can also hang your clothes as far away from the window as possible to keep the fabric out of the sun's path. Areas closer to the sun can be used for out-of-season clothes stored in opaque plastic containers to ensure they don't fade in storage.

You can also use garment bags to protect items close to the window. Skip cheap plastic, clear, or non-woven garment bags. They can cause fading, yellowing, and other damage over time. Plus, clear garment bags, like the ones you get from the dry cleaner, don't block the sunlight anyway. Instead, invest in high-quality, breathable, opaque garment bags that allow air circulation and prevent damaging moisture buildup.