Never Put These 8 Things On Your Windowsill
Windowsills seem like the perfect little spot to set things. Sunlight pours in, it’s easy to reach, and it just looks like an extra shelf space you should use. But not everything belongs there. In fact, some common items can cause real problems when put on the windowsill, like fading, melting, warping, or worse. If you’ve ever lost a favorite candle or had a cracked planter because of the sun, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what to keep off your windowsill, and where to put it instead.
Candles Melt Faster Than You Think
Even on cooler days, sunlight through glass can get hot enough to melt wax. If you’ve ever come home to a wonky, slumped candle that’s glued itself to your windowsill, you know what I mean. Candles are best stored in shaded places, away from anything that could melt them. Plus, direct light can bleach out the color and dull any scent over time. Save your candles, and skip the window display.
Electronics Don’t Like the Heat
Leaving a phone, tablet, or Bluetooth speaker on a windowsill is a shortcut to overheating. Glass magnifies heat, and your electronics weren’t built to last in hot temperatures. Batteries can drain faster or even become damaged if left on the windowsill. And if you’ve ever picked up a hot phone that’s been baking in the sun, you know it’s going to burn you, and probably won’t work for a while..
Houseplants That Hate Direct Sun
Not all houseplants are sun lovers. A lot of the leafy, shade-loving favorites, like ferns or pothos, can actually get scorched if left in harsh sunlight. Brown tips and crispy edges are the first sign that your plant is not a sun-lover. If your windowsill gets strong afternoon sun, stick with sun-tolerant plants like succulents, or try sheer curtains to soften the light. Either way, stick shade-loving plants on top of bookshelves or desks, really anywhere but by the window.
Photographs Will Fade Away
That adorable photo of your dog or your favorite one from your wedding day? Keep it out of the sun. UV rays slowly fade colors, especially on older prints or paper. Even behind glass in a picture frame, pictures can yellow or bleach out over time. If you want to keep your favorite photo on display, rotate it often or move it somewhere that is out of direct light.
Books Can Warp and Fade
It’s tempting to stack a few books in the window, but over time, the spines can fade and the pages can curl. Sunlight and paper just don’t get along well. If you love the look of books on a windowsill, maybe try using older ones you don’t mind sacrificing, or swap them out with the seasons to limit damage. You’ll still damage your books, so the best option is always to keep them on a shelf, far away from any windows.
Food Goes Bad Quicker
Maybe it’s a bowl of fruit or some leftover bread from lunch, but food and sun don’t mix well. Heat speeds up how fast food spoils and can attract bugs. Bananas brown fast, apples go soft, and you might end up with a fruit fly party you didn’t ask for. It’s better to keep your food in a cool, shaded place, even if the windowsill seems convenient. Pies cooling in an open window are the one exception to this.
Plastic Decor Can Warp
That cute plastic frame or figurine might seem right at home on a sill, but heat can make plastic brittle or even cause it to bend and warp. Some plastics also change color in sunlight, turning yellowish over time. If you like the look of little decor pieces in your window, go for glass or ceramic instead. They’ll hold up better.
Cleaning Products Are a No-Go
Some people keep a spray bottle or disinfectant near the window for quick cleaning, but heat and chemicals can be a dangerous combo. Sunlight can break down the solution, making it less effective, or worse, it could pressurize the bottle and cause it to explode. Best to keep cleaning supplies in a cabinet or safe pantry instead.
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Windowsills might be charming little ledges, but they’re not the best spot to put everything. Whether it’s the heat, the light, or the risk of damage, some things are just better off elsewhere. Think of your windowsill like a mini greenhouse: great for sun-loving plants, maybe a stone trinket or two, but definitely not the place for items that fade, melt, or spoil. A little shift in where you store things can save a lot of disappointment.
Bliss Donahue-Power
