Can a Closet Have a Window? (3 Things You Need to Consider)

Have you ever wished you could get a little more light in your closet? Or maybe you want to be able to see what you’re wearing without having to turn on a light. If this sounds like you, then you might be wondering if it’s possible to put a window in a closet.

A closet can have a window, but you need to be aware that windows will let in UV rays and moisture that can damage your clothing. If you do decide to put a window in your closet, make sure to install blinds or curtains to protect your clothes from the sun.

If you want a window in the closet, or if you already have one, don’t worry. In this article, we will take you through options that will allow you to enjoy natural light in your closet without harmful UV rays fading your clothes. 

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3 Things You Need to Consider Before Installing a Window in Your Closet

Before we jump into more detailed questions about having a window in your closet, let’s discuss the three most important things you need to consider. 

1. The Possibility of UV Damage

Although the sun can provide beautiful natural lighting to your closet, you must be mindful that the UV rays can potentially fade your clothes if your clothes are directly or indirectly hit by the sun. 

However, this does not mean that it’s game over for your closet window idea.

You can simply install UV-blocking blinds or curtains to your window and use them during times of strong incoming sunlight. 

2. Humidity and Ventilation

If you live in an area of high humidity, you will have to consider the ventilation quality in your closet. For example, if plenty of humidity is entering your closet and it is not ventilated, you will experience some unwanted mold. 

Of course, this all depends on how often you want to open your window to let in fresh hair.

If you believe you won’t open your window very often, then you won’t have to worry about this issue as much. 

3. Privacy

Before you install your beautiful closet window, ensure that the surrounding outdoor area does not provide any views into your closet, at least views from the public – nature doesn’t count – especially your neighbors!

Yet, if there is a possibility that someone will be able to see into your closet window, you can install frosted glass instead of see-through glass.

This way, you will still receive the ambiance of natural lighting and the privacy you deserve.

Can You Have a Window in a Closet?

You can have a widow in your closet. However, there are some concerns you should be aware of and how you can prevent damage to your clothes.

In this section, we will go over these concerns and the solutions. 

Should I Put a Window in My Walk-in Closet?

You can put a window in your walk-in closet, but it’s unnecessary. Windows are usually found in walk-in closets because there’s extra space for one. Additionally, a walk-in closet can use more light, and natural light adds more aesthetic beauty than artificial light. 

However, it is not necessary to have a window in a closet. Also, windows in closets can let harmful UV rays in that fade the clothes.

Although, you can install blinds, curtains, or cover the mirror in a film that will block out UV rays.  

Can I Put a Window in My Closet?

You can put a window in your closet. Today, the function of a window in a closet is for aesthetic purposes. It allows natural light to come in. However, if you have a window in your closet, cover it with blinds, curtains, or a UV blocking film.

People also used windows to air out their clothes by opening them. This helped with moisture and stale air.

Today, we have air conditioning, so if you have a vent in your closet, or if your closet is small and you leave it open, then you don’t need a window for ventilation. 

Is It Okay to Have a Window in a Closet?

It is okay to have a window in a closet. Windows add natural light, which provides aesthetic beauty to a closet. They are primarily used in walk-in closets because there is more space, and a walk-in closet needs its own light. 

A small closet can be seen from the light in the room. However, if you want a window in a small closet, you can have one.

You can turn your small closet into a luxurious window seat with storage underneath or closet space for hanging clothes on the side or sides of the window. 

Can You Have a Window in a Small Closet?

You can have a window in a small closet. Windows make small areas feel more spacious. They also add natural light to the rooms the small closet is in when the doors are open. If you open up the closet space completely, the room in which it is located will feel larger. 

There are very nice shelves and wardrobes you can use to store your clothes nicely.

Storing your clothes on shelves and wardrobes will also protect them from the sun’s UV rays coming from the window.

Reasons for a Window in a Closet

Before electricity and air conditioning, people used widows in the closet to ventilate the closet and bring light into the closet.

Today, we use windows in closets for aesthetic purposes. In this section, we will weigh the benefits of having a window in your closet.  

Why Does My Closet Have a Window?

If your home was built before electricity or before electricity was standard in every room, you might have a window in your closet that was used for light and fresh air. If you have a new home, the purpose is to let in natural light. 

Natural light is more aesthetically pleasing than artificial light. However, UV rays from the sun fade clothes.

If your closet has a window, be sure to coat it with a film that blocks UV rays while still letting in natural light. 

Why Do People Put Windows in Closets?

People put windows in closets for the natural light. Additionally, some people like being able to open the window to let in the fresh air. When electricity in every room was not common, a window provided the light necessary to see. 

In some cases, a window in a closet can provide an emergency exit. If you need to hide in a closet, it would be helpful to have a way of escaping as well.

Of course, this is less helpful if the window is too small or too high off the ground. 

How Do You Deal with a Window in Your Closet?

If the window in your closet seems like it’s taking up space or letting in hot and harmful sunlight, you can either cover the window or incorporate it into the design of the closet. To cover it, clean it and chalk it over with a neutral color, like a light gray. 

After you cover it, you can take off the trim around it, fill it in with drywall and use the space for storage.

Alternatively, you can build storage around it to maximize the space while still keeping the natural light.  

Do Windows Fade Clothes

Yes, the sunlight coming in the windows fades clothes. This is because harmful UV rays can come in from the windows. However, you can tint the windows with a film or coating that blocks out the UV rays while still allowing natural light to come in.

There are other ways you can block out the light from a window. One is to use blinds that can open and close as needed. The other is curtains.

Some curtains are transparent and let in light but not UV rays. 

Will a Window in My Closet Fade My Clothes?

The sun coming in the window in your closet will fade your clothes. You can protect your clothes by either covering the window or placing your clothes inside baskets and drawers. 

A good way to cover a window and still allow light in through the window is to hang transparent drapes that are made with UV blocking material.

Additionally, you can cover the glass with film that blocks out light or put up blinds you can open and close. 

You might also enjoy our post on If Bathroom Windows Can be Clear

How Can I Protect My Clothes from a Window in My Closet?

There are a few ways to protect your clothes from a window in your closet. The goal is to shade your clothes from the sun’s UV rays. You can do this by placing your clothes inside a drawer or in a basket on a shelf. 

Another way to block the UV rays from the window while still letting natural light in is to cover it with a transparent film or curtain that can block out UV rays.

Additionally, you can direct the light downward or upward using blinds. 

How Long Will It Take a Window in My Closet to Fade My Clothes?

The length of time it takes the sun through a window in a closet to start fading clothes is immediate. It might take a long time to see a difference, but if an item is in the sun, the UV rays are fading it. 

If you have your clothes exposed to the light from the window and the window is getting direct sunlight through it, your clothes will fade faster.

If your clothes are stored away from the light, or if the window is covered in a protective material, then they will not fade. 

Removing Window From a Closet

There are two ways to remove a window from a closet; one is easy and inexpensive. In this section, we will go over both options. 

Should I Remove a Window in My Closet?

It’s up to you if you should remove a window from your closet or not. A window in your closet is there for aesthetic purposes. If you want the space it is taking from the closet, you can close it up and place closet shelving or clothing rods there instead.

To remove the window, thoroughly clean the glass and the materials around the panes. Then caulk it over with a neutral color. Be sure to fill in all the cracks so no moisture will get through.

Then you can remove the trim pieces and fill in the area with drywall. 

Can You Put a Wardrobe in Front of a Window?

You can put a wardrobe in front of a window, but you will want to cover the window first with chalk paint that is neutral, like a light grayish blue. The reason you want to cover the window first is so the back of the wardrobe isn’t seen from the other side of the window. 

If you want to fill in the window, the only other thing you will need to do is make sure all holes are filled in so that moisture cannot enter.

Then, take off the trim around the window and fill it in with drywall. 

How Do You Remove a Window From a House?

To remove a window from a house completely, you will have to carefully remove the window panes by sawing through the edging around the panes. You will also need someone or something to hold up the glass as you cut it out. 

After you remove the glass, you can remove all the trim. Then you will need drywall and material to match the outside.

It’s a good idea to paint the whole house after this project because the new material on the outside will be new and different looking than the rest. 

How Do You Completely Remove a Window?

To completely remove a window, you will need to remove the wood and putty around the window. To do this, you will need pliers and a hammer. It’s helpful to have someone or something on the other side holding the window steady when it’s time to remove it. 

Most interior walls are flat drywall, and you can easily plaster more drywall where the window was and then paint it. 

The outside space might be tricker depending on what material the house has on the exterior. You can mortar wash over brick or stone, and you can paint over everything else to hide the different and new material. 

How Do You Remove a Glass Window Without Breaking It?

To remove a glass window without breaking it, remove the wood and putty from around the window first. Use a pry bar and a hammer to remove everything around the glass, being careful not to hit the glass.

After the wood and putty are removed, there will be a few metal pieces holding the frame of the window up, and these can be easily removed with pliers.

It’s best to have something or someone also holding up the window so that it will not fall on you. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qAdrxsL0k8

How Can I Add More Lighting to My Closet Without a Window?

You can add a light to your closet without a window by adding a ceiling light, a simple battery-operated light, or a series of lights where you want them most. Adding a ceiling light that is wired into the house will take the most time and money.

There are many great options for battery operated lights. Many simply stick to the wall or ceiling like a command strip. You can also light up each shelf to easily see what is on those shelves. 

One issue with these is that you have to manually turn each one on, which can be annoying if you use multiple lights.  

Other Ways to Provide Ventilation

Windows used to be the way people aired out their closets. However, we have more options available to us. In this section, we will go over those options. 

Do Closets Need Ventilation?

Yes, your closets need ventilation to keep your clothes, shoes, and such dry from humidity and to keep them from becoming stale and wrinkled. Otherwise, your clothes can become mildewed or molded. 

You can air out your closet by either opening the doors and letting the air conditioning from the house do its job or installing a vent in the closet.

If your closet is in a bathroom, laundry room, or basement, you will definitely want a vent in the closet. 

How Do I Get Air Circulation in My Closet?

You can simply open the door to your closet and allow the air conditioning to do its job, especially if it is a small closet. If it’s a larger closet, then you will want to add a vent or a portable air filter and dehumidifier. 

The goal is to take moisture out of the clothes to prevent mildew and mold.

However, if you are struggling with your clothes being bunched up and becoming wrinkled, be sure to space out your clothes. This will air them out as well. 

Will a Window in My Closet Help with Air Circulation?

A window in your closet can help with air circulation, but you will need to open the window anytime you want to circulate the air. If you are in a humid area, it will be more beneficial to leave the window closed and air out the closet with A/C.

If you have a large closet that does not have an air vent, you will want to purchase a portable air vent and dehumidifier.

This is especially true if the closet is in a basement, laundry room, or bathroom. 

What Humidity Should a Closet Be?

The ideal humidity levels are between 30 and 60% of the air. Dryer air is not great for living things, but for clothing items, it’s better to have under 30% humidity than it is to have higher than 60% humidity. 

Check your local weather to see the humidity levels in your area. If they are between 30% and 60%, then it’s a good day to open the windows and let in the fresh air.

This is not only good for your closet but for your health and your house. 

How Do I Get Rid of Humidity in My Closet?

There are a few ways to get rid of the humidity in your closet, but the most effective way is to keep the air conditioning or heating in your house going. If your closet doesn’t have a vent, keep the door open. 

Other ways to reduce the humidity in a closet are to use a dehumidifier.

These are especially helpful when closets are located in damper parts of the house, like the bathroom, basement, and living room. 

What Causes Humidity in a Closet?

Humidity is the moisture in the air, and it can accumulate in the air more when there is a water source nearby. If your closet is located in the bathroom, then the humidity is mostly coming from the steam of the hot water. 

One way to reduce the humidity in your closet is to use a dehumidifier. You can also use an air purifier that draws out moisture in the air as well.

You can also add a vent, but that is a more extensive process. 

Related Questions

Do You Need an Air Vent in a Closet?

You do not need an air vent in a closet because, technically speaking, the things that live in closets don’t breathe. However, if your closet has a humidity issue, then an air vent will be helpful in removing moisture from the closet.

If clothes have too much moisture in them, they will get mildewy and molded. Another way to help with moisture is a dehumidifier.

A dehumidifier draws out the excess water in the air so that it will not collect on the clothes. 

How Can I Cool My Closet?

The best way to cool your closet is to either leave the doors open and let the A/C from the house into the closet, or you can add an air vent in the closet. However, this could take a lot of time and money to duct and air vent your closet. 

One other way to cool off a closet is to add a portable air conditioner. They circulate the air inside the closet, cool it off, and draw out moisture from the air as well.

Air conditioning is great for keeping clothes fresh and mildew free. 

Final Thoughts

So many options when it comes to windows in closets. You might think that it’s as simple as having a window or not having a window.

Whatever your choice, I hope all the options we presented in this article have helped you, and you have the vision of your new closet in mind.