Window in master closet: How to cover it?

6 years ago

Our master closet has a window with a spectacular water view. We like the idea of leaving the window open so we can enjoy the view (which can also be seen from the master BR), but we're worried about sun damage to our clothes. The window faces west and gets direct sun late in the day.

Should we use a blackout shade? A solar film? Should we keep it covered at all times? Help!

Featured Answer

trickyputt

6 years ago

So fade is caused ultraviolet, visible and infrared (heat) wavelengths. The fading rule of thumb is 40% is caused by UV, 25% by Visible, 25% by IR. 10% is considered miscellaneous, or even oxidation. In practice, the visible and ir are both heat, as uv has 3% of the heat, visible has 44% and ir has 53% of the heat we deal with. So visible and ir light together have 97% of the heat. The uv light has an opposite electrical value to that which bonds man made materials together, and when they meet, it is a short circuit, and cancellation. This is why uv is referred to as a burning ray. The heat buildup is different as it excites atoms until bits fly off and structure changes. Things shrink for example. Also oxidation comes into play with increased heat.

So how to implement this into design? The situation can be described as a heat source near the clothes. This is important because as a window warms, it will re-radiate that heat toward the colder area, that being the room temperature closet. The low-e glas glass has two layers of glass with the low-e layer to the exterior in warm climates and to the interior in cold climates, depending on whether the climate design is trying to retard heat gain or heat losses. The key is that the coated piece of glass will grow very warm as it does its job, and in this situation it would be better if the inside piece of glass was not 20 to 30 degrees warmer than it is now. Additionally UV light can be controlled, but this needs to be a separate specification and does not come naturally with all the coatings available.

Window films are offered with many options, enough to confuse a person, but the same idea applies. A low E film will offer a lower effective surface temp than a solar film as both grow warm as they stop energy, the low E type film is going to stay effectively closer to the current glass temp as a result rather than lowering the inside glass temp the way a designed glass can with its dual layer design. However energy will have been rejected so film is a viable option. They inherently stop UV, Visible, and many have suprising IR light control. A few films have a insulation value referred to as the U factor. This number is the reduction of heat from one side to the other. These numbers around .60 are effectively the same insulation as the dual pane commonly has by design and would further serve the design of lowering the surface temperature inside the room.

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Comments (13)

PRO
toddinmn
6 years ago
Some window brands offer glass that blocks most of the UV rays, see if they offer it.
PRO
Cynthia Taylor-Luce
6 years ago
You're right to worry about fading your clothes. Is the closet large enough that you can build in the hanging racks to protect them from the sun? Then you could have sunshine all day long.
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We have a window in our master closet that faces the front. I don't know if you would consider it a major window but it is the similar in size to the other windows facing the street. Like most of other poster's weighing in, I like having access to natural light in my closet. I do keep the blinds closed most of the time, however. I keep a luggage rack under my window for ease of packing and unpacking since both DH and I travel for work but I like the idea of a small bench under the window...especially if it could do double duty as a storage chest.
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bob-"DH" is dear husband! :-) Thanks for all of the suggestions. Can't do bottom-up shades as the cats love to perch on the sill. The window film would cover up the really pretty view (at least for 3 of the 4 seasons!)....hadn't thought about Georgian shutters-will look into those, and the mock inside mount for the wood blind........I am not a real fan of cell shades or miniblinds. Thanks for all of the info...keep those ideas coming! Please! :-) (Bob-there is a link in my post above with a pic of the window-does it look like a mock inside mount would work?
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Keep playing with drawing til something makes sense. I tried to sketch something out, let's see if I can attach it. Did you want to add a tub, or just a bigger shower? If windows can be added to the left wall, it would really add more possibilities! I made the bigger closet skinny so the window light still comes in. This loses the hall closets so it may need more work. I am not a big fan of the hall between the closets, it was my attempt to keep the window. Either of the closets where the master was could be removed to be a sitting area or a desk area. Obviously I am not a professional. I just like looking at and thinking about floor plans. I am sure others will jump in to improve my sketch by criticizing it lol. I left the toilet and one sink in place. I think the shower could use the same drain and it would not be too bad to extend the pipes to make it bigger, and add the second sink. The entry point is a bit crowded but I was having trouble adding a second sink if I made the bathroom door by the closets.
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Hey There: I don't know how dark you guys need your bedroom to be to sleep, but shutters do not give you a black out in your bedrooms. We have installed a lot of honeycomb black out shades between the window and the shutters to achieve this. Roller shades have a similar problem. The fabric is recess about 1/2 to 3/4 inch on each side to make sure the fabric can travel on the roller but this also allows for a lot of light coming in. Please keep this in mind when you make your decision. BEFORE Comparison before and after
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Denita
6 years ago
How about window film professionally installed on the glass?

It is easier to give a more appropriate solution if you post a pic of the closet showing the window.
PRO
L & L Window Fashions
6 years ago
If you want to see out, but filter the light coming into the closet, I would go with Hunter Douglas Silhouettes. The sheer fabric filters the UV rays to prevent fading while maintaining your view.
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PRO
JAN MOYER
6 years ago
Unless you spend the day in the bedroom, I'd cover it up. The one room that doesn't deserve a window..is a closet, Unless the clothes are behind closed DOORS.
Anwar
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks! I can't post a pic because the space is being renovated. The wide range of responses makes me think that there's no right answer to this one.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
6 years ago
Keep in mind, you can block 100% (i.e. +99%) of the UV spectrum and still have fading on a surface. Fading is also caused by visible light so UV transmission isn't the only factor that eliminates all fading potential.

Standard Low-e will block a vast majority of the UV transmission on its own. Laminated glass blocks what is, effectively 100%, and there are UV specific options that block all the UV. None of these are a magic bullet when it comes to fading. If there is visible light, you are going to have some fading.
friedajune
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I agree with the other posters who say you won't really be spending time enjoying the view from the closet. When you want to enjoy your beautiful view, you will be in your bedroom or elsewhere in the home.

I have a small walk-in closet with a window. I initially had a silhouette shade like L&L posted above. Then I had a wall leak (not the window at all, it was a tuckpointing issue in the upper corner) which ruined the shade. After the leak was repaired, I decided not to replace the shade with a similar shade with slats that could open and close, because I never opened them. Just too worried about the sun ruining my clothes, and me leaving the slats open and forgetting to close them for the sun. So I replaced with a cellular shade. Very pleased. It filters light. It's closed all the time. Though I admit, it's probably not the prettiest from the street view, but it's on the 3rd floor, so people aren't really looking up at it.
K Laurence
6 years ago
I would have a clear UV protectant film applied to it. I assume you like the light it provides even apart from the view. I have tons of windows in my home, all facing sun 300+ days a year, I had a clear UV film applied to most of them 15 years ago, my wood floors & art have been protected while I can still enjoy the light & views.
trickyputt
6 years ago
Actually I would have a light metallized film applied. The problem I have is highly personal in that I am already challenged dressing myself and to discolor the lighting would only serve to offend my viewing public.
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Finishing Touches
6 years ago
Another economical option is to put in a roller screen shade. There are various levels of openness that allow you to see out, but filter the light out. Darker colors allow for more view through, light er colors reflect more light. Here a couple photos.
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chiflipper
6 years ago
trickyputt...you made my day!

Window in master closet: How to cover it?

trickyputt

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Window in master closet: How to cover it?

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