Sunrooms are often the hotbed of chaos in many households. They are the catch-all spaces where we throw everything that doesn’t have a designated place. However, not all items fare well in the sunroom’s unique environment. Over time, I’ve learned through trial and error what works and what doesn’t. Here are 11 things I wish I hadn’t stored in my sunroom, and why.
1. Artwork
Art is a beautiful way to personalize your home, but your sunroom isn’t the best place for it. Extended exposure to sunlight can cause paintings and prints to fade, losing their original vitality.
For instance, I once stored a treasured watercolor piece in my sunroom, thinking the natural light would enhance its beauty. Unfortunately, the colors faded drastically within a few months. Consider storing your artwork in a room with controlled lighting to preserve its longevity.
2. Books
Books and sunrooms seem like a perfect match – until you consider the damage that sunlight and moisture can do. Paper is especially susceptible to these conditions, leading to warped pages and faded covers.
I learned this the hard way when my favorite novels, stored on a sunroom shelf, ended up ruined. If you’re a book lover, keep your collection in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.
3. Electronics
Electronic items don’t mix well with the temperature fluctuations and humidity levels of a sunroom. The heat can degrade the components, while moisture could cause irreversible damage.
I once stored an old TV and a collection of vintage video games in my sunroom. Both suffered from the conditions, rendering them useless. To avoid this, it’s best to store electronics in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
4. Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are sensitive to heat and sunlight, which can cause them to warp and lose their sound quality.
My precious vinyl collection didn’t fare well in my sunroom, and I ended up having to replace several of my favorite records. Now, I keep them in a cool, dark place where they are protected from temperature changes and sunlight.
5. Wine
While a sunroom might seem like a romantic place to store wine, it’s actually one of the worst. Wine needs a consistent, cool temperature, and a sunroom’s fluctuating conditions can spoil it.
I once tried to store wine in my sunroom, but it didn’t take long for the bottles to turn. Now I keep my wine in a dedicated wine fridge.
6. Antique Furniture
Antique furniture can crack and fade under the harsh conditions of a sunroom.
I once placed a beloved antique chair in my sunroom, only to discover cracking and fading after a few months. To protect your antiques, consider placing them in a room with more controlled conditions.
7. Photographs
Much like artwork, photographs can fade and degrade when exposed to too much sunlight.
I once decorated my sunroom with family photos, only to find them faded and yellowed over time. Now I display my photos in rooms with less sunlight, to ensure they last for generations.
8. Candles
Candles can melt or warp in the heat of a sunroom, especially during the summer months.
I once stored a collection of scented candles in my sunroom, but they quickly lost their shape and scent. Now, I store my candles in a cool, dark cupboard.
9. Cosmetics
Cosmetics, particularly those with natural ingredients, can spoil when exposed to heat and sunlight.
I once kept a basket of skincare products in my sunroom, only to find them separated and spoiled within weeks. Now, I store my cosmetics in a cool, dry place.
10. Medication
Medications require controlled environments, and the heat and humidity of a sunroom can cause them to degrade or become ineffective.
I once stored a box of over-the-counter medicine in my sunroom for convenience but found that their effectiveness diminished significantly. Now, I store all my medications in a dry, cool place as recommended.
11. Plants that Prefer Shade
While many plants thrive in a sunroom, shade-loving plants can become stressed and unhealthy.
I once tried to grow ferns in my sunroom, but they quickly became brown and wilted. Now, I do my research and only grow plants that enjoy plenty of sunlight in my sunroom.
In conclusion, while sunrooms are versatile spaces, they’re not suitable for everything. Understanding what not to store in a sunroom can save you time, money, and heartache in the long run.