What Not to Store on Your Windowsill, According to Professional Organizers

Some people keep photographs on a windowsill as a way to display a few pictures in a high-traffic area.

"The problem is that sunlight can cause photographs to fade over time, especially if they're sitting there every day," says Parks. "If it's a photo you really care about, keep it in a photo album or display it somewhere away from direct sunlight, like on a shelf, dresser, bulletin board, or wall in your bedroom or office."

If you routinely leave your watch on a windowsill when you take it off at the end of the day, know that letting it sit in direct sunlight and heat can fade or damage some of the materials over time. Rain from an open window could also be catastrophic.

"Instead, keep your watches in a jewelry organizer, watch box, closet, or drawer where they're still easy to grab but won't get that kind of sun exposure," says Parks.

There's no denying that candles can look really nice sitting on a windowsill, especially if you have plants or greenery outside the window, but a windowsill that gets direct sunlight can become pretty hot, which can soften or melt the wax and even change the shape of the candle.

Instead, Parks recommends putting candles on a dresser, nightstand, shelf, coffee table, or somewhere else where they still look nice but aren't exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day.

If you typically have a candy bowl resting on your windowsill for house guests to enjoy, you might want to think twice. "The obvious problem is that a sunny windowsill can get hot, and chocolate can soften or melt pretty quickly," says Parks. "If you still want to keep a bowl of chocolate out, put it on a kitchen counter, coffee table, side table, or small tray somewhere that doesn't get direct sunlight."

Similar to photographs, books can also get sun and water damage if left on a windowsill, especially older books. "They can become faded or damaged by sunlight and moisture, and the pages can end up sticking together," says Wendy Trunz, partner and head organizer at Jane's Addiction Organization. "Over time, the paper can become discolored, brittle, or even destroyed."

Instead, put books on a bookshelf away from the window or even a coffee table for easy access while relaxing.

Just like chocolate, avoid keeping food and perishables on a windowsill if you can help it, says Trunz. "Certain things can melt, spoil, or become damaged—or even get too cold, depending on the temperature near the window," she explains. "Jarred foods, oils, and similar items can break down, separate, and spoil faster when exposed to heat and sunlight," she adds.

Instead, keep food and perishables in a temperature-controlled environment, whether that's a refrigerator, cupboard or pantry shelf.

Although it might sound like a good idea to put artwork on a windowsill, it's not advised. "The sun can cause them to fade, while moisture from the windows or any leaking can cause them to become damaged or destroyed," says Trunz. This is especially important for those pieces made from oil pastels and other similar materials.

You can move artwork away from the windowsill and instead hang it up on the wall or keep it on a nightstand depending on the size.