Natural light can give a walk-in closet more livability.
Windows in a walk-in closet can provide more light and ambience to the space. If you have a small dressing table inside the space, for example, you may desire some natural light. It's important to manage the light in relation to clothes, however. Sunlight can cause fabrics to deteriorate if clothes are overexposed to direct rays. By using the right placement of clothes and correct window treatments, you can manage these issues with no problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Draw sketches of your home's exterior and interior spaces adjacent to the closet. Figure out enlarge a window or install a wall of glass blocks in relation to the house exterior. Don't make any changes that will reflect negatively on the exterior facade. Plan to add a bigger window space on the back of the home, for example, but don't open a window so visitors can see inside the closet from outside.
2. Go over options for the window space from the interior perspective. Install frosted window panes or glass blocks, for example, that add light but preserve privacy. Don't enlarge windows and plan to cover them with wooden plantation blinds, for example, or you will defeat your purpose. Create new windows based on the security and privacy of your outdoor space looking in. Take into consideration that neighbors might see inside your closet -- even from a second-floor placement -- if the windows are large or totally transparent.
3. Revamp the closet interior for beauty and function. Paint the interior walls cream, for example, and add mint green crown molding around the closet ceiling perimeter. Install mirror tiles on one closet wall to reflect more light. Install a skylight overhead as another option, but use only a high-quality skylight that will not leak over the years.
4. Use draw drapes or curtains over the windows if you wish. Push the curtains back when you're inside the closet. Buy curtains with grommets that allow sliding on a rod with no effort.
5. Install new carpet or tile inside the closet. Use both, if this is appropriate. Add the carpet so that you can toss clothes around informally on the floor while getting dressed. Use lighter flooring colors to reflect more light inside the closet. Keep in mind that any dark closet, especially one close to a moisture-laden shower area, can harbor mold.
6. Build new shelving, hanging rods and drawer space using a professional closet system. Make sure all components match; this will increase the market appeal of your home. Invest time and resources in the storage function of the closet, because walk-in closets with well-designed interiors are becoming standard in today's marketplace. Don't create a quick redo, or it could hurt the market value of your home.
Tags: inside closet, more light, your home, glass blocks, reflect more, reflect more light