9 Things That Fade in the Sun Way Too Fast

Sun damage happens faster than most people think. A few hot afternoons with direct sunlight can bleach, warp, or weaken all kinds of stuff around the house. If you’re storing things on the patio, next to a window, or in a sunny shed, you’ll want to pay attention to these items before they get ruined for good.

Outdoor Cushions and Pillows

Even the ones labeled as UV-resistant can start to lose their color fast if they’re in direct sun all summer. Within weeks, you’ll notice fading, and by the end of the season, they’ll look tired. Tossing a cover over them when not in use makes a big difference.

Plastic Patio Furniture

White plastic chairs go chalky, and colored ones fade unevenly. Once the sun breaks down the surface, they get brittle and can crack under pressure. If they live in a spot that gets sun most of the day, try rotating them or giving them some shade.

Welcome Mats

Those cute mats with funny sayings? They’ll lose their color in no time if they sit in direct sun. The printed letters usually fade first, and then the whole thing starts looking washed out. A covered entryway helps, but even then, it happens fast.

Curtains Behind Sunny Windows

Even inside the house, direct sun can bleach fabric. Sheer curtains, dark velvet panels, or patterned drapes all start to look worn if they’re facing south or west. Lining or backing can help, but they still won’t last as long as they would in a shadier spot.

Garden Flags

Those seasonal flags fade fast—usually before the season’s even over. The brighter the color, the faster it seems to disappear. If you love switching them out often, go for it. But if you’re hoping to use them more than one year, they’ll need to be tucked away out of the sun.

Kids’ Outdoor Toys

Plastic ride-ons, play kitchens, and sandboxes take a beating in the sun. Red turns pink, blue gets patchy, and the plastic weakens. If you’ve ever tried to hand down old yard toys and wondered why they’re brittle, the sun’s to blame.

Rubber Doormats

Rubber mats tend to dry out and crack when left in the sun too long. They might hold up for a season, but after that, the material starts to break down. You’ll notice pieces flaking off or warping at the corners first.

Garden Tools with Plastic Handles

Rakes, shovels, and even hoses with plastic grips can fade and weaken over time. The UV damage doesn’t just change the color—it makes the handles more likely to split or break under pressure.

Artificial Plants Used Outside

Fake plants might seem like a smart low-maintenance option for porches or balconies, but the sun has other plans. Within weeks, the green turns gray or yellow, and you’re left with something that looks more sad than stylish. Even the pricier ones aren’t immune.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.