How to Store Glasses Properly: Overnight, Day to Day and Long Term
Where your glasses spend the hours you are not wearing them has a big effect on how long they last. A few simple storage rules prevent most bent frames and scratched lenses.
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Most eyewear damage does not happen during wear. It happens in the in-between moments: glasses left on a couch cushion, pushed onto the top of a head, set lens-down on a counter or left in a hot car. Good storage habits take only a few seconds and add years to the life of a frame.
The golden rule: face or case
The simplest rule is also the most effective. Your glasses should either be on your face or in their case. Every other place, from your shirt collar to the bedside table, carries some risk.
That said, sometimes you need to set glasses down for a moment. When you do, follow the next rule.
Setting glasses down safely
If you need to put your glasses down briefly:
- Fold the temples. Closed glasses are more compact and less likely to be knocked over.
- Place them lenses up. Rest them on the folded temples, with the lenses facing up or forward, never lens-down on the surface.
- Choose a stable, clean surface away from edges, sinks and cooking areas.
Overnight storage
Bedtime is when many glasses get sat on, knocked off the nightstand or stepped on in the morning. Options, from best to worst:
| Option | Protection | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hard case on the nightstand | Highest | Best for expensive lenses and kids |
| Open case or glasses tray on the nightstand | High | Fast access, still protected from knocks |
| Glasses stand or holder | Medium | Keeps lenses off the surface |
| Folded, lenses up, on the nightstand | Low to medium | Acceptable if the surface is clear |
| On the bed, floor or pillow | Very low | Avoid |
Keep the nightstand clear of glasses of water and other items that might be knocked onto your glasses in the dark.
Day-to-day storage
- At work, keep a case on your desk for when you take glasses off.
- At the gym, put glasses in a hard case in your bag, not loose on a bench.
- When showering, keep glasses out of the bathroom if possible; steam, hairspray and cosmetics all end up on lenses.
- When cooking, avoid setting glasses near the stove, where heat and grease are present.
Habits that damage glasses
| Habit | Damage |
|---|---|
| Pushing glasses on top of the head | Stretches temples, loosens hinges, transfers hair products |
| Hanging glasses from a shirt collar | Falls when you bend; one temple bears all the weight |
| Taking glasses off with one hand | Bends the frame out of alignment over time |
| Setting glasses lens-down | Scratches lenses |
| Leaving glasses in a hot car | Warps frames, damages coatings |
| Putting glasses loose in a pocket or bag | Scratches and bends |
| Stacking glasses on top of each other | Scratches and pressure marks |
Use both hands
Always take glasses off with both hands, holding the temples near the hinges, and pull them straight forward. Pulling one side off stretches the opposite hinge and gradually knocks the frame out of alignment.
Heat and sunlight
Avoid storing glasses where they get hot: dashboards, windowsills in direct sun, near radiators or heaters, and near stoves. Heat can warp frames and damage coatings. See glasses in the car for more.
Humidity and bathrooms
Bathrooms combine steam, aerosol sprays and cosmetics. Keeping glasses in the bathroom while showering exposes them to moisture and residue. Store them in a case in another room if you can.
Long-term storage
For backup pairs, old prescriptions or seasonal sunglasses:
- Clean thoroughly using our lens cleaning method.
- Dry completely, including hinges and nose pads.
- Place in a hard case with a clean lining.
- Label with the prescription year or purpose.
- Store somewhere cool and dry, such as a closet shelf, not an attic, garage or car.
- Check once a year.
For collections, see our guide to storing multiple pairs.
Pets and children
Glasses are a tempting chew toy for some dogs. Keep glasses in a closed case and off low surfaces if you have pets. For households with young children, a case on a high shelf is safer than a nightstand within reach.
Storage checklist
- Glasses on your face or in a case.
- Folded, lenses up, if set down briefly.
- A case on the nightstand and at your desk.
- Off the head and off the collar.
- Both hands to remove.
- Away from heat, steam and direct sun.
- Long-term pairs cleaned, cased and labeled.
Choosing a nightstand setup
Your nightstand is where your glasses spend most of their off hours, so it is worth setting it up deliberately.
- Keep a dedicated spot. A small tray, stand or open case in the same place every night means you can find your glasses in the dark without sweeping your hand across the table.
- Keep liquids away. Place water glasses and mugs on the other side of the nightstand.
- Mind the lamp. Some lamps get warm. Keep glasses a little distance from bulbs that produce heat.
- Think about pets and children. If either can reach the nightstand, a closed case is safer than an open tray.
- Have a backup plan. If you rely on glasses to find your way at night, keep a dim night light or a phone flashlight within reach so you are not searching for your glasses blindly.
Storage at work
Office desks are surprisingly risky for glasses. They get pushed under paperwork, knocked off by elbows and left behind in meeting rooms. Keep a case on your desk and use it whenever you switch to contact lenses, computer glasses or readers. If you carry glasses between rooms, keep them on your face or in a slim case rather than in your hand.
Storing glasses when you switch to contacts
If you alternate between contact lenses and glasses, the glasses often end up in unusual places. Give them a fixed home for contact-lens days, such as a case in your bag or a drawer by the door, so they are protected and easy to find.
Storing glasses during travel and hotel stays
Away from home, the same rules apply. Choose one spot for your case in the hotel room, keep glasses in the case overnight, and check the nightstand and bathroom before checkout. Our travel guide has a full packing list.
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad to put glasses on top of your head?
Yes, it is a common cause of stretched temples and loose hinges. It also transfers hair products to the lenses.
How should I store my glasses at night?
A case on the nightstand is the safest option. A tray or stand is a good second choice. Avoid leaving glasses on the bed or floor.
Can I store glasses in the bathroom?
It is better not to. Steam, sprays and cosmetics can leave residue and moisture on lenses and frames.
How do I store glasses I do not use often?
Clean them, dry them completely, and store them in a labeled hard case in a cool, dry place.
Bottom line
Keep glasses on your face or in their case. When you must set them down, fold them and place them lenses up. Remove them with both hands, keep them away from heat and steam, and give long-term pairs a clean, labeled case.
These habits apply to every pair you own, from prescription glasses to readers and sunglasses, and they cost nothing but a few seconds each day.