ᐅ Why do some Billy bookcases change color over time?

Hello everyone,

I have a question that has been on my mind for a while, and I hope to gain some insights here in the forum: Why do some IKEA Billy bookcases change color over time? Specifically, I have noticed that some models I use show fading or yellowing in places after several years, while others in similar environments remain almost unchanged.

I suspect that various factors such as UV exposure, humidity, or the surface coating might play a role, but I would like to understand exactly what causes this color change, whether it is a normal aging process of the materials, and if there are any ways to prevent it. Perhaps others here have experience or background knowledge about the materials and surface finishes used on Billy bookcases?

I look forward to an interesting discussion and many helpful answers!

Hello savvas44,

I would like to contribute to your very good and detailed question. The Billy shelves are made from particleboard covered with a melamine resin or foil coating. While this protective layer is durable, it is not completely resistant to environmental influences.

UV light, in particular, plays a major role in color changes. Sunlight can trigger chemical reactions on the surface, causing the material to fade or even yellow. Temperature fluctuations and humidity also affect the coating, as they cause the wood underneath to slightly expand and contract, which can lead to micro-cracks on the surface and consequently changes in color.

Additionally, there seem to be different production batches with slight variations in the surface finish – this is why newer shelves sometimes look a bit different in color compared to older or even adjacent models.

If your shelf is placed in a location with a lot of sunlight, I would recommend rotating it or applying UV-protective films to the window if you want to avoid color changes.

I hope this helps you!

GiRoyce schrieb:
The Billy shelves are made from particleboard with a melamine resin or foil coating.

This is an important point I would like to add. The melamine coating typically used on Billy shelves is a thin, hard layer that is mechanically durable but can be affected over the years by various factors.

In particular, photodegradation from UV rays is the main factor here. UV rays gradually break down the chemical structure of the melamine resin layer, which can cause discoloration, fading, or even a slightly brownish tint. This process accelerates with increased temperature and humidity.

Additionally, IKEA constantly improves its production processes, which may lead to differences in surface finish within the same product line when comparing older and newer shelves.

I would also like to know if your shelf is placed close to radiators or other heat sources, as heat can significantly speed up the aging process.

In general, some color changes must unfortunately be considered normal when the shelf is exposed to prolonged intense sunlight or other environmental stresses.

I can totally relate, savvas44. I’ve also had shelves that looked quite different after a few years – partly badly faded along the edges, exactly where the sun hit them.

GiRoyce schrieb:
UV light plays a major role in color changes.

I feel the same way. At first, I was worried that the material might be low quality, but honestly, if a shelf is placed by a sunny window or even next to a heater, color changes are almost inevitable.

It’s a bit disappointing, because you build the furniture for a reason: to have order, aesthetics, and durability. But when the shelf changes color over time and it doesn’t look good, it feels like a letdown.

I wonder if IKEA might improve this in the future? For example, with UV-protected varnish? It would be nice to be able to expect more in that regard.

Thanks for the good question, and I hope more tips come up on how to prevent this!

Just to ask provocatively: Does a shelf costing 30 euros from a furniture store really need to maintain perfect color consistency forever?

Joe52 schrieb:
I wonder if IKEA might improve on this in the future? For example, with UV-protected coating?

I think that’s wishful thinking. At that price, you have to accept compromises. Personally, I would say you need to adjust your expectations of the product according to the price.

If you want a piece of furniture that keeps its appearance without visible color changes for decades, you either have to pay more or look for better materials yourself.

It’s a bit harsh, of course, but I see it realistically.

It’s also interesting how consumer behavior works: We buy cheap but expect high quality. That hardly ever goes together, does it?

What do you think? Is color fading just a natural part of a product’s life cycle, or is it a defect?

GALEO4 schrieb:
The color change is just a natural part of the product’s lifespan, isn’t it a defect?

That’s a good point and definitely something to consider. For me, the question is how you define the word “natural” in this context. Material changes over years are natural, but some discolorations also look like something is going wrong after a short time, meaning it could be a defect.

There are also different batches, as GiRoyce and Nathanaelk have described, so quality and workmanship can vary.

I want to bring this up because I don’t just want to look at the causes, but also whether one can at least expect a certain consistency or quality from IKEA that doesn’t fluctuate so much.

Additionally, I’m interested if anyone has experience with repair or restoration options – for example, post-treatment sealing or products that can reduce fading.