ᐅ My shelf became brittle quickly due to the sun exposure by the window – is this common with the KALLAX?

Hello everyone,

A few months ago, I bought a KALLAX shelf from IKEA and placed it by my window, where it gets direct sunlight all day long. Unfortunately, after a relatively short time, the surface of the shelf has changed significantly: the wood looks very brittle and is starting to dry out and slightly peel at the edges.

My question to the community is: Is this kind of reaction to sunlight normal for the KALLAX shelf, or did I possibly get a defective product?

I had assumed that the wood is either coated or at least treated to be somewhat resistant to UV exposure. I can also rule out moisture damage since I pay close attention to the indoor climate.

Have any of you had similar experiences or tips on how to protect the material from sunlight exposure?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

ISUFGI schrieb:
Is such a reaction to sunlight normal for the KALLAX shelf?

KALLAX is not fully UV-resistant. Sunlight can dry out and discolor the surface. It’s best not to place it in direct sunlight permanently.

ISUFGI schrieb:
I had assumed that it was coated or at least treated wood, somewhat resistant to UV exposure.

Hello ISUFGI,

your assumption is understandable. The KALLAX shelf is made of particleboard with a melamine surface, which is actually quite durable. However, all materials exposed to direct sunlight eventually become susceptible to aging effects such as fading or drying out. This happens especially quickly when the surface is constantly heated or exposed to UV radiation.

So if your shelf is becoming brittle quickly, it could very well be due to strong and prolonged sun exposure. This is not a product defect but rather a material characteristic that is intensified by the usage conditions.

A tip: you could apply a UV protection film on the window or treat the shelf with a thin protective layer of wood oil (if compatible) to better preserve the surface. It is important to do small tests beforehand to avoid altering the appearance.

I hope this helps you!

ISUFGI schrieb:
Is it normal for the KALLAX shelf to become brittle quickly when exposed to sunlight?

Additional information:
The KALLAX shelf is made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and coated with a melamine resin layer, which is resistant to scratches and moisture but not specifically UV-resistant.

Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause melamine resin to become brittle because UV rays can degrade the polymers in the material. This is not a manufacturing defect but a characteristic of the material.

To prevent this, it is advisable not to place the furniture in direct sunlight for extended periods or to use appropriate window shading measures. For surfaces that have already become brittle, the only options are replacement or very gentle cleaning and surface care, but not more.

I also recommend avoiding “home remedies” that might damage the material, such as aggressive oils or varnishes, as these can cause further damage.

fajan schrieb:
all materials exposed to direct sunlight will eventually be prone to aging effects such as fading or drying out

That exactly addresses the issue. I had the same experience: my KALLAX faded noticeably and became a bit brittle at the edges after about a year in direct sunlight.

What helped me was using a sheer curtain or applying a UV-protective film to the window. This greatly reduces the intensity of sunlight exposure.

It’s important to remember that KALLAX is not treated like solid wood furniture; it is generally more sensitive to prolonged sun exposure.

In addition to the previous good explanations, I would like to add that KALLAX furniture is quite sturdy in terms of its frame, but the melamine-coated surface has limited UV resistance.

The brittle surface results from the combination of prolonged direct sunlight exposure and the material composition. Melamine resin can lose moisture when exposed to UV light, which causes this dry or brittle feel.

For those of you who still want to use such furniture near windows, I recommend using UV protection or heat control window films, or alternatively curtains or blinds to reduce the intensity.

It can also help to wipe the furniture occasionally and protect it from dust, as dry surfaces are more mechanically vulnerable.

A final note: KALLAX is not designed for use in areas with high UV exposure, so damage caused by frequent and strong sunlight is inherent to the product.