ᐅ How can Ikea HEMNES furniture be protected from sunlight exposure?

Created on: 2 Feb 2023 08:17
M
motan
M
motan
2 Feb 2023 08:17
Hello everyone,

I recently purchased several pieces of furniture from Ikea’s Hemnes series. Since these items are mostly made of solid wood and have a light, usually white-painted surface, I’m concerned about potential damage from direct sunlight. Especially in my living room, which has large south-facing windows, UV rays could cause discoloration, yellowing, and drying out of the wood.

I’m interested in what measures you would recommend to effectively protect the Hemnes furniture from sun exposure without compromising the overall look of the room with heavy curtains or covers. Specifically, which materials or products are suitable, what alternatives exist regarding room climate or furniture care, and what general precautions should be taken to preserve the longevity and appearance of these pieces over time?

I’m grateful for any tips, suggestions, and experiences you can share!
T
theota
2 Feb 2023 08:35
motan schrieb:
Especially in my living room, which has a large window facing south, UV rays could cause color changes, yellowing, and drying out of the wood.

Sure, UV rays are the main culprits. I always find it surprising how many people underestimate this. In my opinion, it’s best to accept that wood and direct sunlight are simply not good friends. Everything else only leads to temporary symptoms.

Why not just install a UV protection film on the window? It protects the floor, furniture, and skin. Curtains are becoming a lost art when you want to keep a design-oriented approach.
B
BOLUKEO
2 Feb 2023 08:42
Window films with UV protection are the best solution.
Additionally, regularly care for furniture with specialized wood oils or wax pastes.
P
pikin
2 Feb 2023 09:10
To ensure long-lasting protection of the HEMNES furniture from sunlight exposure, I recommend the following measures:

- Use UV protective films on the windows to reduce direct UV exposure by up to 99%
- Position the furniture so it is not in direct sunlight whenever possible
- Use semi-transparent curtains that diffuse light without darkening the room
- Regularly treat the wood surfaces with UV-protective wax finishes or special furniture care products

It is also important to maintain a stable room temperature and avoid excessively dry air, as this can contribute further to drying out the wood.
T
te-min
2 Feb 2023 09:18
Install shading with roller blinds or Venetian blinds on the windows.
Do not place furniture directly against the glass.
UV protection films are very effective.
I
Ianlau
2 Feb 2023 10:02
Hello motan,

your concern is justified, as you correctly pointed out, the HEMNES furniture features a painted solid wood finish that can fade or become brittle over time due to intense UV exposure.

A proven method of protection is to equip windows with UV protection films, which use special coatings to block most of the harmful rays.

Additionally, I recommend using flexible light control systems such as roller blinds, sheer curtains, or pleated blinds when furnishing. These allow daylight in while providing protection without significantly limiting the sense of space.

Finally, it is advisable to plan for wood care using suitable maintenance products that contain UV inhibitors or otherwise allow the wood to breathe, helping to prevent damage from drying out.