ᐅ How can I protect Malm furniture from UV light?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought some Malm furniture from IKEA and now I’m wondering how to best protect the sensitive surfaces from UV light. Since Malm usually comes with laminated or lacquered finishes, I’m concerned that the furniture might fade or develop unattractive yellowing over time, especially if placed near windows.

I’m particularly interested in recommendations for products or methods that block UV rays without changing the appearance or feel. It would also be helpful to know if there are any special care tips to keep in mind.

Does anyone have experience with effectively protecting Malm furniture from UV damage? Maybe some insights on whether blackout curtains, UV window films, or special furniture care products really make a difference?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

Hello burudi,

There are several factors to consider to protect your Malm furniture from UV light and keep the surface looking good for as long as possible.

First, it is important to know that the paint or film surface on Malm furniture can be quite sensitive to light – direct sunlight over time can cause fading or discoloration.

A very effective protection is the combination of UV-protection films on windows and additional care using appropriate furniture maintenance products:

1. UV-protection films: These films reduce the UV portion of sunlight entering the room. There are self-adhesive options as well as professional films that can block up to 99% of UV rays. This intercepts the main cause of fading right at the point of entry.

2. Curtains or roller blinds: Especially with all-day sunlight exposure, light-blocking curtains can be useful – but of course, it is a personal choice whether you want to darken the room that much.

3. Care products: You can apply furniture care products with UV protection, but be careful – not all are suitable for coated or laminated surfaces. There are specially designed products for painted surfaces that form a thin protective layer filtering UV rays. It is recommended to test these first in an inconspicuous spot.

4. Furniture placement: Another strategy is to position the furniture so it is not in direct sunlight. Usually, even a slight shift away from the window is enough.

One question for you: Are your furniture pieces really exposed to strong and direct sunlight permanently? This information helps for a more targeted recommendation.

In summary: UV-protection films on windows are the most effective, combined with the right care products and furniture placement. Patience in selecting and testing is important to preserve the appearance of your furniture.

Apply UV protection films to the windows. Alternatively, close blinds or curtains during the day when the sun is strong.
There is little else you can do without rearranging the furniture.

Hello burudi,

I would like to briefly add to what has already been said: UV rays are indeed the main cause of fading on furniture surfaces. For Malm furniture, which usually has a melamine or foil coating, the surface is quite resistant to scratches but not completely protected against UV.

From my experience, besides protective films and curtains, it is especially helpful to regularly remove dust and other deposits from the furniture. Dust particles can amplify the effects of UV light and dirt, leading to color changes.

For this, I use a slightly damp cloth and special furniture care sprays that are free of alcohol or aggressive solvents to avoid damaging the coating.

If you cannot move the furniture, I would definitely recommend installing windows with UV protection glazing. The investment is worth it.

One small question: how much daylight does your room get? Do you use a lot of natural light or mostly artificial lighting?

I hope this helps you.

Hi burudi,

here’s a little tip from my own experience: I had the same issue with Malm furniture fading in the sun. Since then, I use light curtains combined with a UV protection film on the windows – it works wonders because the furniture still gets daylight, just without the harsh UV rays.

Also, I make sure not to place tables or dressers directly against the windows, even if that’s not always ideal for the room layout 🙂

Care? Just dust occasionally, that’s all you need – no oil or too much moisture, otherwise the film might peel or discolor.

And most importantly: enjoy your furniture! They look great anyway, a bit of sun is fine, just don’t throw a Wild West party for the surface ;-)

Good luck!