ᐅ How can I protect IKEA Hemnes furniture from sunlight exposure?

Hello everyone,

I have several IKEA Hemnes furniture pieces in my apartment (including dressers and shelves), some of which are placed directly by the window and therefore exposed to strong sunlight. I have read that prolonged UV exposure can cause discoloration or even slight damage to the surface, especially on light wood or painted finishes.

My question is: What is the best way to protect my Hemnes furniture from sunlight without having to completely darken the windows? Are there any special protective products or measures you would recommend? I am particularly interested in whether there are varnishes, films, or care products that are suitable without affecting the natural wood appearance.

Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hey eskil, great that you’re asking so carefully! 🌞☀️

From my own experience, I can say that sun protection is really important! I applied thin, UV-protective window films to my Hemnes shelves. They significantly reduce UV radiation and are completely transparent, so they’re not visible at all! This way, your furniture stays protected and looks just as beautiful as before.

Also, I’ve found that regular maintenance with a suitable furniture oil or wax helps protect the surface somewhat from drying out due to sunlight.

Give it a try; it really works well! Good luck and keep it up! 😊

Window films with UV protection are excellent. Additionally, you can treat the furniture with furniture wax to protect against drying out and color fading.

Hello eskil, I would like to explore your situation in a bit more detail.

The Hemnes furniture is usually made of solid pine wood with a white or light-colored paint or lacquer finish. UV radiation can cause fading and slight brittleness of the finish, which should be avoided.

As a protective measure, it is recommended to use window film with UV protection. There are options that block over 99% of UV rays without significantly reducing light transmission. This is useful if you want to preserve daylight.

Alternatively or additionally, installing curtains or blinds that filter light is advisable, combined with regular care of the furniture surface.

This care ideally involves using a high-quality furniture wax or oil, specifically designed for painted or oiled pine wood surfaces. This helps stabilize the protective layer and extends the lifespan.

When applying, make sure the surface is dust-free and dry, and apply the care product evenly. Once or twice a year is usually sufficient.

Have you checked the exact orientation of the furniture? That can affect UV exposure.

benonon schrieb:

Have you already checked the exact orientation of the furniture? That can affect the UV exposure.

Thank you, benonon, that’s an important point! My living room windows face southwest, and the Hemnes furniture is placed right by the window, so it gets quite a lot of sunlight in the afternoon.

I’m going to look into UV protection films and also start caring for the furniture with wax. From your experience, is there a difference between wax and oil? Which one provides better UV protection?

eskil schrieb:

Is there a difference between wax and oil in your opinion, and which of the two offers better UV protection?

Hello eskil, I’m happy to help with your question!

Furniture oil penetrates the wood and nourishes it from within, while furniture wax primarily creates a protective layer on the surface. Both provide some protection against drying out, which helps prevent cracking caused by UV exposure.

For UV protection, wax has a slight advantage because the surface film reduces direct light exposure. Additionally, you can purchase waxes with added UV absorbers for extra protection.

I recommend testing the product on an inconspicuous area before applying, as some waxes or oils can slightly alter the color.

Also important: thoroughly clean the furniture before application.

I hope this helps!