ᐅ The white KALLAX arrives with a yellow tint – has anyone else experienced this?
Created on: 10 Nov 2022 18:07
J
Julaus
Hello everyone,
I recently ordered a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA in white. At least, that’s how it was sold and listed in the product description. Unfortunately, when the unit arrived, it doesn’t look like a bright white at all, but rather a very light, almost yellowish cream color. This is especially noticeable in daylight and simply doesn’t match the advertised white.
Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does IKEA sometimes deliver the KALLAX in a white that appears more yellowish? And if so, has anyone filed a complaint about the product and can share how well IKEA handled it?
I’m asking in detail because I’m not yet completely sure whether this is a manufacturing defect or if other factors like lighting and surroundings are affecting the appearance. The website clearly states the color as white, not cream or ecru.
I’d appreciate any experiences or advice regarding complaints or other steps to take. Thanks in advance!
I recently ordered a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA in white. At least, that’s how it was sold and listed in the product description. Unfortunately, when the unit arrived, it doesn’t look like a bright white at all, but rather a very light, almost yellowish cream color. This is especially noticeable in daylight and simply doesn’t match the advertised white.
Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does IKEA sometimes deliver the KALLAX in a white that appears more yellowish? And if so, has anyone filed a complaint about the product and can share how well IKEA handled it?
I’m asking in detail because I’m not yet completely sure whether this is a manufacturing defect or if other factors like lighting and surroundings are affecting the appearance. The website clearly states the color as white, not cream or ecru.
I’d appreciate any experiences or advice regarding complaints or other steps to take. Thanks in advance!
I can provide a more detailed technical perspective on the situation:
KALLAX shelves are made from particleboard coated with melamine resin. During this process, color granules are mixed into the surface, which can result in slight color variations. This is especially noticeable with white tones, where a subtle yellow tint can appear due to the natural hue of the base materials.
Please also check whether the finish is matte or high-gloss, as this significantly affects the perception of color. Light diffusion and the surrounding environment can enhance the yellow or cream effect, particularly under artificial lighting with warm color temperatures.
For complaints, it is important not only to describe the color difference but also to explain your ambient lighting conditions. This helps IKEA to better assess the case.
Are there any other defects such as scratches or manufacturing flaws visible? These factors also impact the chances of a successful claim.
KALLAX shelves are made from particleboard coated with melamine resin. During this process, color granules are mixed into the surface, which can result in slight color variations. This is especially noticeable with white tones, where a subtle yellow tint can appear due to the natural hue of the base materials.
Please also check whether the finish is matte or high-gloss, as this significantly affects the perception of color. Light diffusion and the surrounding environment can enhance the yellow or cream effect, particularly under artificial lighting with warm color temperatures.
For complaints, it is important not only to describe the color difference but also to explain your ambient lighting conditions. This helps IKEA to better assess the case.
Are there any other defects such as scratches or manufacturing flaws visible? These factors also impact the chances of a successful claim.
Domau0 schrieb:
For complaints, it is important not only to describe the color difference but also to explain your surrounding lighting conditions.Very good point! In my case, the shelf in the living room is on a wall painted in a very light color and is well illuminated by the ceiling light as well as natural daylight – the effect is clearly perceived as yellow rather than white.
kasan schrieb:
Are there any direct comparison options, for example in an IKEA store?I need to check tomorrow. The nearby IKEA supposedly has the same model, so I will take a close look and compare.
In addition, I have already started a complaint process with IKEA – the initial phone consultation was very friendly and they promised that a replacement delivery could be arranged if the color shade is confirmed. Waiting for the final feedback.
Thanks to everyone for the tips and for thinking along.
I wonder if there is really a consistent white standard in production or if yellowish tones are tolerated and accepted.
That certainly explains some leeway. Still, IKEA should adhere to clear quality standards for the advertised white, otherwise it is misleading and can be considered a defect.
Such environmental factors are essential when evaluating, but they cannot be the sole cause. The clear presentation in the online shop obliges IKEA to deliver compliant goods.
Domau0 schrieb:
The surface is mixed with color granules, which leads to slight variations in shade.
That certainly explains some leeway. Still, IKEA should adhere to clear quality standards for the advertised white, otherwise it is misleading and can be considered a defect.
Julaus schrieb:
For me, the shelf in the living room is against a wall that is painted very brightly and well lit by the ceiling light as well as daylight.
Such environmental factors are essential when evaluating, but they cannot be the sole cause. The clear presentation in the online shop obliges IKEA to deliver compliant goods.
To continue the discussion about the color deviation a bit further:
I would like to add that the paints or laminates used on the MDF panels for KALLAX are not calibrated according to NCS or RAL color systems, as you might expect from painting work or high-quality furniture. This inevitably leads to slight variations, which are especially noticeable in white areas because even a small yellowish tint stands out.
Regarding complaints, this means: Document the color difference precisely, if possible with a color measuring device or by consulting a professional color expert. Otherwise, IKEA could argue that the variation falls within accepted tolerances.
I also wonder how IKEA internally checks such reports and whether they keep production batches with different shades of white in stock to quickly replace items for complaints.
Maybe Julaus can share how the replacement process ultimately went.
I would like to add that the paints or laminates used on the MDF panels for KALLAX are not calibrated according to NCS or RAL color systems, as you might expect from painting work or high-quality furniture. This inevitably leads to slight variations, which are especially noticeable in white areas because even a small yellowish tint stands out.
Regarding complaints, this means: Document the color difference precisely, if possible with a color measuring device or by consulting a professional color expert. Otherwise, IKEA could argue that the variation falls within accepted tolerances.
I also wonder how IKEA internally checks such reports and whether they keep production batches with different shades of white in stock to quickly replace items for complaints.
Maybe Julaus can share how the replacement process ultimately went.
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