ᐅ Why do some BILLY shelves change color after prolonged exposure to sunlight?

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that some of my BILLY shelves, especially the white models, show slight discoloration after prolonged exposure to sunlight. The wood sometimes appears a bit more yellowish or unevenly stained after several months of use near sunny windows.

I suspect UV rays play a role here, but so far I haven’t found detailed information explaining why BILLY shelves in particular are affected and whether this is a technical issue or preventable.

Are there any experiences or explanations as to why some BILLY shelves change color over time, even though these furniture pieces are intended for indoor use? Which materials or surface treatments cause this type of change?

I would appreciate any factual assessments or further insights on this topic!

CANKI schrieb:
why BILLY shelves change color over time

The color change in BILLY shelves mainly results from the materials used. These shelves are mostly made of particleboard coated with a melamine resin layer. UV light breaks down certain chemical bonds in the melamine resin, which can cause slight yellowing or lightening.

This effect is a common characteristic of coated particleboard, where the surface protection can gradually degrade under intense and prolonged sunlight exposure.

CANKI schrieb:
Are these color changes technically inevitable or avoidable?

It is difficult to completely avoid this phenomenon, as some UV radiation can pass through window glass. Measures such as applying UV protection film on windows, positioning the furniture away from direct sunlight, or regularly rotating the pieces can help minimize the effects.

Great topic you brought up! 🙂 I had exactly the same problem with my BILLY shelves, but since I installed UV protection films on the windows, the color changes have become much less noticeable! That’s really brilliant!

It’s truly fascinating how much sunlight can affect furniture! For anyone bothered by this issue: maybe this is a chance to rotate the furniture a bit or even protect it with decorations to prevent direct sunlight exposure! Good luck with that! 🙂

Interesting topic. Here is some background information and a brief guide to better understand and prevent color changes in BILLY shelves:

1. Material and coating: BILLY shelves are made of particleboard with a melamine or foil coating. This type of surface can react to UV radiation, which over time can lead to yellowing or fading.

2. Causes of color changes: UV rays and visible light promote the breakdown of many plastics. The resulting heat effect can also contribute to material damage.

3. Protective measures:
- Apply UV-protective films to windows that filter UV radiation
- Avoid placing shelves directly next to sunny windows
- Rotate or turn the shelves to ensure even exposure to light
- Choose alternative surfaces like painted solid wood, which are more resistant

4. Common mistakes:
- Assuming window glass completely blocks UV: this is not the case
- Excessive moisture as a cause: usually unlikely for pure color changes

Conclusion: Color changes in BILLY shelves mainly result from material properties and exposure to light. Correct placement is the most important step for prevention.