ᐅ Why do the colors of BILLY shelves change after extended use?

Hello everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for a while and I hope to get some knowledgeable answers here: Why do the colors of IKEA’s Billy bookcases change after extended use? I have several Billy bookcases that initially had a clear, uniform color, but after a few years, the surface looks somewhat different—sometimes faded or slightly discolored. I am especially interested in understanding which physical or chemical processes might be involved, whether this is related to the material or the coating, and if factors such as light, humidity, or possibly usage and cleaning have an impact. Does anyone have deeper insights or perhaps personal experience with this? Thank you in advance!

Color changes in BILLY shelves are mainly due to the materials used and the surface finish. BILLY shelves are generally made from engineered wood panels with a melamine or foil coating. While these coatings are durable, they undergo a natural aging process caused by UV light and oxidative effects.

In particular, UV light can chemically alter the resin in the surface, leading to fading or yellowing. At the same time, fluctuations in humidity can also affect the surface, as engineered wood panels are sensitive to moisture. Cleaning with harsh chemicals can additionally damage the protective layer and accelerate the aging process.

Hello Datau5, I am very familiar with this issue, as I have been using a similar shelf for many years. To add to pikins’ explanations: the combination of light, temperature, and humidity plays a major role. Especially when shelves are placed in rooms with strong daylight exposure, the paint pigments oxidize faster. Dust and everyday contact can also cause micro-scratches or surface wear, leading to changes in color perception.

Additionally, BILLY shelves often have a very thin melamine coating that is not self-renewing. The color can therefore peel off or become dull due to mechanical stress or regular wear.

pikin schrieb:
UV light can chemically alter the resin on the surface

That’s a valid point, but I wonder how significant this effect really is when we’re talking about a typical living room setup with IKEA shelves. Are there any reliable studies or data from IKEA itself on this? I could also imagine that the origin and quality of the wood-based materials play a role—for example, whether it’s particleboard or MDF, as well as the type of adhesive used, which might also influence the color over time.

klo61 schrieb:
Light, temperature, and humidity play a major role

Are there specific threshold values at which these factors become critical? From what I understand, BILLY shelves are designed for normal indoor environments and should be able to tolerate fluctuations within a certain range.

A bit of color naturally changes over time – a little patina for the IKEA LIFE 😉. Jokes aside: Of course, UV light is probably the main culprit here. Being careful doesn’t help much since no one wants to constantly rearrange shelves or keep curtains drawn.

I also find it interesting how the “feel” of the surface changes with time. It doesn’t just appear lighter or darker, but somehow also more matte. This is likely due to microscopic scratches from use.

My advice: Occasionally wipe with a mild cleaning product and reduce exposure to sunlight if possible; this can help the color last a bit longer. But the transformation is almost inevitable – wood and similar materials live with us. 🙂

Color fades due to UV light and chemical aging of the coating. Avoid aggressive cleaners and direct sunlight to help maintain color freshness. Done.