Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight are the leading cause of fading in wooden furniture over time by breaking down natural or artificial colors. Constant exposure to UV rays through windows can cause wooden surfaces like tables and chairs to fade. Homeowners can prevent fading by installing shutters, curtains or blinds to block UV rays from entering the home and bombarding wooden furniture. It is also best to avoid placing wooden furniture directly in window areas.

1. Wooden
Furniture Fading
and Its Causes
Homeowners think that they can protect
their furniture from the deterioration
caused by natural elements by leaving
them indoors. But, wooden furniture is
also susceptible to fading when exposed
to sunlight for a long period.
The Blinds Gallery
Address: 120 Furniss Road,
Landsdale Western Australia 6005
Phone: 08 9406 1000

2. The Problem of Fading
A change of colour over time characterizes fading. One measures its extent by
evaluating the changes that took place before and after exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet
rays, or chemical reactions that triggered it.
One of the main causes of fading is chemical in nature; changes in the colouring
agents of a piece of furniture may lead to a reduction of pigment. The chemical reactions
that take places depend different factors that include; the type of colouring agent,
chemical environment, temperature, humidity and light exposure.
Ultraviolet rays are invisible to the naked eye, but they are the leading cause of
fading – of carpets, textiles, wooden furniture and other types of furnishings. They cause
40 percent of the fading, with other 60 percent due to factors such as heating, humidity,
age and electric light.
When sunlight enters a house, its rays bombard wooden surfaces with a continuous
stream of energy. Constant exposure to this breaks down the artificial or natural colour of
a table, chair or any wooden piece of furniture.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent fading caused by exposure to UV rays.

3. Prevent Wooden Furniture from Fading
Certain products block UV rays from entering a house. Installing shutters allow
homeowners to control the amount of sunlight that enters their home. These may also
add to the value of a home because they come in different designs and colours.
Curtains and blinds also act as natural barriers that protect wooden furnishings from
fading, drying and cracking.
Avoid placing wooden furniture near windows to prevent sunlight from bombarding
them with UV rays. Also, do not place accessories on top of tables or cabinets near the
windows as these may leave fade marks on furniture exposed to sunlight.
There are different ways to protect wood furniture from fading; apply these accordingly
based on a home’s design and layout.
Sources:
http://theblindsgallery.com.au/products/shutter/
http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/buildings/basics/windows/fad
ing.htm
http://www.oldhouseonline.com/protect-furnishings-from-sunlight/