Don't Make This Huge Mistake With Your Wood Furniture

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You may love a lot of natural light in your home, but there's a huge mistake you should avoid if you have wood or wood veneer furniture. As the light floods in, its beauty comes with a downside: it can affect your furnishings. Direct sunlight exposure to pieces made of wood and wood veneer can result in warping, cracking, and discoloration. You don't have to remove your wood furniture from the room altogether, though; just take steps to minimize how much sunlight it receives.

Wood and wood veneer are susceptible to sun damage because of the sun's ultraviolet rays. It's the same reason hardwood flooring might not be the best choice for homes filled with natural light. Consistent exposure to UV rays can break down or photodegrade lignin, the complex polymer holding the wood's fibers together. This dries out the wood, reducing its resilience and making it more susceptible to damage. The effect is significant on any natural wood, but can be especially hard on wood veneer, which is typically only a thin layer. The lignin breakdown also means the materials may bleach or darken, depending on the wood used. For instance, maple and oak may lighten, while pieces of cherry often grow darker. 

Wooden furniture is a timeless trend, so you may be concerned about how the sunlight is affecting your pieces. Don't panic yet. If you have wood furniture you'd like to protect from light, you can make a few simple changes in your home to help it keep its integrity and brilliant color.

When wood furniture is in a room with natural light, easy environmental changes can help reduce the sun's effects. One of the most affordable approaches is choosing one of the many window film options on the market. Sheets like Volcanics One Way Window Privacy Film and other brands adhere to glass surfaces, reducing the amount of sunlight that gets through by absorbing or reflecting it. However, if you get abundant sunlight, such as through multiple windows as well as a patio door, using window film might not be enough. You might also hate the effect or feel it ruins your room's design.

Another option is simply to buy light-filtering window treatments for your room, though these can be more costly. However, the diverse range of shades, blinds, and curtains out there lets you control exactly how much light enters the area. Depending on how much space you have available, you can also change the placement of the furniture. Try to regularly rotate your furniture to move any wood pieces out of direct sunlight every so often, paying attention to how the sun moves through your space. If possible, keep furniture shaded between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the period with the strongest rays. Some experts also recommend treating your wood furniture with a varnish, sealant, or oil to guard against sun damage. These give the piece a protective barrier for UV rays, but read the instructions carefully before use, especially for antique or vintage furniture.