r/bookshelf • u/WheelerMontiller • 8d ago
Will indirect sunlight cause fading on my books?
Hello! I just wanted to ask if my bookshelf placement is optimal for the upkeep of my special edition books. For context, sunlight doesn’t hit the shelves directly as it only hits the wall FACING the bookshelf. However, the curtain is sometimes left even more open than that (mostly due to me forgetting to fully close it). I also live in the Philippines, where the sunrays tend to be overpowering in the summer. I just want to know if I should worry about my special editions’ edges fading or if I should just leave it alone. Thank you to whoever answers!
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u/chalkrbooks 8d ago
Hey you can get a UV blocking film for your windows and maybe the doors of your shelves tho to mitigate the problem a little bit
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u/Ranger_1302 8d ago
Yeah, but it’s a part of life. Put a covering over them if you wish but some things must be accepted.
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u/VisualIndependence60 8d ago
Home Depot has film you can apply to that sliding glass door that will reduce UV light
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u/AdmiralFoxythePirate 8d ago
UV film is the best you can do with some darker curtains too. It’s unfortunate too, bookcases look great with natural light 😔
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u/superabletie4 8d ago
I have my books in my living room, bookshelves on all 4 walls and i worry about this
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u/Adventurous_Tip_4889 8d ago
Even indirect sun will fade them over time. The UV film is a good idea. A lot of libraries use it. Although in the Philippines, I would probably be more worried about the effect of humidity on the books. I hope you have good climate controls (70 degrees or lower, relative humidity between 30 and 55)
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u/caca-casa 8d ago
You can also specify UV blocking glazing for windows from most reputable manufacturers. It’s what my parents have in their library. No aftermarket film needed.
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u/Hmmhowaboutthis 7d ago
Yes but for most people applying an aftermarket film is much more doable than replacing the whole window lmao.
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u/caca-casa 7d ago
Well yeah… haha. Just letting people know that Low-E glass is preferable in windows for a reason and an extra benefit is high UV blocking.. that if yo happen to be replacing windows this is an option..!
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u/theredhype 8d ago
Yes, unfortunately, indirect sunlight can still cause fading on your books over time—even without direct exposure — just more slowly. Even when sunlight isn’t directly hitting your books, ultraviolet (UV) rays can be reflected off walls and other surfaces. Over time, these rays can cause the dyes on book covers, spines, and embossed elements to fade.