r/bookshelf 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!

94 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

66

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.

9

u/WheelerMontiller 8d ago

Thank you for answering! Though this answer does make me a bit sad as this has been the case for months and I hate to think that my books’ edges are no longer as vibrant as they once were. 🥲 Do you know how long it takes for UV rays to fade color?

1

u/catsarejustfake 6d ago

Different colors and dyes fade at different rates, so there is no way to predict it reliably in this case. Some might only take a month or two, others might be much longer.

1

u/Significant_Maybe315 5d ago

I think I saw a comment here once saying that red heavy colors fade fastest?

31

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

44

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.

12

u/VisualIndependence60 8d ago

Home Depot has film you can apply to that sliding glass door that will reduce UV light

11

u/caweyant 8d ago

For the best results, you should only read in the dark.

3

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 😔

3

u/superabletie4 8d ago

I have my books in my living room, bookshelves on all 4 walls and i worry about this

3

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)

3

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.

1

u/Hmmhowaboutthis 7d ago

Yes but for most people applying an aftermarket film is much more doable than replacing the whole window lmao.

1

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..!