Books that are stored for a long time can develop changes in the colour of their pages and covers. Room conditions, exposure to sunlight, humidity, and how books are stored can all affect these changes.
That's why caring for books involves more than simply removing dust from their covers. The right storage environment and simple everyday habits can also help keep books clean, organised, and comfortable to read.
The position of your bookshelf, room conditions, and book storage habits all play a role in maintaining your collection. Avoid direct sunlight, maintain good air circulation, and keep the storage area clean.
Why do books turn yellow?
Book paper can change colour over time due to chemical processes that occur within the paper material. The type of paper and the materials it contains can also affect how quickly these colour changes become visible.
Storage conditions can then accelerate the process. That's why how you store your books at home can also play a role in maintaining the condition of their pages and covers.
What makes books turn yellow faster?
Without realizing it, the position of your bookshelf and the conditions in the room can cause books to change colour more quickly. Here are some things to consider when storing your book collection at home:
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Direct sunlight exposure: Light can accelerate colour changes in paper and covers, especially when books are continuously exposed to sunlight.
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High humidity: A humid environment can increase the risk of mold and make paper more susceptible to damage.
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Poor air circulation: A room that is too enclosed can make humidity more difficult to control.
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Accumulated dust: Dust on shelves and book covers can make books easier to soil, so it's important to keep the storage area clean.
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Overcrowded storage: Books that are stacked or arranged too closely together can restrict air circulation and make them more difficult to access.
Also read: Minimalist bookshelf recommendations for a neater and more functional space
How can you keep books from turning yellow?
Your book storage habits can affect their condition in the long term. The following simple habits can help keep their pages and covers in good condition.
1. Keep books away from direct sunlight
Place your bookshelf in a shaded area away from direct sunlight. If your bookshelf is near a window, consider using curtains or moving the shelf so that sunlight does not continuously fall on the books.
2. Maintain humidity and air circulation
Choose a room with relatively stable conditions and good air circulation. Avoid storing books in areas that are prone to dampness, such as places near a water source.
3. Leave space between books
Don't fill your bookshelf to the point where every book is tightly packed. Leave some space so that books are easier to remove and air can circulate between them.
4. Clean your bookshelf and books regularly
Clean your bookshelf regularly to prevent dust from accumulating. For books, use a dry cloth or a soft cleaning tool on the covers and outer surfaces, and avoid applying liquid directly to the paper.
5. Avoid stacking books too high
If books need to be stored horizontally, limit the height of the stack. Excessive pressure can cause covers and pages to deteriorate more quickly, especially for books that are already fragile.
Recommended bookshelves for storing and caring for your collection
To help keep your books organised and easy to care for, choose a bookshelf that suits the size of your room and the number of books in your collection. Here are several bookshelves from IKEA you can consider.
1. BAGGEBO bookcase
The BAGGEBO bookcase measures 50 × 25 × 160 cm, with a depth of 25 cm, making it suitable for limited spaces.
It has several storage levels that can be used to group books by size or category, while also providing space for storage boxes. The shallow design also helps you make efficient use of wall space without taking up too much room.
2. GERSBY bookcase
The GERSBY bookcase measures 60 × 24 × 180 cm and has a slim, tall design. Its 24 cm depth helps save floor space, while the shelves can be used to store your book collection vertically.
3. BILLY bookcase
The BILLY bookcase has a shallow shelf design, making it suitable for storing books without taking up too much space.
The adjustable shelves allow you to set the distance between shelves according to the size of your collection, while the different size options make it easier to adapt the bookcase to your space.
4. BILLY/OXBERG bookcase
The BILLY/OXBERG bookcase measures 80 × 30 × 202 cm and comes with two tempered glass doors.
The shelves can be adjusted according to your needs, while the glass doors help protect your books from dust without hiding them from view. Each shelf has a maximum load of 30 kg.
5. KALLAX shelving unit
The KALLAX shelving unit features square compartments that can be used to organise books by category.
In addition to books, each compartment can be fitted with boxes or baskets, allowing you to store other items without making the shelf look cluttered.
How to Care for Books That Have Already Started Turning Yellow
If your books have started to turn yellow, take another look at where and how you store them. The following simple steps can help keep them in good condition.
1. Separate Damp or Mouldy Books
If you notice signs of mold or a musty smell, separate the affected books from the rest of your collection and check the condition of the shelf and room. Don't return them to the collection until the source of the moisture has been addressed.
2. Remove Dust with a Dry Cloth
Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust from the covers and outer surfaces of the books. Clean the shelf first so that dust does not settle back onto the books when you put them away.
3. Check the Condition of Your Bookshelf Regularly
Check whether the bookshelf is becoming damp, dusty, or showing other changes in condition. This simple check can help you identify storage problems before they have a greater impact on your book collection.
Also read: Choosing the right simple bookshelf for a modern bedroom
Keep Your Books Clean and Prevent Them from Turning Yellow Too Quickly
Caring for your books doesn't have to start with special equipment. Simple habits such as choosing a shaded location, maintaining humidity, cleaning your bookshelf, and organising books neatly can already help keep your collection in better condition.
If you're organising a space for your book collection, IKEA offers a variety of bookshelves and storage solutions that can help keep your books organised without making your home feel crowded.
Visit IKEA.co.id to find solutions that suit your space, needs, and habits, making everyday storage easier and more convenient.
FAQ
Books that have already turned yellow generally cannot be completely restored to their original condition through home care alone.
Yes. Direct sunlight can accelerate colour changes in paper, so it's best to place your bookshelf in a shaded area.
Yes, but choose suitable protective materials and avoid enclosed conditions that can trap moisture around the books.
Clean your bookshelf regularly and adjust the frequency according to the amount of dust and the conditions in the room to keep the storage area clean.
No. Leave some space so that books are easier to remove and are not packed too tightly on the shelf.