The One Key Factor That Can Change The Color Of Your Cabinets Without You Realizing It

When choosing the right kitchen cabinets for your space, aesthetics are just one part of the puzzle — there are many factors to consider. Some choices can actually make it harder to sell your home, while others can up its resale value. You'll want to think about materials, colors, sizing, and durability, as well as one key factor that most folks forget to consider: sunlight. More specifically, how much direct light will hit your cabinets throughout the day, as prolonged exposure can slowly change their color over time.

UV rays are powerful enough to strip color from most things in your home, whether it be furniture, artwork, or cabinets. Cabinets made of wood are bound to change shade over time, regardless of whether they're finished with paint or stain. Meanwhile, white cabinetry has a tendency to turn yellow when exposed to too much sun. As Jason Quint, owner of Signature Kitchens, told House Beautiful, "Different wood species and different quality stains react differently to sun exposure and can yellow, darken, or lighten over time." Luckily, there are some proactive steps you can take to help minimize sun damage.

If you're planning your kitchen from scratch and have the luxury of choosing the position of every cabinet, pay close attention to where your windows are located and how the light falls on your space at various points throughout the day. Ideally, you'll want to minimize the amount and length of exposure by placing your cabinets where they won't constantly be in direct sunlight. Of course, that's not always possible, which is where blinds and curtains can pick up the slack. The possibilities are endless, and there's sure to be an option out there that matches your aesthetic.

However, it's important to note that while this option is easy and affordable, you may find your kitchen simply becomes too dark with shades drawn. If that's the case, consider hiring a professional to install UV protective film on your windows. This option costs between $5 and $12 per square foot but comes with numerous benefits. For one, treated windows will still let in plenty of light while blocking up to 99.9% of harmful UV rays, thus protecting your cabinets. As a bonus, they'll also decrease heat buildup and lower skin exposure to harmful rays.

You can also spruce up your cabinetry and bring it back to its original color in a few simple steps. First, you'll want to thoroughly clean every panel of any cooking residue or grease that has built up over time. You can use a DIY solution that's half water and half vinegar on stained cabinets or a paste made from one part water and two parts baking soda on painted and laminated doors. Alternatively, pick up a specialty oil soap for wood cupboards.

If your cabinets were painted, you can give them a fresh coat of color — just remember to sand them down with medium-grit sandpaper first. For stained wood, you can quickly restain your kitchen with a product like Howard's Restor-A-Finish, which will bring back the original color while hiding any scratches. Then, use a wood polish and conditioner to lock in that beautiful new shade.