Will Grow Lights Fade Furniture? [& Other Possible Problems]

If you’re someone who, like many others, has a handful of indoor plants in need of grow lights, read on.

These lights can do wonders for plant health and growth, but are there any negative effects to worry about or can you use them without worry?  

Will grow lights fade furniture? It is possible for grow lights to fade furniture, but this is only likely if the items are positioned directly underneath the lights and the lights produce high-intensity UV light. In most cases, the chance of fading is slim. To reduce the risk, use LED lights and keep the lights on a low setting.

In the following, we’ll further explore whether or not grow lights can fade furniture. We will also provide some tips on protecting your furniture from light damage.

Possible Negative Effects of Grow Lights

While grow lights can have many benefits, they also have potential risks. One of the main dangers of grow lights is that they can cause furniture to fade.

Fading occurs because some grow lights emit UV rays, damaging furniture’s surface over time. In addition, too much exposure to grow lights can also harm your eyes.

1. Causing furniture to fade: Grow lights emit UV rays, damaging furniture’s surface over time. UV rays are the main reason why grow lights can fade furniture.
2. Wood warping or cracking: The high heat output of some grow lights can also cause wood to warp or crack. When wood loses moisture due to heat, it begins to warp.
3. Fabric discoloring: The light from grow lights can also cause fabrics to fade or discolor. Incandescent and fluorescent bulbs are notorious for producing too much light, which discolors fabric.
4. Sleep cycle disruption: Exposure to blue light is known to interfere with your body’s natural sleep patterns.
5. Eye damage: Blue light can be damaging to your eyes, leading to conditions such as cataracts and impaired vision over time.

How To Avoid Negative Effects of Grow lights on Furniture

• Place the grow lights at least 18 inches from your furniture. Placing grow lights away from furniture will help protect it from damage and fading.
• Keep the room well ventilated to prevent heat buildup, which can cause warping or cracking of wood.
• Use a filter on your grow lights to reduce their output level and prevent them from emitting too much UV light.
• Switch to LED lights, like this set with 10 levels of brightness.

What Causes Furniture To Fade?

Furniture can fade for several reasons, but the main reason is exposure to UV light, whether from the sun or from grow lights.

The UV rays can break down the pigments in fabrics and paint, causing them to fade or discolor.

Other factors contributing to fading include heat, humidity, and pollution from cars or industrial processes.

How To Protect Your Furniture When Using Grow Lights

To protect your furniture from damage, you should place the grow lights at least 18 inches away from it. This will help reduce the amount of light that hits directly on the surface of your furniture.

You can also use a filter or screen to block some of the UV rays emitted by fluorescent bulbs and other types of lighting sources.

Also, avoid using the highest setting on your grow lights.

If possible, keep the room well ventilated to prevent heat buildup. This can cause wood to warp or crack over time.

What Type of Grow Light Is Best? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best type of grow light will vary depending on the kind of plants you have and the natural light the room in which they are kept receives.

However, most experts agree that LED grow lights are the best option, as they have a low heat output and emit little UV radiation. 

Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) are also good choices because they emit less heat than incandescent bulbs but more light.

In addition, they do not contain mercury like other fluorescent bulbs do, making them safer to use around children or pets who might chew on cords or break the glass.

What Color Grow Light Is Best? 

The color of the grow light doesn’t make a difference in fading furniture. However, some colors may be better for growing plants than others.

For example, blue and red lights promote vegetative growth, while white and yellow lights are good for flowering plants.

If you’re using fluorescent bulbs, it’s best to use a light with an equal balance of colors (such as full spectrum).

Are Grow Lights Better Than Sunlight for Furniture? 

Grow lights are not necessarily better than sunlight for furniture. Sunlight contains a range of wavelengths, including UV radiation, which can cause furniture to fade over time.

However, grow lights typically emit more UV radiation than natural sunlight does. 

This is why it’s essential to place the grow light at least 18 inches away from your furniture and use a filter to reduce the amount of UV light emitted.

Related Questions:

Are LED Grow Lights Bad for Your Eyes?

LED grow lights are harmful to your eyes, but it depends on the intensity of the light, the type of light, and how long you’re exposed to it.

Blue light is the most harmful to our eyes. Since grow lights contain a varying degree of blue light in addition to UV rays, they can be dangerous to our eyes.

Are LED Grow Lights Bad for Your Skin?

Yes, LED grow lights are bad for the skin and can cause skin diseases like cancer. LED grow lights produce some UV light, which is responsible for this damage.

However, the damage will depend on the intensity of the light. If the light is placed at a safe distance of at least 3 feet, then the intensity of the UV light is reduced, causing less harm.

Final Thoughts

So, will grow lights fade your furniture? The short answer is yes. LED grow lights are generally not strong enough to fade furniture, but if they are intense enough and in close contact for long periods, they may cause fading.

If you want to use your grow lights without any risk of damaging your belongings or home décor, it’s recommended to mount them at least 18 inches away from any surface and keep all surfaces covered with a protective layer.