ᐅ My living room quickly looks messy because of the KALLAX shelving unit – any tips?
Created on: 5 Apr 2022 08:13
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NASHAKIRHello everyone,
I have been using the IKEA KALLAX shelving system in my living room for several months now because I find the modular design and appearance really practical. However, I’m now facing the issue that my living room still looks cluttered very quickly, despite the tidy shelves. This is mainly because the shelf compartments often appear fully packed or slightly overloaded, which overall creates a messy impression. What bothers me most is that small items and cables are often scattered around with no clear organization.
My question to you: What effective tips or strategies do you recommend for keeping the living room neat and structured over the long term using the KALLAX system? How do you organize your compartments to avoid clutter? Do you have tested storage solutions, additional organizing aids, or design approaches that enhance and simplify the whole setup?
I’m looking forward to your experiences and advice!
I have been using the IKEA KALLAX shelving system in my living room for several months now because I find the modular design and appearance really practical. However, I’m now facing the issue that my living room still looks cluttered very quickly, despite the tidy shelves. This is mainly because the shelf compartments often appear fully packed or slightly overloaded, which overall creates a messy impression. What bothers me most is that small items and cables are often scattered around with no clear organization.
My question to you: What effective tips or strategies do you recommend for keeping the living room neat and structured over the long term using the KALLAX system? How do you organize your compartments to avoid clutter? Do you have tested storage solutions, additional organizing aids, or design approaches that enhance and simplify the whole setup?
I’m looking forward to your experiences and advice!
I completely understand your issue! The KALLAX initially looks very neat, but over time the compartments quickly become a catch-all for all sorts of things. I had a similar experience and found it helpful to assign fixed categories to each compartment from the start, for example, one compartment just for books, the next exclusively for cables and electronics. This way, you prevent one compartment from turning into a miscellaneous storage space.
I would recommend putting less in and decluttering regularly, so the volume does not build up too much.
How do you usually handle decluttering? 🙂
NASHAKIR schrieb:
That’s mainly because the shelves often appear fully loaded or slightly overloaded
I would recommend putting less in and decluttering regularly, so the volume does not build up too much.
How do you usually handle decluttering? 🙂
To avoid clutter in the KALLAX unit, several factors come into play. First, using boxes or baskets that fit the compartments exactly is recommended for storing small items. This creates clear boundaries and prevents mess.
Second, I suggest a restrictive approach to occupancy: only necessary items should be stored in plain sight. Avoid overloading the shelves, as this can also create visual unrest.
Third, cable management plays a fundamental role. Cable ties or cable conduits help to keep unsightly cables out of view.
A regular weekly 10-minute tidy-up walkthrough pays off in the long run.
Second, I suggest a restrictive approach to occupancy: only necessary items should be stored in plain sight. Avoid overloading the shelves, as this can also create visual unrest.
Third, cable management plays a fundamental role. Cable ties or cable conduits help to keep unsightly cables out of view.
A regular weekly 10-minute tidy-up walkthrough pays off in the long run.
I would like to share a simple step-by-step guide that has worked well for me:
1. Categorization: Sort everything that will go into the KALLAX into groups (books, electronics, decorations, office supplies, etc.).
2. Use of inserts / boxes: Get labeled boxes or containers that fit perfectly into the compartments. This helps maintain a structured look even when the shelves are fuller.
3. Visual cover: If it looks too cluttered, fabric boxes provide a visual cover and create a calmer overall appearance.
4. Cable management: Use Velcro cable ties and, if needed, cable sleeves. Organize cables behind the shelf to keep tangled wires out of sight.
5. Routine: Set up a check-up for the shelf at least every two weeks to remove unnecessary items or reorganize as needed.
In summary: Order mainly comes from deliberate reduction combined with controlled storage.
1. Categorization: Sort everything that will go into the KALLAX into groups (books, electronics, decorations, office supplies, etc.).
2. Use of inserts / boxes: Get labeled boxes or containers that fit perfectly into the compartments. This helps maintain a structured look even when the shelves are fuller.
3. Visual cover: If it looks too cluttered, fabric boxes provide a visual cover and create a calmer overall appearance.
4. Cable management: Use Velcro cable ties and, if needed, cable sleeves. Organize cables behind the shelf to keep tangled wires out of sight.
5. Routine: Set up a check-up for the shelf at least every two weeks to remove unnecessary items or reorganize as needed.
In summary: Order mainly comes from deliberate reduction combined with controlled storage.
LOGEMIN schrieb:
Privacy screen: If it looks too cluttered, fabric boxes can provide a privacy screen and generally create a calmer appearance.The tip about fabric boxes really worked wonders for me. Especially in the evening, the space feels much more relaxing when not all visible clutter is spilling out of the shelves.
Maybe this will help you too, NASHAKIR. 🙂
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Cecilera665 Apr 2022 15:02A small tip: Stick labels on boxes so you can immediately see what’s inside. This way, you avoid having things scattered all over when searching.
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