ᐅ KALLAX compartments too small for vinyl records – any alternatives?

Hello everyone,

I have an issue with my KALLAX shelves from Ikea, which I use to store my vinyl records. The compartments are unfortunately a bit too low and narrow by default for many of my records, especially when they are in protective sleeves and inner covers. This makes loading and unloading difficult and can also damage the records over time.

I’m curious if anyone knows of alternatives, either from other shelving systems, special inserts for KALLAX, or other storage options that are better suited to the dimensions of vinyl records while still providing good visibility and easy access?

It’s important to me that the solution remains relatively space-saving and affordable.

Looking forward to your experiences and tips!

Theofi schrieb:
Unfortunately, the compartments are a bit too low and narrow by default for many of my records

I’m familiar with that issue. Your best option is to store the records vertically instead of horizontally, even though the KALLAX system is generally designed for the latter.

Alternatively, you could look for special vinyl record storage boxes that fit perfectly and can be placed inside the compartment.

For reference: The internal dimensions of a KALLAX compartment are approximately 33 x 33 x 39 cm (W x H x D). Since a vinyl record with its protective sleeve is typically about 31 cm (12 inches) tall, particularly thicker protective covers or additional inner sleeves can cause difficulties when trying to slide the record in smoothly.

Possible alternatives include:

1. Custom-made or specially designed vinyl storage systems that offer more generous height clearance, such as some shelving units from String or USM Haller with appropriate accessories.

2. Vinyl sleeves or folding boxes that provide good protection and can be stacked, allowing them to be stored on top of the KALLAX or beside the shelving unit.

3. As an alternative to KALLAX: IKEA offers other models like the "Lack" shelves and "Ivar" systems with open compartment heights that might be better suited.

It is a matter of balancing space usage, cost, and convenience of access.

roryvin schrieb:
The KALLAX compartment is just barely sized for protected records

That’s exactly the core of the issue. I also doubt that more expensive shelves perform significantly better unless they are specifically designed for vinyl storage.

Wouldn’t it make more sense to invest in custom inserts or cushioning elements that modify the KALLAX compartment slightly?

Also: How important is optimal space utilization if it compromises the vinyls and makes access difficult? Sometimes having more space is worth it for easier handling.

I tend to question the priority we give to the IKEA standard instead of following our actual needs.

Theofi schrieb:
The solution should be relatively space-saving and affordable

Hey! 🙂 I had the same issue and my solution was a mix of creativity and IKEA hacks.

I bought sturdy, shallow plastic boxes that fit perfectly into the KALLAX compartments, but are taller, so the panels stand almost like a small “shelf within a shelf.” This keeps everything neat and makes loading and unloading easier. The boxes aren’t very expensive and can be removed if needed.

It might sound simple, but it really saved me a lot of hassle and looks tidy too. 😉 The system is flexible, and I can take the boxes with me when I move.

benfa schrieb:
How important is optimal space utilization if it harms the vinyl records and makes access difficult?

I think that’s an important question, especially since I’m constantly thinking about how to balance accessibility with protection in my own collection.

I felt similar to Theofi: the feeling that the shelves were too small led to frustration in the beginning.

One idea I tried was combining open shelving for the most frequently played records (higher shelves, with looser spacing) and closed boxes for archiving. It’s important that the records aren’t stored too tightly and are kept upright to avoid any pressure.

I hope this helps a bit. The key is really not to squeeze or overly limit the collection. 😉