ᐅ KALLAX too large after attic conversion – possible solutions?
Created on: 29 Jan 2021 20:17
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baptiste68
Hello everyone,
I recently renovated my attic and now face a small problem: my previously perfectly fitting IKEA KALLAX shelf is now too tall for the new ceiling height. Originally, the room had a fairly high ceiling, so the shelf fit well. After installing a dropped ceiling, the available height has significantly decreased. The KALLAX shelf’s width and height no longer fit optimally; it now looks oversized and takes up unnecessary space.
My question to you: Has anyone dealt with similar situations? What options are there to modify an oversized KALLAX shelf afterward or use it more effectively? Are there practical solutions like shortening, restructuring, or alternatives for cases like this? I would like to keep using the shelf if possible, as it would be a waste to get rid of it.
I look forward to your suggestions and tips!
I recently renovated my attic and now face a small problem: my previously perfectly fitting IKEA KALLAX shelf is now too tall for the new ceiling height. Originally, the room had a fairly high ceiling, so the shelf fit well. After installing a dropped ceiling, the available height has significantly decreased. The KALLAX shelf’s width and height no longer fit optimally; it now looks oversized and takes up unnecessary space.
My question to you: Has anyone dealt with similar situations? What options are there to modify an oversized KALLAX shelf afterward or use it more effectively? Are there practical solutions like shortening, restructuring, or alternatives for cases like this? I would like to keep using the shelf if possible, as it would be a waste to get rid of it.
I look forward to your suggestions and tips!
Thank you for the detailed information, baptiste68.
With a ceiling height of 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in) and a shelf measuring 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in), you still have about 30 cm (12 inches) of clearance. However, due to the sloping roof, there is only about 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) or less of headroom in one area. In this case, it makes sense to shorten the shelf according to the roof slope, but only where it really becomes tight.
I recommend trimming the top edges of the outer panels of the shelf on both the left and right sides by 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) and removing the entire top crossbar to create space for the angled ceiling.
Important:
- Use a fine-toothed saw to ensure clean cuts.
- Afterward, sand all cut surfaces with fine sandpaper and seal them with matching paint or veneer strips.
- For reinforcement, attach the remaining shelves to the side walls using metal angle brackets.
If done carefully, you can save height without compromising overall stability.
Alternatively, a custom-made cladding for an existing unit could be used, for example with wooden panels, allowing the lower part to be functional and the upper part visually adapted.
In my opinion, this is a manageable project that can be completed successfully with some patience, basic tools, and proper attention.
With a ceiling height of 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in) and a shelf measuring 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in), you still have about 30 cm (12 inches) of clearance. However, due to the sloping roof, there is only about 2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) or less of headroom in one area. In this case, it makes sense to shorten the shelf according to the roof slope, but only where it really becomes tight.
I recommend trimming the top edges of the outer panels of the shelf on both the left and right sides by 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) and removing the entire top crossbar to create space for the angled ceiling.
Important:
- Use a fine-toothed saw to ensure clean cuts.
- Afterward, sand all cut surfaces with fine sandpaper and seal them with matching paint or veneer strips.
- For reinforcement, attach the remaining shelves to the side walls using metal angle brackets.
If done carefully, you can save height without compromising overall stability.
Alternatively, a custom-made cladding for an existing unit could be used, for example with wooden panels, allowing the lower part to be functional and the upper part visually adapted.
In my opinion, this is a manageable project that can be completed successfully with some patience, basic tools, and proper attention.
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PECLARISSA30 Jan 2021 16:07Hey baptiste68, I find the challenge exciting! 😄
Sometimes converting an attic space opens up completely new perspectives – and DIY can be really enjoyable.
That’s already a great starting point. If you cut off a piece at the top, as Parbo suggested, you could also freshen up the lower compartments with nice fabric boxes or baskets. This way, the shelf won’t appear so dominating and will look cozier.
Maybe add some clever lighting ideas under the ceiling or directly on the shelf. This turns the emphasized size into a design element.
And don’t worry, if you work carefully, it’s definitely doable and a lot of fun! I wish you good luck and please share how you decide 🙂
Sometimes converting an attic space opens up completely new perspectives – and DIY can be really enjoyable.
baptiste68 schrieb:
I want to keep the shelf standing on the floor and not lay it flat.
That’s already a great starting point. If you cut off a piece at the top, as Parbo suggested, you could also freshen up the lower compartments with nice fabric boxes or baskets. This way, the shelf won’t appear so dominating and will look cozier.
Maybe add some clever lighting ideas under the ceiling or directly on the shelf. This turns the emphasized size into a design element.
And don’t worry, if you work carefully, it’s definitely doable and a lot of fun! I wish you good luck and please share how you decide 🙂
Parbo schrieb:
To stabilize, attach the remaining shelves to the side panels using metal angle brackets.I can confirm this. Additionally, you can install dowels inside the shelving unit. This connects the side panels more securely, which especially makes sense when shortening the shelves.
Alternatively, special corner connectors and an overlay trim board can be used to improve the appearance of cut edges.
Simply shortening without these reinforcements often results in an unstable structure. Tools such as a jigsaw and cordless drill should be available for this work.
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