Hello everyone,
I repurposed the Kallax shelving unit from Ikea as a bedside table, but I find that the height of about 77 cm (30 inches) is a bit too tall for my bed and mattress height. I’m looking for ideas on how to modify or supplement the Kallax so that it’s more comfortable to use as a bedside table. It’s also important to me that the storage space is preserved or even improved. Does anyone have creative suggestions or experience with similar situations? Thanks in advance!
I repurposed the Kallax shelving unit from Ikea as a bedside table, but I find that the height of about 77 cm (30 inches) is a bit too tall for my bed and mattress height. I’m looking for ideas on how to modify or supplement the Kallax so that it’s more comfortable to use as a bedside table. It’s also important to me that the storage space is preserved or even improved. Does anyone have creative suggestions or experience with similar situations? Thanks in advance!
P
pauPierce17 May 2021 09:12Hello renpin,
You are right, the standard height of 77 cm (30 inches) can indeed be quite high for many beds, especially when combined with lower mattresses or bed frames. There are several ways to adjust the Kallax to fit:
1. Shortening: If you are handy, you can saw off the legs of the Kallax. It is important to maintain the structural integrity. You should definitely use stabilized feet or an additional base panel to ensure stability.
2. Building a plinth: You can build your own wooden plinth to raise the Kallax to the desired height. The advantage here is that you can integrate extra storage or even drawers.
3. Adding casters: If you need mobility, you can attach casters, usually with an adjustable height feature, but this generally increases the overall height.
4. Alternatively, you could construct a wooden side table or top piece that is lower and may also serve as an extension.
What is your bed and mattress setup? Do you have a specific target height in mind?
You are right, the standard height of 77 cm (30 inches) can indeed be quite high for many beds, especially when combined with lower mattresses or bed frames. There are several ways to adjust the Kallax to fit:
1. Shortening: If you are handy, you can saw off the legs of the Kallax. It is important to maintain the structural integrity. You should definitely use stabilized feet or an additional base panel to ensure stability.
2. Building a plinth: You can build your own wooden plinth to raise the Kallax to the desired height. The advantage here is that you can integrate extra storage or even drawers.
3. Adding casters: If you need mobility, you can attach casters, usually with an adjustable height feature, but this generally increases the overall height.
4. Alternatively, you could construct a wooden side table or top piece that is lower and may also serve as an extension.
What is your bed and mattress setup? Do you have a specific target height in mind?
Thanks for the detailed tips, pauPierce!
My bed consists of a 30 cm (12 inch) high slatted bed base with a 20 cm (8 inch) high mattress. Ideally, the bedside table should be about 55-60 cm (22-24 inches) high, so I can easily reach for things without straining. I also like the idea of a plinth (base), but I’m wondering if I can keep the storage space practical without the shelf becoming unstable. My DIY skills are average, but I’m comfortable using a cordless drill and saw.
My bed consists of a 30 cm (12 inch) high slatted bed base with a 20 cm (8 inch) high mattress. Ideally, the bedside table should be about 55-60 cm (22-24 inches) high, so I can easily reach for things without straining. I also like the idea of a plinth (base), but I’m wondering if I can keep the storage space practical without the shelf becoming unstable. My DIY skills are average, but I’m comfortable using a cordless drill and saw.
F
flo-Theres17 May 2021 10:16An addition to the previous suggestions:
If cutting down the Kallax is considered, it is essential to check how the base is constructed. Ikea often uses particleboard as the bottom panel. If this is cut off, it could significantly affect stability. One option is to install an additional bottom panel made of solid wood or plywood under the shortened unit to enhance load-bearing capacity.
Alternatively, adjustable-height furniture legs can be used. Some users recommend placing drawer boxes or low rolling containers under the Kallax to achieve the ideal height and provide extra storage space.
If cutting down the Kallax is considered, it is essential to check how the base is constructed. Ikea often uses particleboard as the bottom panel. If this is cut off, it could significantly affect stability. One option is to install an additional bottom panel made of solid wood or plywood under the shortened unit to enhance load-bearing capacity.
Alternatively, adjustable-height furniture legs can be used. Some users recommend placing drawer boxes or low rolling containers under the Kallax to achieve the ideal height and provide extra storage space.
Great that so many ideas are already coming together here! 🙂
I recently placed a Kallax as a nightstand and had the same issue with the height. What helped me a lot was attaching a thin wooden board with felt pads to the top side – that way, it basically reached the desired height.
Admittedly, this doesn’t change the base height, but the surface becomes more accessible, making it easier to put down my phone or lamp. I also like the slight contrast the board adds visually. Maybe something for you?
I recently placed a Kallax as a nightstand and had the same issue with the height. What helped me a lot was attaching a thin wooden board with felt pads to the top side – that way, it basically reached the desired height.
Admittedly, this doesn’t change the base height, but the surface becomes more accessible, making it easier to put down my phone or lamp. I also like the slight contrast the board adds visually. Maybe something for you?
vinpau schrieb:
attaching a thin wooden board with felt pads on the top side helped a lotThat sounds like a clever trick! I’m curious about how stable it is when the wooden board is just placed on top. Does it not make any rattling noises when you put something down or bump into it?
I use a Kallax as a nightstand myself and sometimes find the height a bit too tall, but I haven’t dared to shorten it yet. I’m looking forward to hearing if renpin has more experiences to share with this method.
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