ᐅ Does anyone use KALLAX as a bedside table?

Created on: 1 Feb 2023 21:37
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sauki
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sauki
1 Feb 2023 21:37
Hello everyone, I’m currently considering whether the IKEA KALLAX shelf would work well as a bedside table – specifically the 2x2 cube model, which I could place in the corner next to my bed. I have a few questions: Is the height suitable for easy access to a lamp, phone, or books? Does it provide enough storage space for typical items like books, glasses, or maybe a small charging station? And what are your experiences regarding stability and appearance when using it as a nightstand? I find the cube shape quite practical, but I wonder if the middle section might be inconvenient or perhaps look too open. Does anyone use KALLAX as a bedside table and can share practical insights? Thanks in advance for your feedback!
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Tevin
2 Feb 2023 07:52
Hello sauki,

Your thoughts on using KALLAX as a nightstand are very understandable. The 2x2 KALLAX has a height of about 77 cm (30 inches), which is generally suitable for nightstands since standard bed heights are around 55–60 cm (22–24 inches) – meaning a lamp placed on top is easily reachable.

In terms of storage, the four cube compartments provide enough space for books, chargers, or other small items. The open design has the advantage that everything is quickly accessible, but dust tends to accumulate faster than in closed drawers. One solution is to use boxes or baskets inside the compartments.

Regarding stability: KALLAX is quite sturdy when properly assembled and placed on a level floor. I recommend securing it to the wall, especially if there are children in the room, for safety reasons.

Overall, KALLAX works well as a nightstand if you like the openness and the modern design fits your bedroom. You can also personalize it with smaller accessories – for example, a lamp with a flat base for more surface space.

Hope this helps!
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Tofra45
2 Feb 2023 12:18
Tevin schrieb:
The 2x2 KALLAX has a height of about 77 cm (30 inches)

Correct, the height fits well.
sauki schrieb:
Does it offer enough storage space for typical items like books, glasses, maybe also a small charging box?

Yes, it works well. The compartments fit boxes perfectly for cables and small items.
sauki schrieb:
What are your experiences with stability?

It is stable, but wall mounting is recommended. Otherwise, it can easily tip over.

To sum up: The KALLAX works as a bedside table and, with minor adjustments like using boxes, usually performs very well.
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vinpau
3 Feb 2023 18:04
I love using my KALLAX as a nightstand! 🙂
It’s brilliant because I get so much storage space and it looks super modern at the same time!

You can put baskets of different sizes inside and keep everything nicely organized – books, charging cables, even a small plant decoration fits in there.
Tevin schrieb:
The open design has the advantage that you can reach everything quickly

That’s totally true! For me, it’s perfect because I often need something quickly at night.

And hey, IKEA furniture is really durable—I’ve had this shelving unit for 3 years and it still looks like new. 🙂 I can only say: go for it, this is a really cool solution for a nightstand!