Hello everyone,
I recently bought a KALLAX shelf from IKEA and want to place it in a corner of my living room. Unfortunately, the shelf hits the existing baseboard, which prevents it from being pushed directly against the wall, leaving a small gap.
My question is: How can I work around this issue when KALLAX shelves meet baseboards? What solutions or tricks are there to position the shelf as close to the wall as possible without sanding down or removing the baseboards? Should I consider shortening the shelf legs, modifying the baseboards, or are there practical alternatives you would recommend? I would really appreciate your experiences and tips!
I recently bought a KALLAX shelf from IKEA and want to place it in a corner of my living room. Unfortunately, the shelf hits the existing baseboard, which prevents it from being pushed directly against the wall, leaving a small gap.
My question is: How can I work around this issue when KALLAX shelves meet baseboards? What solutions or tricks are there to position the shelf as close to the wall as possible without sanding down or removing the baseboards? Should I consider shortening the shelf legs, modifying the baseboards, or are there practical alternatives you would recommend? I would really appreciate your experiences and tips!
S
Sinan-meo7 Dec 2021 19:18fuserkan schrieb:
How can I deal with the issue of KALLAX corners when they hit the baseboards?This problem is very common with low-set shelves and taller baseboards. My tried-and-true solution: trim a few millimeters (fractions of an inch) off the shelf legs on the side that touches the baseboard, or file them down slightly. This reduces the clearance just enough to allow the shelf to sit closer to the wall.
Alternatively, you can consider making small notches in the baseboards on site—carefully filing or carving out the area where the shelf makes contact. Be cautious not to damage the entire baseboard.
Another tip is to slightly lift the back of the shelf off the floor by placing small felt or rubber pads under the feet, so the shelf can slide over the baseboard.
Each solution has its pros and cons, depending on how much you want to preserve the appearance of the baseboard.
I know exactly how frustrating that is; I had the same issue with my KALLAX in the bedroom.
Instead, I glued small felt furniture pads under the shelf, but not along the whole length—just on the corner that presses most against the skirting board/baseboard. That way, I was able to slightly adjust the angle without the shelf wobbling. Not perfect, but a good compromise for me.
Maybe something like that could work for you too? 🙂
Sinan-meo schrieb:sounds like a solid technical solution, but honestly, I didn’t feel like sanding my beautiful wooden skirting boards/baseboards.
Adjusting the legs or filing down the skirting boards/baseboards
Instead, I glued small felt furniture pads under the shelf, but not along the whole length—just on the corner that presses most against the skirting board/baseboard. That way, I was able to slightly adjust the angle without the shelf wobbling. Not perfect, but a good compromise for me.
Maybe something like that could work for you too? 🙂
Honestly, I think it’s quite overrated to fuss over a few centimeters (inches) at the baseboards.
I say: baseboards are an unwanted standard detail that often only serves a limited function anyway. Why not simply embrace a smooth wall without baseboards as a design statement? ;-)
The most radical solution is: remove the baseboard altogether! Then the KALLAX fits perfectly into the corner—and you also gain more room for creative interior design. But okay, I do tend to be a bit provocative. 😉
fuserkan schrieb:
Should I maybe shorten the shelf legs, adjust the trim, or are there practical alternatives?
I say: baseboards are an unwanted standard detail that often only serves a limited function anyway. Why not simply embrace a smooth wall without baseboards as a design statement? ;-)
The most radical solution is: remove the baseboard altogether! Then the KALLAX fits perfectly into the corner—and you also gain more room for creative interior design. But okay, I do tend to be a bit provocative. 😉
I’m pretty relaxed about this too. Baseboards are useful for protecting walls, but if they get in the way of a piece of furniture, it’s best to be practical.
A little compromise is fine. Personally, I lightly sanded down the front legs of my KALLAX shelves—it was quick and hardly noticeable. Just wipe your mouth and you're done. 😉
Otherwise, felt pads are always great, even if they only add a few millimeters (about 0.1 inch) of extra clearance. I think with sturdy furniture like the KALLAX, it’s not worth going through complicated solutions.
LIELCHEN schrieb:
Why not just learn to love a smooth wall without a baseboard as a design statement? ;-)
A little compromise is fine. Personally, I lightly sanded down the front legs of my KALLAX shelves—it was quick and hardly noticeable. Just wipe your mouth and you're done. 😉
Otherwise, felt pads are always great, even if they only add a few millimeters (about 0.1 inch) of extra clearance. I think with sturdy furniture like the KALLAX, it’s not worth going through complicated solutions.
Shortening shelf legs: File or saw off about 5 mm (0.2 inches).
Routing baseboards: Adjust with a chisel or multitool.
Use felt pads or small spacers between the shelf and the wall.
No compromises: Remove the baseboard.
These solutions are tried and tested and work without any issues.
Routing baseboards: Adjust with a chisel or multitool.
Use felt pads or small spacers between the shelf and the wall.
No compromises: Remove the baseboard.
These solutions are tried and tested and work without any issues.
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