ᐅ Kallax in the Children's Room: How to Secure It?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to install an IKEA Kallax shelving unit in my daughter’s bedroom. Since the shelf will be quite tall and needs to be stable, I am wondering how best to secure the Kallax to ensure maximum safety without unnecessarily damaging the walls. The room has textured wallpaper on drywall, and I am concerned about fixing it to the wall, especially given the potential load from items placed on the shelf.

Has anyone had experience securing Kallax units in a child’s room and can offer advice on effective methods? Are there specific brackets, wall anchors, or safety systems that have proven reliable? Any insights on how to anchor it properly in this type of wall material would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Hello DALIS30,

securely anchoring Kallax shelves in a children's room is essential, as kids often like to climb on furniture. The best method is to use sturdy metal brackets fixed at the bottom of the shelf and at the top to the wall. Since your wall material is drywall, I recommend using appropriate cavity anchors (e.g., metal toggle bolts or toggle anchors), as these provide significantly higher load capacity than simple plastic anchors.

It is important that the anchors are rated for the estimated weight plus any additional loads. To protect the wall and securely fix the shelf, you should use at least two mounting points. If in doubt, try marking the positions beforehand and testing the anchors. If you encounter load-bearing walls (e.g., solid walls), standard heavy-duty anchors are sufficient.

An alternative to drilling are specially designed child safety systems such as anti-tip straps, which are attached to the back of the shelf and the wall area to prevent tipping.

I attached the Kallax shelf to the wall with two metal brackets at the top. Hollow wall anchors are important to ensure it holds. Alternatively, anti-tip straps can be used; they are simple and provide good security.

AUSTINREN schrieb:
The best method is to use sturdy metal brackets fixed at the bottom of the shelf and at the top to the wall.

Here I see an important addition: Although the Kallax has a solid construction, when attaching the brackets, make sure the fixing points on the frame are as close as possible to the back panel to minimize leverage forces.

For drywall, you should definitely check the wall area behind the shelf. Often, it is possible to screw the anchors directly into the metal studs. For this, special metal stud anchors are needed. If you use hollow wall anchors for drywall, make sure the anchor is rated for the expected load—at least 30 kg (66 lbs) per anchor is advisable, especially if children are involved.

Furthermore, I recommend loading the shelf fully before installation, as the weight distribution also affects the load. Using multiple fixing points (at least two at the top) significantly reduces the risk of tipping.

Additionally, I suggest checking the floor grip by using small non-slip pads to prevent sliding. This further increases safety.

Do you need more details on choosing the right anchors or on alternative fastening methods?

Thank you for the tips so far, especially the advice about metal brackets and cavity anchors has been very helpful.

I would also like to know: Are there any recommendations for specific types of wall plugs? I ask because there are cheap options available at hardware stores, but they don’t seem to be suitable. Can high-quality metal anchors be recommended that hold securely in drywall?

Also, is it better to pre-drill with a small drill bit to avoid damaging the wallpaper, or should I drill directly with the correct-sized bit?

Furthermore, I have heard about screws damaging the shelf unit. Are there any tips on how to attach screws to the Kallax shelves in a way that prevents the wood from splitting or compromising stability?

DALIS30 schrieb:
Are there any recommendations for specific types of wall anchors?

Metal anchors, often referred to as toggle bolts or metal expansion anchors, are the most reliable choice for drywall. They expand behind the panel, providing a secure hold. Plastic anchors are generally less load-bearing and therefore less suitable for shelves in a child’s room.

DALIS30 schrieb:
Should I pre-drill with a small drill bit to avoid tearing the wallpaper, or is it better to drill directly with the correct bit?

Definitely pre-drill, and the drill bit should match the size of the anchor. This prevents tears, especially with textured wallpaper.

DALIS30 schrieb:
Tips on how to attach screws to Kallax shelving without splitting the wood

Pre-drilling helps here as well. The Kallax back panel is thin, so always pre-drill to ensure the screw goes in easily and straight. It’s best to position the brackets close to the back panel to distribute pressure evenly.