ᐅ Using Kallax as a Room Divider – Drafts Stir Up Dust, Any Solutions?

Hello everyone,

I have been using IKEA Kallax shelves as room dividers in my apartment for some time, which works very well to organize open spaces. However, I have noticed that drafts passing by the sides of the shelves constantly blow dust inside, making cleaning quite difficult.

My question is: What practical solutions do you know to seal or modify Kallax room dividers to effectively reduce drafts and dust? I would really appreciate tips that are both functional and visually appealing, as the shelves should obviously retain their role as room dividers. Perhaps you have experience or creative ideas on how to handle (at least mild) drafts without completely altering the shelves? Thanks in advance!

Klawerner schrieb:
due to drafts passing by the sides of the shelf, dust is constantly being blown inside

Hey, that’s frustrating – but kind of typical for open shelves acting as room dividers! 🙂

I had a similar issue with my Kallax shelves and solved it this way: you can attach thin plexiglass panels to the open sides using clear tape or small brackets – this creates a barrier against dust without completely losing the open look.

And another tip: placing a small dehumidifier nearby helps prevent dust from being stirred up so easily. 😉

meGreg schrieb:
A small dehumidifier nearby helps prevent dust from becoming easily airborne

That sounds like a good idea, especially if you are constantly struggling with house dust. I also know how drafts can make dust swirl around, especially in older buildings with drafty windows.

Maybe it also helps to keep the Kallax room divider a bit away from the direct airflow or even complement it with decorative curtains or fabrics that slow down the wind. Such a curtain can act as a dust filter without having to replace the room divider.

Super interesting topic, as I’m also considering how to use my Kallax as a room divider!

Klawerner schrieb:
Drafts and thus the dust can be effectively reduced?

I think the trick often lies in slightly channeling the airflow. For example, with self-adhesive sealing strips on the sides that can close tiny gaps. Or you can create “dust traps”: small books or boxes placed on the floor in front of the draft area. This somehow slows down the “dusty breeze.”

Good luck with your experiments! 🙂

Hello Klawerner,

I have some practical suggestions you can try to reduce dust caused by drafts around your Kallax room divider:

1. Add side panels: There are wood or MDF panels that you can cut to size to cover the open sides of the shelving unit. With some screws or brackets, this can be very stable and reduce dust infiltration.

2. Seal the back panel: If you don’t have a back panel, this is a major source of drafts. A simple insert back panel (also available as Kallax accessories) can work wonders.

3. Weatherstripping: As mentioned, self-adhesive sealing strips are an inexpensive way to close gaps.

4. Light curtains or fabric panels: If it fits your design, curtains on the sides can help break the airflow.

I hope this helps. Also, pay attention to where the drafts are coming from—it might be possible to redirect the airflow effectively.

Close the side of the Kallax unit with plexiglass panels.

Apply sealing strips at the joints.

Install an additional back panel.

This way, you can almost completely eliminate drafts.