ᐅ Creating Storage Space Under Sloped Ceilings with KALLAX Shelving – How to Optimize?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to redesign a room with a sloped ceiling and want to create as much storage space as possible. I was thinking about using KALLAX shelves from IKEA because they seem flexible and easy to combine.

I’m mainly interested in how to cleverly adapt or optimally position KALLAX shelves under slanted ceilings to make the most of the available storage space—without making it impractical or visually unappealing.

Are there any proven methods you can recommend? For example, special modifications, combinations with drawers, or even custom DIY adjustments?

Also, I’d like to know the best ways to use the space behind and beneath the shelves when the slope is very shallow.

Looking forward to your ideas and experiences!

Hello Svenjo!

I think KALLAX units work great under sloped ceilings, especially because the modules are so versatile. I have several pieces just placed so they fit flush against the slope – it looks tidy and makes good use of the space.

What I recommend: get some battens or brackets to prevent the shelves from tipping over. And if the slope is very shallow, simply remove the back panel; that way you can access the storage space behind more easily.

And very important: if you’re climbing around inside or frequently taking things out, make sure the modules are securely screwed together – otherwise, the whole setup can become unstable.

Good luck! 🙂

Hello Svenjo,

to make the best use of KALLAX shelves under sloped ceilings, you should first carefully measure the height of the slope. The narrowest KALLAX units (33 cm depth) often fit very well; you can combine several units stacked or side by side, depending on the shape of the room.

A common approach is to place the shelf at the highest point of the room and then work gradually lower towards the slope, or add smaller units as needed. Some also cut custom wooden panels to precisely seal the back panels according to the slope.

KALLAX inserts such as boxes, baskets, or drawers are especially practical to place inside the compartments, helping to keep things organized and to use the storage space flexibly.

If you like, I can later provide tips on how to take measurements yourself and which tools are helpful.

Best regards!

You can best use KALLAX shelves under sloped ceilings by placing the modules at the highest point and then working downwards with smaller elements.

Simply remove the back panel for better accessibility. Reinforce with screw connections for stability.

nikian schrieb:
KALLAX inserts such as boxes, baskets, or drawers that you can place into the compartments are especially practical.

Great tip, that really makes the shelving system much more flexible. For example, I have boxes with wheels in mine that I can easily pull out when I need something from the very back. This saves a lot of rummaging around on shelves with a low slope.

And yes, the screws – even if they can be annoying, stability is stability. 🙂

You can also cut shelf boards and attach them to the sides of the KALLAX shelves to match the slope of the ceiling. This way, the modules fit perfectly under the roof slope.

A simple solution that also looks good visually.