Hello everyone, I am considering creating a custom open shelving system using Ikea Platsa units. I especially want to focus on open shelves that are both visually appealing and functional. From your experience, which PLATSA modules work best for open shelving? I am thinking of units without doors or back panels but still offering stability, as they need to support some weight. Are there specific modules or combinations you would recommend for this? I am also interested in how to effectively combine different depths and heights of the units for open shelves without compromising stability. Thanks in advance for your opinions and experiences!
Your question hits the nail on the head because choosing the right PLATSA components for open shelving is not always as straightforward as it seems at first glance.
I experimented extensively with the PLATSA elements myself, especially with the frames without doors and back panels. I would mainly recommend the deeper frames because they stand more securely and can handle heavier loads.
Many people underestimate how important a solid base panel is, which is usually only available on the larger modules. So if you want to store heavy books or similar items, it’s better to go for 60cm depth (24 inches).
I also understand not wanting back panels for aesthetic reasons, but from my own experience, light back panels significantly increase stability. For completely open constructions, you should also consider additional wall fixings.
Hope this helps you a bit for now. I’m curious to see what others think!
I experimented extensively with the PLATSA elements myself, especially with the frames without doors and back panels. I would mainly recommend the deeper frames because they stand more securely and can handle heavier loads.
Tetije schrieb:
Based on your experience, which PLATSA modules are particularly suitable for open shelving?
Many people underestimate how important a solid base panel is, which is usually only available on the larger modules. So if you want to store heavy books or similar items, it’s better to go for 60cm depth (24 inches).
I also understand not wanting back panels for aesthetic reasons, but from my own experience, light back panels significantly increase stability. For completely open constructions, you should also consider additional wall fixings.
Hope this helps you a bit for now. I’m curious to see what others think!
I would like to go into more detail because there are some technical aspects to consider when using PLATSA for open shelving:
- First, load capacity: The 60x40 cm (24x16 inches) and 60x60 cm (24x24 inches) frames are the most stable due to their construction, as they have a solid particle board base that distributes the load well. Smaller frames or the narrow boxes (e.g., 40x40 cm (16x16 inches)) are more intended as supplements.
- The back panel can be removed or omitted, which supports the open design, but this significantly reduces lateral and torsional stability. Especially if no wall mounting is done, it is recommended to at least keep the side or middle panels or additionally secure them with screws.
- An important point is module depth: for open storage, 60 cm (24 inches) depth is often more practical than 40 cm (16 inches), for example as a bookshelf or for decorative items; however, it is less stable when only standing on feet.
- Combinations of different heights (e.g., 40 and 80 cm (16 and 32 inches) tall boxes) are possible, but you should use crossbars or additional connectors to prevent wobbling.
- Finally: The advantage of open shelving is often the sense of airiness, but you lose dust protection and may need to plan for lighter items.
My question for you is: How much load capacity do the shelves need to have, and which width and depth do you prefer? This way, the modules can be recommended more precisely.
- First, load capacity: The 60x40 cm (24x16 inches) and 60x60 cm (24x24 inches) frames are the most stable due to their construction, as they have a solid particle board base that distributes the load well. Smaller frames or the narrow boxes (e.g., 40x40 cm (16x16 inches)) are more intended as supplements.
- The back panel can be removed or omitted, which supports the open design, but this significantly reduces lateral and torsional stability. Especially if no wall mounting is done, it is recommended to at least keep the side or middle panels or additionally secure them with screws.
- An important point is module depth: for open storage, 60 cm (24 inches) depth is often more practical than 40 cm (16 inches), for example as a bookshelf or for decorative items; however, it is less stable when only standing on feet.
- Combinations of different heights (e.g., 40 and 80 cm (16 and 32 inches) tall boxes) are possible, but you should use crossbars or additional connectors to prevent wobbling.
- Finally: The advantage of open shelving is often the sense of airiness, but you lose dust protection and may need to plan for lighter items.
My question for you is: How much load capacity do the shelves need to have, and which width and depth do you prefer? This way, the modules can be recommended more precisely.
Nakar33 schrieb:
How strong do the shelves need to be, and what width and depth do you prefer?Thank you for the detailed explanation. The shelves should primarily hold books, smaller decorative items, and occasionally electronics – so they need to support a moderate load. The depth should be around 40 cm (16 inches) because the available space is limited; therefore, I would like to work with 60 cm (24 inches) modules that I can shorten if possible. Have you had any experience with this? I would also like to vary the height to create a more relaxed look.
Additionally, I find the idea interesting of combining individual modules without doors so that it looks like an open wall shelf, which can be decorated with small plants or pictures without appearing too heavy. So, more delicate and open, not bulky boxes.
I really like the idea of using open shelving from PLATSA! 😄
You can mix the components well to create a custom look. For more open styles, I would recommend the narrower and taller frames – they look airy but are still sturdy if you secure them to the wall.
That works really well, especially when you combine different heights, making the whole arrangement more dynamic. And yes, a small tip: either avoid using backing panels or only use them in certain areas to enhance the open feel. I imagine plants and decor would look perfect there – plus, this also emphasizes the lightness of the construction.
Definitely make sure to use good wall fixings, otherwise it can easily tip over, especially with deeper units or when built taller.
Have fun putting it together!
You can mix the components well to create a custom look. For more open styles, I would recommend the narrower and taller frames – they look airy but are still sturdy if you secure them to the wall.
Tetije schrieb:
I would like to vary the height to make it feel more relaxed.
That works really well, especially when you combine different heights, making the whole arrangement more dynamic. And yes, a small tip: either avoid using backing panels or only use them in certain areas to enhance the open feel. I imagine plants and decor would look perfect there – plus, this also emphasizes the lightness of the construction.
Definitely make sure to use good wall fixings, otherwise it can easily tip over, especially with deeper units or when built taller.
Have fun putting it together!
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