Hello everyone,
I have a Kallax shelf unit from Ikea at home, which I mainly want to use for storing manga. However, I noticed that the individual compartments are much too tall and wide for most of my manga volumes, which are usually in the typical size of 13 x 18 cm (5 x 7 inches). Because of this, the books tend to move around or don’t stand securely, which I find neither attractive nor practical. Do you have any tips on how to reduce the size of the compartments or use suitable inserts to adapt the shelf perfectly to the manga format? I would also appreciate solutions that don’t require expensive accessories and might even help organize series or reading order. 🙂
Thanks in advance!
I have a Kallax shelf unit from Ikea at home, which I mainly want to use for storing manga. However, I noticed that the individual compartments are much too tall and wide for most of my manga volumes, which are usually in the typical size of 13 x 18 cm (5 x 7 inches). Because of this, the books tend to move around or don’t stand securely, which I find neither attractive nor practical. Do you have any tips on how to reduce the size of the compartments or use suitable inserts to adapt the shelf perfectly to the manga format? I would also appreciate solutions that don’t require expensive accessories and might even help organize series or reading order. 🙂
Thanks in advance!
Vin_ba schrieb:
Materials like wood or MDF would be fine as long as it doesn’t get too complicated.In that case, I recommend buying prefabricated shelf inserts made of MDF that are specifically designed for manga or comic book shelves. These are simple, easy to install, and don’t require extensive assembly. Manufacturers like "MyShelf" or other specialized suppliers often offer custom-fit inserts, including options for Kallax compartments.
Another simpler option is sturdy acrylic dividers, which are transparent and discreet. They can be quickly attached using small Velcro pads.
Note: For all materials, make sure the inserts have a shallow depth so the manga don’t slide too far to the back.
Hello everyone,
I would like to add that the issue of stability should not be underestimated, especially when placing manga volumes horizontally. Most problems with manga shelves arise from an unstable interior in the compartment, causing the books to tip over or slip out of place.
A tip: Use self-adhesive foam pads or felt glides on the contact surfaces to protect the inserts against the shelving unit (e.g., Kallax) and at the same time reduce slipping.
If possible, the inserts should have a back panel to prevent the books from sliding out the back – this is often overlooked.
I do not recommend using plain cardboard. The material is often too soft and rarely withstands the stress of regular book handling.
I would like to add that the issue of stability should not be underestimated, especially when placing manga volumes horizontally. Most problems with manga shelves arise from an unstable interior in the compartment, causing the books to tip over or slip out of place.
A tip: Use self-adhesive foam pads or felt glides on the contact surfaces to protect the inserts against the shelving unit (e.g., Kallax) and at the same time reduce slipping.
If possible, the inserts should have a back panel to prevent the books from sliding out the back – this is often overlooked.
I do not recommend using plain cardboard. The material is often too soft and rarely withstands the stress of regular book handling.
LUISABEL schrieb:
I would advise against using plain cardboard.Exactly, if you want to store your manga safely and properly, sturdy materials are essential; otherwise, it quickly looks unstable and isn’t enjoyable.
Maybe consider adding some color? For example, you could paint MDF boards after cutting them with spray paint in a neutral or cool color – it instantly makes the shelf feel much cozier 🙂
And if you like, you can also add small magnetic bookends that can be easily repositioned. This way, you stay flexible and still keep everything neatly organized.
Hello everyone,
Given the quantity and requirements of Vin_ba, I would recommend wood or MDF inserts, similar to the suggestions from others. A note from my side: measure the width and height at several points, as Kallax shelves sometimes have slight dimensional variations.
If you plan to store mangas in two rows per compartment, you should adjust the intended insert dimensions accordingly, so the second stack doesn’t disappear too far back.
Flexibility is important, so I recommend modular dividers or inserts that can be removed or repositioned. This way, you can more easily reorganize the collections later.
Given the quantity and requirements of Vin_ba, I would recommend wood or MDF inserts, similar to the suggestions from others. A note from my side: measure the width and height at several points, as Kallax shelves sometimes have slight dimensional variations.
If you plan to store mangas in two rows per compartment, you should adjust the intended insert dimensions accordingly, so the second stack doesn’t disappear too far back.
Flexibility is important, so I recommend modular dividers or inserts that can be removed or repositioned. This way, you can more easily reorganize the collections later.
Hello,
this is a complex topic. I have been working for years on the perfect storage of comics and mangas and have developed the following approach:
1. First, you need to take precise measurements of your mangas: width, height, depth.
2. Consider the weight – a fully loaded shelf with mangas can quickly exceed the load capacity of the shelves. For example, Kallax shelves are designed for about 13 kg (29 lbs) per compartment.
3. For the inserts, MDF boards 8-12 mm (0.3-0.5 inches) thick are suitable, depending on the weight of the books.
4. I usually make shelf dividers from MDF, which I cut to exact dimensions using a fine crosscut saw blade to ensure clean and precise edges.
5. Surface treatment is important – painting or sealing protects against moisture and provides a smooth finish.
6. Pay attention to solid connections between the inserts to prevent shifting – I use small, discreet metal brackets or simple wooden wedges.
7. Planning the order: it helps to separate compartments or sections for the same series or genres.
Please check if you have any questions about tools and craftsmanship before you start the implementation.
this is a complex topic. I have been working for years on the perfect storage of comics and mangas and have developed the following approach:
1. First, you need to take precise measurements of your mangas: width, height, depth.
2. Consider the weight – a fully loaded shelf with mangas can quickly exceed the load capacity of the shelves. For example, Kallax shelves are designed for about 13 kg (29 lbs) per compartment.
3. For the inserts, MDF boards 8-12 mm (0.3-0.5 inches) thick are suitable, depending on the weight of the books.
4. I usually make shelf dividers from MDF, which I cut to exact dimensions using a fine crosscut saw blade to ensure clean and precise edges.
5. Surface treatment is important – painting or sealing protects against moisture and provides a smooth finish.
6. Pay attention to solid connections between the inserts to prevent shifting – I use small, discreet metal brackets or simple wooden wedges.
7. Planning the order: it helps to separate compartments or sections for the same series or genres.
Please check if you have any questions about tools and craftsmanship before you start the implementation.
Laukau5 schrieb:
Please check if you have any questions about tools and craftsmanship skillsThank you for the detailed explanation! I have basic handyman skills, and I have a cordless drill and a handsaw. For precision tools like a miter saw or miter box, I might need to borrow something.
What concerns me a bit is: How can you really achieve exact measurements for a shelf divider without professional equipment? And how can I prevent the panels used from warping over time? Are there any tricks or materials that work better for this?
Or would it be better in my case to use ready-made inserts or even plastic storage boxes?
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