ᐅ Using Kallax as a Room Divider – Drafts Stir Up Dust, Any Solutions?
Created on: 7 Dec 2019 08:11
K
Klawerner
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!
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!
KESIRI schrieb:
Applying sealing strips to jointsThat’s a really good tip, which I hadn’t thought of myself. I’ve also considered dust problems with shelves and know how frustrating it can be—especially when you want clean surfaces, but the air has its own plans.
Perhaps we could learn more about your room conditions here, Klawerner? Where exactly is the air coming from, and how strong is the draft? That would help in finding the best solution.
K
Klawerner7 Dec 2019 11:35Thanks in advance for the initial ideas!
@boelnu: The draft is actually caused by a window that is opened in the morning for ventilation. The air then flows toward the hallway, and the Kallax shelf is positioned roughly in the middle of the room but close to the door. The sides of the shelf are open, without panels. So it’s hardly a room divider.
I definitely want to stay as flexible as possible since I might want to reposition the shelf a bit later. Therefore, solutions that are easy to remove or adjust would be ideal.
As mentioned, the dust is being carried around by the circulating air, which makes cleaning really difficult.
@boelnu: The draft is actually caused by a window that is opened in the morning for ventilation. The air then flows toward the hallway, and the Kallax shelf is positioned roughly in the middle of the room but close to the door. The sides of the shelf are open, without panels. So it’s hardly a room divider.
I definitely want to stay as flexible as possible since I might want to reposition the shelf a bit later. Therefore, solutions that are easy to remove or adjust would be ideal.
As mentioned, the dust is being carried around by the circulating air, which makes cleaning really difficult.
Klawerner schrieb:
The shelf is located roughly in the middle of the room, but close to the door... I definitely want to stay as flexible as possibleSure, your concern is clear. For flexible and easily removable solutions, the following options are recommended:
- Tension frames with lightweight transparent grids or fabrics that you can attach with hook-and-loop fasteners. This way, they can be removed easily.
- Self-adhesive magnetic strips if you cover thin panels with magnetic foil – allowing you to take them off at any time.
- Or small decorative folding screens (room dividers) that you can attach to the shelf, which are both elegant and mobile.
This keeps air circulation manageable and helps reduce dust buildup.
This is really great, there are already so many options! 🙂
I can definitely imagine that working well, since you can change or wash it “in no time” when it gets dusty.
Honestly, I would add some color or patterns on top to keep the shelf stylish. Maybe something like a mini curtain? That way you get both functionality and flair at the same time! ;-)
refinar schrieb:
Tension frames with lightweight transparent grids or fabrics that you attach with hook-and-loop tape
I can definitely imagine that working well, since you can change or wash it “in no time” when it gets dusty.
Honestly, I would add some color or patterns on top to keep the shelf stylish. Maybe something like a mini curtain? That way you get both functionality and flair at the same time! ;-)
Additionally, I would like to point out the following:
If you attach opaque materials to the open sides, dust circulation can be significantly reduced. However, it is important to monitor humidity and the potential for mold growth, especially when using fabrics.
A small trick to prevent dust is to control the airflow using an air deflector (slats made of plastic or simple cardboard strips) placed at the window or door frame. This prevents air from hitting the shelf directly and reduces dust disturbance.
Summary:
1. Cover open sides with removable panels or curtains.
2. Slow down or redirect airflow at the source.
3. Don’t forget to wipe surfaces regularly 🙂
If you attach opaque materials to the open sides, dust circulation can be significantly reduced. However, it is important to monitor humidity and the potential for mold growth, especially when using fabrics.
A small trick to prevent dust is to control the airflow using an air deflector (slats made of plastic or simple cardboard strips) placed at the window or door frame. This prevents air from hitting the shelf directly and reduces dust disturbance.
Summary:
1. Cover open sides with removable panels or curtains.
2. Slow down or redirect airflow at the source.
3. Don’t forget to wipe surfaces regularly 🙂
PRA64 schrieb:
Controlling airflow using an air deflector (plastic louvers or simple cardboard strips) on the window or door frameHa, great! That totally matches my style: a small DIY upgrade for airflow.
Additionally, during ventilation periods, you can try to manage the indoor air circulation with fans so that the airflow doesn’t go directly through the shelves. Kind of like an “air surfer” for advanced users ;-)
Just a little joke, but you never know! Sometimes it’s the small tricks that make the difference! Wishing you the best of luck!
Similar topics