ᐅ Has anyone used multiple KALLAX units placed side by side as room dividers?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to use several IKEA KALLAX shelves side by side as a room divider in my open living area. My question is: Has anyone had experience placing multiple KALLAX units directly next to each other, rather than individually, to create a longer partition? I am particularly interested in how stable the overall construction is, whether they can be easily connected, and if it is possible or advisable to use additional fastenings to prevent shifting.

I would also like to know how this looks visually—does it create a clean, continuous room divider, or do the individual shelves appear more like separate units?

I appreciate any advice, tips, or experience you can share!

I have placed multiple KALLAX units side by side. The best way to connect them is by using screws from the inside to prevent them from shifting. This creates a stable construction and looks neat.

rimole schrieb:
I have placed KALLAX units side by side several times.

I can confirm that. When using KALLAX shelves side by side as room dividers, I especially recommend the following approach: First, assemble the units on a level surface, then secure them from the inside with small brackets or screws to create a single unit. Although IKEA does not offer specific connectors for this, standard corner brackets work well and are unobtrusive.

Also, don’t forget to anchor the units to the wall, especially when placing several shelves in a row. This prevents tipping under load. Visually, you can make the units appear as one continuous wall by using uniform styling—such as matching decorations or shelves.

I would be interested to know more about the exact dimensions of your room and the specific purpose the room divider is meant to serve.

Parbo schrieb:
I’m curious about the exact layout of your room

Thank you for the hint! The room is open plan, combining the kitchen and living area, approximately 8 meters (26 feet) wide. I want to visually separate the dining and living spaces without fully closing them off. The KALLAX shelves will be about 2 meters (6.5 feet) long placed side by side, with a height of 1.5 meters (5 feet), featuring some open compartments and some with boxes. Stability and tipping safety are important to me since children are often in the room.

Regarding stability: It is essential not only to connect the shelves side by side but also to secure them to the wall, especially for taller units (>1.2 m (4 feet)). Most KALLAX units are not sufficiently self-supporting for freestanding longer rows.

Metal brackets or screw connections (4 screws per connection point) are suitable for joining. This method prevents noticeable wobbling or shifting and ensures the room divider remains secure.

A visually clean result is achieved when the shelves are aligned flush with each other and, if necessary, a continuous back panel or decorative elements are added to unify the appearance.

Dwight49 schrieb:
It is crucial not only to connect the shelves side-to-side but also to secure them to the wall

I agree and would add: For especially high stability, it is also recommended to use additional intermediate connections, such as screws through the side panels of the KALLAX units or metal connectors available at hardware stores. Careful leveling is important because even slight unevenness in the floor can cause stress and instability. This also helps prevent the individual shelves from shifting out of alignment over time.

Visually, you can even make the partition wall appear more seamless by integrating lighting or custom-fit cover panels. It is essential to coordinate the design with the room’s style and purpose. How about also planning for certain compartments to be used as storage space?