ᐅ Kallax as a bench – cushion keeps slipping!

Hello everyone,

I repurposed the Kallax shelf unit from Ikea as a bench, which actually works well in terms of size and stability. However, I have the problem that the cushion I placed on top keeps slipping whenever someone sits down or stands up. It’s quite annoying because it has to be repositioned constantly.

I have already tried securing the cushion with Velcro tape, but it doesn’t hold very long or is difficult to remove again. I also tried using rubber mats underneath; this reduces slipping but still isn’t sufficient.

How do you secure cushions on the Kallax when using it as a bench? What solutions have proven to be durable and practical without needing constant adjustment? I appreciate any specific ideas or experiences you have gained so far.

Punar62 schrieb:
The cushion I placed on the surface keeps slipping as soon as someone sits down or stands up.

I know that all too well! 🙂 My tip: instead of just placing a cushion on top, use foam rubber or non-slip mats specifically designed for furniture. You can find these at any hardware store; they’re inexpensive and really effective. Just put them on the surface and place the cushion over them – it holds firmly without needing any adhesive.

If you want a neater solution, you can also secure the cushion at the sides with a thin Velcro strip – this way you can still easily remove it if needed. Trial and error leads to the best results!

Hook-and-loop tape applied only at the edges usually doesn’t work well. Double-sided tape with fabric adhesive is recommended. Simply stick it onto Kallax, add the cushioning – it will hold permanently.

Regarding the issue: The surface of the Kallax bench is usually made of smooth, lacquered wood, which creates a slippery base for cushions.

A permanently stable solution is to use hook-and-loop tape with high-quality, self-adhesive strips that stick on both sides and have high tensile strength. It is important to thoroughly dust and degrease the surface before cleaning, as otherwise the adhesive will not bond properly.

Alternatively, I recommend non-slip rubber mats specifically designed for furniture. These can be placed directly under the cushion and effectively prevent slipping without damaging the surface.

putan schrieb:
use foam rubber or non-slip mats

Honestly? I find all these non-slip tricks way too fiddly. Why not just cut the cushion to size and sew a snug cover with an elastic edge around it? It fits perfectly and doesn’t slide because it’s basically like a tracksuit for your Kallax.

And then there’s that “easily removable” argument – why would you want to take the cushion off all the time? A bench is a bench, not a fancy carpet. I think it’s a bit of a trend-driven fuss if the attachment doesn’t hold 100%.

luAlbert1 schrieb:
Why not just cut the cushion to size and sew a fitted cover with an elastic band around it?

Thanks for the suggestion, the idea of using an elastic band is indeed not bad. However, I would like to be able to remove the cushion cover manually quite often, for example, to wash the cover or to air it out. A fitted cover with an elastic band would be quite secure, but probably rather tricky to take off and put back on.

Therefore, I’m looking for a fastening solution that offers a good balance between stability and flexibility. I just haven’t found a perfect option yet that resists slipping while still being easy to remove. Do you have experience with combined solutions?