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Peofredrik15 Feb 2024 09:23Hello everyone,
About two years ago, I bought the KALLAX shelving system from IKEA and have been using it in my living room as a combination of a bookshelf and storage for smaller items. Since I am now considering purchasing another KALLAX, I am especially interested in its long-term everyday practicality.
My question to you: After around two years of use, would you buy the KALLAX shelf again? What has been your experience regarding stability, material quality, and flexibility for different uses? Are there things you would have done differently in hindsight, or alternatives you would recommend?
I look forward to your feedback and opinions!
About two years ago, I bought the KALLAX shelving system from IKEA and have been using it in my living room as a combination of a bookshelf and storage for smaller items. Since I am now considering purchasing another KALLAX, I am especially interested in its long-term everyday practicality.
My question to you: After around two years of use, would you buy the KALLAX shelf again? What has been your experience regarding stability, material quality, and flexibility for different uses? Are there things you would have done differently in hindsight, or alternatives you would recommend?
I look forward to your feedback and opinions!
Hello Peofredrik,
you raise some important points that I can add to from my own experience. First, regarding stability: the KALLAX is well-made, constructed from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a melamine coating. This makes it resistant to scratches and moisture, but of course not as solid as hardwood.
When assembling, there are a few tips that are important—such as precisely aligning the panels so the shelf stands perfectly straight in the end. I recommend carefully inserting the supplied dowels and additionally using appropriate brackets for wall mounting, especially if the furniture will bear weight.
Regarding flexibility: many appreciate the option to customize the shelf with KALLAX inserts (drawers, baskets, doors) to suit personal needs. A small downside is the depth of about 39 cm (15 inches), which can sometimes be tight for wider books or larger items. But considering the price, that is understandable.
If you plan to use the shelf intensively (e.g., as a room divider or for heavy storage), I would also suggest reinforcing the back panel and possibly adding an extra bottom shelf.
I’m curious how large your current KALLAX is (number of compartments) and exactly how you use it? That might influence the answer to your question.
you raise some important points that I can add to from my own experience. First, regarding stability: the KALLAX is well-made, constructed from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a melamine coating. This makes it resistant to scratches and moisture, but of course not as solid as hardwood.
When assembling, there are a few tips that are important—such as precisely aligning the panels so the shelf stands perfectly straight in the end. I recommend carefully inserting the supplied dowels and additionally using appropriate brackets for wall mounting, especially if the furniture will bear weight.
Regarding flexibility: many appreciate the option to customize the shelf with KALLAX inserts (drawers, baskets, doors) to suit personal needs. A small downside is the depth of about 39 cm (15 inches), which can sometimes be tight for wider books or larger items. But considering the price, that is understandable.
If you plan to use the shelf intensively (e.g., as a room divider or for heavy storage), I would also suggest reinforcing the back panel and possibly adding an extra bottom shelf.
I’m curious how large your current KALLAX is (number of compartments) and exactly how you use it? That might influence the answer to your question.
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Peofredrik15 Feb 2024 13:02Dilen schrieb:
I am curious about the size of your current KALLAX (number of compartments) and how exactly you use it?Thank you for the detailed response, Dilen! My KALLAX has 4x4 compartments, so 16 in total. I mostly fill it with books and folders, along with some decorative items. Some compartments have fabric boxes, which works well. It is placed against the wall in the living room, so I haven’t used it as a room divider so far.
I am also interested in the possibility of expanding it later if I need more storage. Your tips on assembly and reinforcement are very helpful.
After two years of use without excessive stress, I believe there are many reasons to consider another KALLAX. The material quality is consistently a deliberate compromise between cost and durability.
The MDF panels provide acceptable long-term stability, although the shelf is not designed for continuous heavy loads. Excessive weight can particularly cause deformation at the joints.
The modular design, with movable storage boxes and a relatively standardized grid of 33x33 cm (13x13 inches) per compartment, offers practical flexibility. Especially if the usage scenario remains the same, purchasing another unit is advisable.
When buying, it is important to choose the appropriate size: the KALLAX system comes in formats ranging from 1x4 to 5x5 compartments. More storage space is usually more practical than a second smaller shelf unit, depending on the room size.
Finally, I would recommend, in addition to the basic assembly, checking the plug-in connectors and wall anchors, and possibly improving stability by adding self-adhesive rubber pads under the shelf.
The MDF panels provide acceptable long-term stability, although the shelf is not designed for continuous heavy loads. Excessive weight can particularly cause deformation at the joints.
The modular design, with movable storage boxes and a relatively standardized grid of 33x33 cm (13x13 inches) per compartment, offers practical flexibility. Especially if the usage scenario remains the same, purchasing another unit is advisable.
When buying, it is important to choose the appropriate size: the KALLAX system comes in formats ranging from 1x4 to 5x5 compartments. More storage space is usually more practical than a second smaller shelf unit, depending on the room size.
Finally, I would recommend, in addition to the basic assembly, checking the plug-in connectors and wall anchors, and possibly improving stability by adding self-adhesive rubber pads under the shelf.
I really enjoy reading about how many of you use the KALLAX so flexibly and take durability and functionality into consideration.
Personally, after about a year and a half, I found the shelf a bit too inflexible because I needed more storage space for some larger individual items. I then modified it by separating a few compartments and adding drawers – that worked really well. But if you don’t need that, it’s probably great as is.
At first, I was also concerned about stability, especially since I have small children at home. After two years, I can say it holds up surprisingly well, even if it occasionally gets knocked over. Still, I installed a wall anchor as a precaution, which gives me peace of mind.
I encourage you to describe your specific needs in detail. Especially with IKEA furniture, experiences can vary a lot depending on how you plan to use it.
Personally, after about a year and a half, I found the shelf a bit too inflexible because I needed more storage space for some larger individual items. I then modified it by separating a few compartments and adding drawers – that worked really well. But if you don’t need that, it’s probably great as is.
At first, I was also concerned about stability, especially since I have small children at home. After two years, I can say it holds up surprisingly well, even if it occasionally gets knocked over. Still, I installed a wall anchor as a precaution, which gives me peace of mind.
I encourage you to describe your specific needs in detail. Especially with IKEA furniture, experiences can vary a lot depending on how you plan to use it.
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