ᐅ Are there custom-fit carpet inserts available for Kallax compartments?

Created on: 13 Apr 2024 09:47
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kurt42
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kurt42
13 Apr 2024 09:47
Hello everyone,

I have a somewhat specific question: Are there any precisely fitting carpet inserts or mats for the individual compartments of the Kallax shelving unit from IKEA?

I already have this shelving unit at home and would like to make the compartments a bit more comfortable and practical, mainly to better support small items and reduce noise. Since the dimensions of the Kallax compartments are not quite standard (about 33cm x 33cm [13 inches x 13 inches]), I’m wondering if there are any carpet inserts available on the market that are cut exactly to size, or if you have to rely on third-party products that need to be custom cut.

Perhaps there are also specialized manufacturers or DIY solutions offering something like this? What are your experiences or recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your helpful tips!
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andre3
13 Apr 2024 10:19
Hello Kurt42,

Regarding your question about custom-fit carpet inserts for Kallax compartments:

Based on my research, there are currently no carpet or mat inserts specifically made to fit the 33x33 cm (13x13 inch) compartments of the Kallax shelving unit, either officially by IKEA or third-party suppliers. Most options are universal foam or felt mats that need to be cut to size.

The exact dimensions of the compartments are probably found in the product description or based on standard furniture sizes, which is why few manufacturers produce custom-fit inserts directly.

Alternatively, there are flexible felt or rubber mats, usually available in larger sizes, which can be trimmed and fitted individually. Some users also recommend foam rubber or anti-slip mats that can be cut to shape to prevent scratches or improve the stability of items.

In conclusion, to my knowledge, there is no 100% custom-fit standard solution available off the shelf; individual adjustments through cutting are currently necessary.
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Jensson
13 Apr 2024 11:03
In addition to andre3's post, I would like to outline a brief procedure for those who want to make a carpet or felt insert for a Kallax compartment themselves:

1. Measure precisely: The interior dimensions are 33x33 cm (13x13 inches) – measure several times, as slight variations may occur depending on the shelf unit.

2. Material selection: Felt, foam rubber, foam, or carpet remnants are suitable, with felt often chosen for its softness and appearance.

3. Cutting: It is best to cut accurately with a sharp pair of scissors or craft knife, using a ruler as a guide if needed.

4. Fixation: If desired, secure with double-sided tape or Velcro dots to prevent slipping.

Common mistakes include inaccurate measurements or disproportionate cutting, which results in poor fit. Several small test pieces can be placed before cutting the final product.

Conclusion: The DIY approach is effective and cost-efficient, especially since officially pre-cut inserts are rarely available on the market.
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bauku
14 Apr 2024 08:27
This is amazing, all the ideas gathered here so far! 🙂

I also tried to make something for my Kallax compartments before and found felt especially suitable—not just because of its appearance, but also because it protects the furniture and reduces noise.

Since there don’t seem to be perfect ready-made inserts available, I simply got thicker gray felt, cut it to 34x34 cm (13x13 inches), and sealed the edges slightly with fabric glue. It fits perfectly, looks neat, and can be easily removed for cleaning at any time.

For those who like color: you can even paint the felt or decorate it with fabric markers to give the shelf a personal touch!

In my opinion, DIY projects are the best solution here because you’re flexible and can customize as you wish. 🙂

Good luck with arranging everything, it’s going to look great!
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theo63
14 Apr 2024 19:52
Interesting thread!

I would like to add a critical question: How practical are carpet inserts in Kallax compartments, really?
andre3 schrieb:
Most solutions are either universal foam or felt pads that you have to cut yourself.

This suggests that such mats are not specifically designed for Kallax but are always a compromise.

Additionally, we should consider that Kallax is primarily designed as an open shelving unit for storage. A carpet insert could trap moisture and make cleaning more difficult. Furthermore, the shelves lose flexibility when using carpet mats in the compartments, especially if you want to store larger items.

My recommendation would be to carefully weigh the practical benefits of these inserts before investing and consider whether smaller containers or compartment inserts (such as baskets or boxes) might offer a more practical solution.

For me, it is important not to prioritize appearance over practical use.