ᐅ As a side table, my KALLAX doesn’t support a laptop – is that normal?

Hello everyone,

I have the following issue: I am using an IKEA KALLAX shelf as a side table next to my sofa, mainly to place my laptop on it. However, I notice that the board or shelf surface on my model slightly bends, causing the laptop to wobble or feel unstable. My laptop weighs about 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), which is not much. Is it normal that the KALLAX as a side table does not safely support a laptop? I imagine that the furniture panel is not designed for this, and I wonder if the KALLAX is generally intended more for decorative purposes or lighter loads, or if there might be something wrong with my unit. Has anyone had similar experiences? Are there any tips on how to reinforce it? Thanks in advance for your feedback!

I would say that the KALLAX is not primarily designed to be a sturdy table for heavy items. If your laptop is wobbling, it could be due to the construction or assembly. Check if everything is properly screwed together.

KALLAX shelves are usually made of particleboard with a melamine finish, which provides a nice appearance but can give way under point loads. Manufacturers recommend a maximum load of about 13-15 kg (29-33 lbs) per compartment, although these loads are meant to be distributed evenly across the entire surface. A laptop weighing 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) should generally pose no problem, as long as the support surface is fully covered and even. Issues may arise if the panels are not properly assembled or if stability has decreased over time with use.

FEKAU schrieb:
KALLAX shelves are usually made from particleboard with a melamine coating, which looks good but can give way under point loads.

I agree, but I find it alarming that nowadays you have to worry that a piece of furniture might not support even a laptop. To me, this reflects a throwaway mentality and a decline in quality furniture. A proper side table should easily support a permanent load of 5 kg (11 lbs).

To better assess the situation, it would be helpful to know the exact KALLAX model you have. There are different sizes and versions, some with additional shelves or reinforcements. The load capacity also depends heavily on the assembly, especially whether all connections are securely tightened.

A common issue is missing back panels or connections that are not properly snapped in, which significantly reduces stability. The panels are usually 12 to 16 mm (½ to ⅝ inch) thick, which is generally sufficient for light loads. However, reinforcements are advisable if you want to safely place your laptop long-term. For example, you can insert a thin plywood sheet as an intermediate layer or attach metal brackets underneath to prevent bending.

How are you using it? Is the laptop placed near the edge of the panel or more towards the center? That also makes a difference.

bapar schrieb:
To better assess the situation, it would be helpful to know the exact KALLAX model you have.

Good question! I have the KALLAX 4x4, the standard cube shelf with 8 compartments, assembled as a side table using only the top shelf as the surface. I did the assembly myself, and at first glance, everything seems stable.

lamar schrieb:
A proper side table should easily support 5 kg (11 lbs) continuously without issues.

I agree, 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) is really not a high load. However, I did feel it slightly giving way under weight, and the laptop wobbled a bit—not dramatic, but noticeable.

I would consider reinforcing it as bapar suggested. It would be interesting to know if others experience the same issue.