ᐅ Can I combine KALLAX with other IKEA shelving units?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to furnish my new living room and have chosen the KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA due to its versatile uses and modular design. However, I am wondering if KALLAX can be effectively combined with other IKEA shelving systems to, for example, incorporate different heights, storage types, and styles.

Are there any experiences or recommendations on how best to complement KALLAX with shelves like Billy, BESTÅ, or Eket?

I am particularly interested in aspects such as stability, visual coherence, and practical usability. Also: How can you achieve a harmonious room effect when combining KALLAX with other IKEA shelves without making the space look chaotic or cluttered?

Looking forward to your tips and experiences!

KALLAX fits best with EKET, as both have modular cubes. For stability, simply secure the shelves to the wall. BILLY, on the other hand, often looks too classic and should rather stand alone. If there is a need for open or closed compartments, BESTÅ can solve that well.

Interesting approach, Rurulen.

Tatovin schrieb:
KALLAX fits best with EKET, as both have modular cube units.

I agree, but visually the combination is not always harmonious since EKET is usually much narrower and KALLAX looks bulkier.

Also, you should carefully compare the material thickness and surface finishes.

Stability is often an issue with combinations: I recommend checking the load capacities of all components before purchasing and, if necessary, using additional connectors.

What do you think, Rurulen, what types of use do you envision for the shelves? Pure storage, decorative, or as room dividers?

Thank you for the quick responses.

Tatovin schrieb:
For stability, simply attach shelves to the wall.

That’s a good point – in my design, I actually planned the shelves to be freestanding, but attaching them to the wall would probably be the safer option.

@Tause
The intended use is rather multifunctional:
- Mainly for storing books and decorative items,
- but partly also with closed compartments for small items,
- and I am considering using some parts as room dividers.

Therefore, the question is how flexible this is technically and visually. Especially in combination with BILLY, I would be interested to know if it might look too visually fragmented.

Hello Rurulen,

Some time ago, I completed a project using KALLAX and EKET – I’m happy to share my experience.

1. Planning according to room size: Measure your wall space carefully, as KALLAX compartments are significantly larger at 42 x 42 cm (16.5 x 16.5 inches) compared to EKET, which has smaller, narrower boxes.

2. Matching appearance: IKEA offers various doors and inserts for KALLAX, and with EKET you can also choose from different door colors. I recommend coordinating the colors between both units (e.g., the same white or a similar wood finish).

3. Stability & connection: Officially, the systems are not designed for combined configurations, so I used connector plugs and screws. Also important: Use appropriate wall anchors and brackets for secure mounting.

4. Usage: KALLAX works great for books and decorative items, while EKET can complement it with small closed compartments.

Regarding room dividers: I placed KALLAX vertically as a separate unit and positioned EKET next to it with reduced depth for use as shelving.

One more tip: Try not to mix too many different colors and materials, as this can quickly look cluttered.

I hope this helps!

Combining KALLAX with BILLY is challenging because they have different basic structures.

If you really want to combine them, it’s better to create the transition by adding small decorative elements.

Otherwise, the furniture pieces don’t look harmonious together.