Hello everyone,
I am currently planning to combine different IKEA furniture series, particularly connecting my KALLAX shelving unit with other lines such as BESTÅ, Ivar, or Malm. I’m not only interested in placing the furniture side by side but mainly in joining them visually and functionally so that they appear as a single cohesive unit.
Does anyone have experience or tips on how to connect KALLAX with other IKEA series? What fastening methods, materials, or adapters work best to keep the combination stable and visually appealing? I would appreciate any advice or suggestions, including concrete examples or techniques you have tried yourselves.
I am currently planning to combine different IKEA furniture series, particularly connecting my KALLAX shelving unit with other lines such as BESTÅ, Ivar, or Malm. I’m not only interested in placing the furniture side by side but mainly in joining them visually and functionally so that they appear as a single cohesive unit.
Does anyone have experience or tips on how to connect KALLAX with other IKEA series? What fastening methods, materials, or adapters work best to keep the combination stable and visually appealing? I would appreciate any advice or suggestions, including concrete examples or techniques you have tried yourselves.
About the paint: I have often achieved good results with acrylic paint from Clou, especially the matte finish, which adheres well to wood over the long term and is resistant to moisture. Important: lightly sand and use a primer before painting.
It is important that the brackets are properly sized. For heavy loads, use larger brackets and additionally reinforce them from the inside with wooden slats, as I described in Post 2.
That’s true, but you can hide them behind cabinet doors or cover them with decorative strips. Alternatively, I use invisible dowel joints or custom-made wooden pegs if you have good woodworking skills.
Servet62 schrieb:
Sounds simple, but how about the load capacity? I’m particularly concerned about stacking shelves.
It is important that the brackets are properly sized. For heavy loads, use larger brackets and additionally reinforce them from the inside with wooden slats, as I described in Post 2.
Servet62 schrieb:
IKEA connector fittings for PAX are often not invisible
That’s true, but you can hide them behind cabinet doors or cover them with decorative strips. Alternatively, I use invisible dowel joints or custom-made wooden pegs if you have good woodworking skills.
Supplementing the topic of stability: Especially with combination units using KALLAX, it is advisable to add extra back panels or plywood sheets. These provide more compression and reduce the risk of tipping.
The same applies when connecting to Malm dressers, where this method can ensure a secure connection. A tip: use countersunk screws to keep the surface smooth and avoid obstructions when mounting, for example, wall cabinets.
One more note on appearance: KALLAX units are usually open, while BESTÅ or MALM units are closed. I like to use feet or plinths to match the height and create a uniform look.
The same applies when connecting to Malm dressers, where this method can ensure a secure connection. A tip: use countersunk screws to keep the surface smooth and avoid obstructions when mounting, for example, wall cabinets.
One more note on appearance: KALLAX units are usually open, while BESTÅ or MALM units are closed. I like to use feet or plinths to match the height and create a uniform look.
Hi, I assembled MALM dressers and KALLAX units together and covered the joints with small wooden strips – it almost looks like a custom-made piece. For securing the units, I used brackets that I painted green – they’re barely noticeable and add a small pop of color.
A little lifehack: You can even connect KALLAX units using magnets, which makes swapping them easier without constantly screwing and unscrewing.
A little lifehack: You can even connect KALLAX units using magnets, which makes swapping them easier without constantly screwing and unscrewing.
Technical details:
KALLAX is made of thin particleboard, which makes fastening more challenging. Therefore, always use brackets with a sufficiently large anchoring surface and, if possible, reinforce the contact area with plywood or MDF.
For combining with BESTÅ, I also recommend gluing with a strong wood adhesive in addition to screws – this increases shear strength.
Please avoid placing screws too close to the edge to prevent splitting.
Summary: Combining screws with glue and additional reinforcement is ideal.
KALLAX is made of thin particleboard, which makes fastening more challenging. Therefore, always use brackets with a sufficiently large anchoring surface and, if possible, reinforce the contact area with plywood or MDF.
For combining with BESTÅ, I also recommend gluing with a strong wood adhesive in addition to screws – this increases shear strength.
Please avoid placing screws too close to the edge to prevent splitting.
Summary: Combining screws with glue and additional reinforcement is ideal.
RENMA schrieb:
KALLAX is made from thin particleboard, which makes fastening more challenging.Exactly, this often causes problems when drilling too close to the edge. One alternative is so-called "force connectors" from hardware manufacturers, which provide a larger surface area.
dijan schrieb:
Magnets for flexible connectionsThis works well for lighter components, but for heavier loads it is better to use mechanical fasteners in addition.
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