ᐅ Filling Kallax Compartments – Which Materials Should You Use?

Hello everyone,
I am planning to modify my Kallax shelving unit a bit and have a question that’s been on my mind for some time:

Which materials are best suited for filling individual compartments in the Kallax shelf?

More specifically, I mean the sections that you don’t want to fully fill with boxes or doors, but rather want to fill with sturdy, matching intermediate panels or filler material to make the shelf look more uniform and prevent small items from falling out.

I’m especially interested in filler materials that are not only visually appealing but also durable and as easy to install as possible. Wood, MDF boards, acrylic sheets, or maybe even fabric coverings?

What experiences do you have? What pros and cons do you see with the different materials? Tips on attachment methods would also be helpful if anyone has done this themselves before.

Thanks in advance for your opinions and advice!

GLA42 schrieb:
My main concern is that the panels are not only visually appealing but also durable and as easy to install as possible.

Hey, I had to smile because I was thinking along the same lines – and yes, the Kallax is really versatile!

Personally, I like lightweight wood panels, preferably plywood, because they are fairly strong, not too heavy, and can look really nice with some sanding and a coat of stain. If you use plexiglass, it gives a more modern look, but it scratches more easily and is a bit trickier to work with.

For mounting, I use small brackets or even double-sided mounting tape, depending on how permanent you want the installation to be. Bonus: it looks neat and makes for a simple DIY project with a satisfying result 🙂

Nauman5 schrieb:
Personally, I prefer lightweight wood panels, preferably plywood, because they are quite sturdy, not too heavy, and look really nice with some sanding and varnish.

This is a valid recommendation, but for me, the question always arises as to how much the material must meet functional requirements in addition to stability and appearance. Will the panels be exposed to moisture? Do they need to be load-bearing or mainly for aesthetic purposes?

With MDF, for example, you should consider its sensitivity to moisture. Plexiglass, on the other hand, is often recommended for its transparency, but it can break more easily and is actually more prone to scratches.

I would generally recommend clearly defining the intended use and then selecting the material accordingly. Edge finishing is also important for a clean result and better durability.

faso31 schrieb:
With MDF, for example, you should consider its sensitivity to moisture.

I wonder why no one ever considers chipboard – it’s affordable, lightweight, and easy to work with. Sure, it absorbs moisture, but for dry indoor spaces, it’s more than adequate.

Also, I think all the hype around acrylic glass is overrated. It may look futuristic, but whether you’ll enjoy it long-term is doubtful. Who wants to constantly polish it and worry about scratches?

Sometimes it’s best to stick with what’s proven: wood or chipboard, well impregnated or coated, is a simple and practical solution that also fits well with interior design.

GLA42 schrieb:
What experiences have you had? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different materials? I’m also interested in tips on fastening, in case anyone has done this themselves before.

To complement in a structured way: The choice of material should be based on the intended use conditions.

- Wood panels (plywood, beech, spruce) are sturdy and strong, but their moisture resistance varies depending on quality and surface treatment.

- MDF panels offer a smooth surface and are easier to work with, but they can swell if exposed to moisture, so painting or coating is advisable.

- Plexiglass is especially suitable for an elegant, modern look; however, it is prone to scratches and not very impact-resistant.

- Fabric coverings or cabinet inserts made of felt or fabric can visually soften the appearance but do not provide any load-bearing capacity.

For fastening, angle brackets or small wooden strips are recommended, which can be screwed or glued from the inside. For less stable attachments, hook-and-loop tape or mounting adhesive can work, but these are not durable under load.

Another option is to have custom-fitted inserts made or to work with templates as a DIY project to ensure an optimal fit.