ᐅ Has anyone ever customized a Kallax shelving unit to make it more homey or visually appealing?
Created on: 14 Nov 2022 09:42
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nielklaHello everyone,
I am currently considering making my Kallax shelving unit look cozier, as I would like to soften the typical, rather plain shelf design and at the same time make it more functional. Has anyone had experience with covering the Kallax, for example, with wooden panels, fabric fronts, or maybe even open doors to create a homely feel? I’m especially interested in which materials work well without making the structure too heavy or unstable. It would also be great if you have tips on how to visually enhance a Kallax without completely changing it or making it expensive. How have you approached this? I would also be interested to know if anyone has added special inserts or drawers that can be retrofitted.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
I am currently considering making my Kallax shelving unit look cozier, as I would like to soften the typical, rather plain shelf design and at the same time make it more functional. Has anyone had experience with covering the Kallax, for example, with wooden panels, fabric fronts, or maybe even open doors to create a homely feel? I’m especially interested in which materials work well without making the structure too heavy or unstable. It would also be great if you have tips on how to visually enhance a Kallax without completely changing it or making it expensive. How have you approached this? I would also be interested to know if anyone has added special inserts or drawers that can be retrofitted.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
M
Matthewt4814 Nov 2022 11:03Hello nielkla,
I find your question very practical since Kallax shelves are handy but often look a bit sterile. From my own experience, fabric fronts or so-called Kallax insert baskets made of cotton create a much cozier atmosphere. These are easy to install, simple to replace, and immediately add more character to the shelf.
Here I would recommend lighter materials such as thin plywood or MDF, which you can paint or cover yourself to give the shelf a personalized touch. If you want to add doors, I suggest using small, good-quality hinges because otherwise the weight of the doors can quickly cause issues.
Additionally, you can quite affordably add drawer organizers made of wood or plastic into the compartments. These make use much more flexible and bring more organization, especially if the shelf is used as a room divider.
If you like, I can gladly share more tips on sourcing and mounting methods.
I find your question very practical since Kallax shelves are handy but often look a bit sterile. From my own experience, fabric fronts or so-called Kallax insert baskets made of cotton create a much cozier atmosphere. These are easy to install, simple to replace, and immediately add more character to the shelf.
nielkla schrieb:
I’m especially interested in which materials are suitable without making the structure too heavy or unstable.
Here I would recommend lighter materials such as thin plywood or MDF, which you can paint or cover yourself to give the shelf a personalized touch. If you want to add doors, I suggest using small, good-quality hinges because otherwise the weight of the doors can quickly cause issues.
Additionally, you can quite affordably add drawer organizers made of wood or plastic into the compartments. These make use much more flexible and bring more organization, especially if the shelf is used as a room divider.
If you like, I can gladly share more tips on sourcing and mounting methods.
Matthewt48 schrieb:
Fabric fronts or so-called Kallax insert baskets made of cotton create a very cozy atmosphere.I agree.
I simply cut wooden doors to size and screwed them on, smoothing the edges with sandpaper. It looks good, is sturdy, but requires careful installation.
I think it’s great that you want to make your Kallax unit feel cozier, nielkla. Many people feel the same way because the standard shelf looks quite minimalist.
Some time ago, I used flexible shelves and fabric pockets. The fabric pockets are attached to the front with Velcro. This not only adds warmth to the shelf but also helps organize small items better, especially if you have children at home.
If you’re a bit handy, you could also try building your own wooden drawers. At first, I was a little unsure, but with a few YouTube tutorials, it worked well. Just make sure to get the measurements right so the drawers slide smoothly. This immediately makes the shelf feel much more personal, in my opinion.
Additionally, a few plants or decorative wicker baskets can also add a homely touch. 🙂
nielkla schrieb:
I’m also curious if anyone has installed any special inserts or drawers that can be retrofitted.
Some time ago, I used flexible shelves and fabric pockets. The fabric pockets are attached to the front with Velcro. This not only adds warmth to the shelf but also helps organize small items better, especially if you have children at home.
If you’re a bit handy, you could also try building your own wooden drawers. At first, I was a little unsure, but with a few YouTube tutorials, it worked well. Just make sure to get the measurements right so the drawers slide smoothly. This immediately makes the shelf feel much more personal, in my opinion.
Additionally, a few plants or decorative wicker baskets can also add a homely touch. 🙂
L
Landontau15 Nov 2022 16:26Hello,
to provide a practical tip, here is a short mini-tutorial for creating a cozy cover for the Kallax shelf:
1. Material selection: Lightweight materials like MDF or plywood with a thickness of 3-6 mm (0.1-0.2 inches) work best for coverings. They can be easily painted or finished with veneer.
2. Cutting: Measure the shelf precisely and cut the panels to fit perfectly – for doors or coverings, a fine-toothed saw or jigsaw is recommended.
3. Attachment: For doors on the Kallax, I suggest sturdy hinges with small screws that can be directly fastened to the frame. Alternatively, clamp systems can be used if you prefer not to drill holes.
4. Surface treatment: Sand the panels well before painting and use matte or satin finishes for a homely look. Alternatively, adhesive foil can also be applied.
5. Additional elements: Drawers or baskets can be added with drawer slide systems or simple wooden shelves. Make sure to consider the height so the doors close properly.
That is a good approach; make sure to sand the edges well to avoid dents or splinters.
In summary: With some basic DIY skills, this can be done without much cost, and the result is really impressive. Feel free to ask if you have any questions!
to provide a practical tip, here is a short mini-tutorial for creating a cozy cover for the Kallax shelf:
1. Material selection: Lightweight materials like MDF or plywood with a thickness of 3-6 mm (0.1-0.2 inches) work best for coverings. They can be easily painted or finished with veneer.
2. Cutting: Measure the shelf precisely and cut the panels to fit perfectly – for doors or coverings, a fine-toothed saw or jigsaw is recommended.
3. Attachment: For doors on the Kallax, I suggest sturdy hinges with small screws that can be directly fastened to the frame. Alternatively, clamp systems can be used if you prefer not to drill holes.
4. Surface treatment: Sand the panels well before painting and use matte or satin finishes for a homely look. Alternatively, adhesive foil can also be applied.
5. Additional elements: Drawers or baskets can be added with drawer slide systems or simple wooden shelves. Make sure to consider the height so the doors close properly.
baupau schrieb:
Doors cut from wood and screwed on, edges smoothed with sandpaper.
That is a good approach; make sure to sand the edges well to avoid dents or splinters.
In summary: With some basic DIY skills, this can be done without much cost, and the result is really impressive. Feel free to ask if you have any questions!
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