ᐅ How do you make your KALLAX doors close quietly?

GLA59 schrieb:
Could you explain in more detail how soft-close hinges work?

Certainly. Soft-close hinges contain a small spring combined with a damping mechanism (usually an oil- or silicone-filled or hydraulic component) that slows down the closing motion and absorbs the energy. This prevents the door from slamming shut loudly.

They can be used for different door materials, including plastic doors, as long as the material is strong enough to securely hold the hinge.

For installation, precise drill holes are required, which are often already present or compatible with the supplier’s parts. If not, new holes need to be made carefully. If you don’t have the right tools or experience, I recommend preparing the installation carefully, possibly using a template.

If you want, I can also recommend manufacturers or models that I trust.

GLA59 schrieb:
How complicated is the installation if you have no experience in furniture making?

I was hesitant about it before too, but usually it works quite well with a cordless drill and some patience. If you’re unsure, try it first on a less visible door. That way, if it goes wrong, you haven’t risked much. And hey, it’s actually fun—and in the end, everything sounds much more solid! 🙂

For clarification: There are two types of soft-close hinges – those with and those without cushioned cam mechanisms. Hinges with cushioned cams often allow multi-dimensional door adjustment. For KALLAX doors, the versions that can be installed with just a few screws and do not require major modifications to the furniture are recommended.

When purchasing, make sure the hinges are designed for the door thickness. Standard KALLAX doors typically have a thickness of 12 mm (0.5 inches).

Recommended tools: Cordless drill, possibly a 3–4 mm (1/8–5/32 inch) wood drill bit, screwdriver.

I would like to add that soft-close systems are primarily a matter of durability. The often cheaper rubber buffers or self-adhesive strips wear out over time and lose their effectiveness.

Hydraulic damping systems, on the other hand, are more durable and ensure consistently quiet closing even after several thousand opening and closing cycles.

If you decide to use soft-close hinges, you should also make sure that the manufacturer provides information about the maximum load capacity of the doors, especially with KALLAX, where the base material is usually MDF or particleboard.

First of all, thanks for the great tips here. I find this topic really interesting because I also like this kind of furniture but can’t stand doors slamming shut.

One idea I’ve personally tried on other furniture is attaching small felt-coated hooks that soften the contact point between the door and the inner edge of the shelf. It’s not a full damping solution, but it does make the door noticeably quieter.

Maybe this could be a middle-ground option for someone who doesn’t want to buy more expensive hinges?

Demetrius schrieb:
One idea I personally tried for other furniture is attaching small hooks with felt coating

Thank you very much for this tip! I find that this often helps a lot when it comes to reducing noise without having to rebuild the entire system. I attached felt pads under the doors at my place, which noticeably improved the sound.

But especially in the evening, with children sleeping, it really is a relief.