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Tilmannlau16 Jan 2020 20:43I am considering placing my TV on an IKEA KALLAX shelf and wondering how safe that actually is. Specifically: How well does the KALLAX support the weight of an average TV (around 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs)) in practice?
I understand that the KALLAX is primarily designed as a shelf unit, not specifically as TV furniture. Therefore, I am interested in whether it is stable enough to hold the TV securely and permanently without the shelf tipping over, bending, or the TV falling off.
Has anyone had experience with this? I would especially like to know if it is advisable to use additional safety measures (e.g., TV edge protectors, wall mounts) or if the KALLAX is a good option by itself for small to medium-sized TVs.
Thank you for your insights and advice!
I understand that the KALLAX is primarily designed as a shelf unit, not specifically as TV furniture. Therefore, I am interested in whether it is stable enough to hold the TV securely and permanently without the shelf tipping over, bending, or the TV falling off.
Has anyone had experience with this? I would especially like to know if it is advisable to use additional safety measures (e.g., TV edge protectors, wall mounts) or if the KALLAX is a good option by itself for small to medium-sized TVs.
Thank you for your insights and advice!
The question of how safe it is to place a TV on a KALLAX shelf depends on several factors. According to IKEA, each individual compartment of a KALLAX unit can support a maximum load of about 13-15 kg (29-33 lbs). However, since TVs often weigh between 15 and 20 kg (33-44 lbs), the shelf space may already be at its limit.
The construction of the KALLAX, made from thin particleboard, is designed for books or decoration, not primarily for heavy electronics. The main risk is that the shelf might bend or the panels could loosen over time, which can eventually lead to a dangerous tipping moment.
I recommend placing the TV as centrally as possible on a continuous board that better distributes the weight. Additionally, securing the KALLAX unit to the wall is highly advisable, as it makes the entire piece much more stable and significantly reduces the risk of the TV falling off if bumped.
Another consideration: small to medium-sized TVs (up to about 40 inches) and lighter models are still acceptable, but larger devices should ideally be placed on furniture specifically designed for TVs. What are the exact dimensions and weight of your TV? That would help to make a more precise assessment.
The construction of the KALLAX, made from thin particleboard, is designed for books or decoration, not primarily for heavy electronics. The main risk is that the shelf might bend or the panels could loosen over time, which can eventually lead to a dangerous tipping moment.
I recommend placing the TV as centrally as possible on a continuous board that better distributes the weight. Additionally, securing the KALLAX unit to the wall is highly advisable, as it makes the entire piece much more stable and significantly reduces the risk of the TV falling off if bumped.
Another consideration: small to medium-sized TVs (up to about 40 inches) and lighter models are still acceptable, but larger devices should ideally be placed on furniture specifically designed for TVs. What are the exact dimensions and weight of your TV? That would help to make a more precise assessment.
I had a 32-inch TV standing on a KALLAX unit myself, but I made sure to consider a few things to keep it stable.
First: Use the large surface area of the shelf so that the TV doesn’t stand on just a single cube compartment, but rather on the top frame of the KALLAX – this helps distribute the weight better. Second: I secured the unit to the wall with brackets. This prevented it from tipping over, even when the small dog bumped into it.
I can confirm this; my TV, weighing about 15 kg (33 lbs), is no problem for the KALLAX. For heavier devices, I would be cautious and watch out for any weaknesses. In particular, the stability of the unit on a level floor and the quality of assembly are important.
Also important: Avoid overloading the shelf with many books underneath the TV, as this increases the overall load. If someone plans to leave the TV on it permanently, do not forget to secure it to the wall.
Oh, and a small tip: The feet of the KALLAX or the contact surface can be protected with felt pads or similar to ensure a non-slip stand ;-)
First: Use the large surface area of the shelf so that the TV doesn’t stand on just a single cube compartment, but rather on the top frame of the KALLAX – this helps distribute the weight better. Second: I secured the unit to the wall with brackets. This prevented it from tipping over, even when the small dog bumped into it.
Parbo schrieb:
Another point to consider: Small to medium-sized TVs (up to about 40 inches) and lighter models are still acceptable
I can confirm this; my TV, weighing about 15 kg (33 lbs), is no problem for the KALLAX. For heavier devices, I would be cautious and watch out for any weaknesses. In particular, the stability of the unit on a level floor and the quality of assembly are important.
Also important: Avoid overloading the shelf with many books underneath the TV, as this increases the overall load. If someone plans to leave the TV on it permanently, do not forget to secure it to the wall.
Oh, and a small tip: The feet of the KALLAX or the contact surface can be protected with felt pads or similar to ensure a non-slip stand ;-)
KALLAX can support your TV as long as you add a wall mount. Otherwise, there is a risk of tipping.
Place the TV in the center of the shelf and avoid putting additional weight directly underneath. This will help maintain stability. For heavy TVs, it is better to choose furniture with a continuous surface.
Place the TV in the center of the shelf and avoid putting additional weight directly underneath. This will help maintain stability. For heavy TVs, it is better to choose furniture with a continuous surface.
Honestly, the KALLAX is quite a versatile piece of furniture – but it’s only somewhat suitable as a TV stand. Sure, it can support lighter TVs pretty well, but I would recommend adding a wall mount for extra stability. 😊
I think if you have, for example, a 24-32 inch (61-81 cm) TV, it usually works fine. But it’s important that the TV doesn’t just sit on a grid surface but on a solid shelf panel. Some people even cut a custom MDF board to place on top, which adds extra stability. 😊
Also, if you have children or pets at home, I definitely recommend securing it firmly to the wall – better safe than sorry. ;-)
So, if you use the KALLAX smartly and take a few safety precautions, it can work out well. Otherwise, it’s safer to go for a dedicated TV unit. 😉
Tilmannlau schrieb:
Is the KALLAX stable enough to safely and securely hold the TV over time without the unit tipping over or the TV falling off?
I think if you have, for example, a 24-32 inch (61-81 cm) TV, it usually works fine. But it’s important that the TV doesn’t just sit on a grid surface but on a solid shelf panel. Some people even cut a custom MDF board to place on top, which adds extra stability. 😊
Also, if you have children or pets at home, I definitely recommend securing it firmly to the wall – better safe than sorry. ;-)
So, if you use the KALLAX smartly and take a few safety precautions, it can work out well. Otherwise, it’s safer to go for a dedicated TV unit. 😉
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