ᐅ KALLAX as a bookshelf is not deep enough – how can it be extended?
Created on: 25 Jul 2021 08:37
G
Glaturan36
Hello everyone,
I have an IKEA KALLAX shelf unit in my living room that I use as a bookshelf, but I keep running into the same issue: the shelf depth of about 39 cm (15 inches) is often too shallow, especially when I want to place larger or multiple books side by side. Because of this, some books stick out, or I can’t use the shelf optimally.
My question is: What options are there to increase the depth of a KALLAX shelf unit without having to buy entirely new furniture? Are there practical DIY ideas, add-on components, or other solutions to create more depth and make the shelf more suitable for books?
I would appreciate tips and experiences specifically related to the KALLAX unit – thanks!
I have an IKEA KALLAX shelf unit in my living room that I use as a bookshelf, but I keep running into the same issue: the shelf depth of about 39 cm (15 inches) is often too shallow, especially when I want to place larger or multiple books side by side. Because of this, some books stick out, or I can’t use the shelf optimally.
My question is: What options are there to increase the depth of a KALLAX shelf unit without having to buy entirely new furniture? Are there practical DIY ideas, add-on components, or other solutions to create more depth and make the shelf more suitable for books?
I would appreciate tips and experiences specifically related to the KALLAX unit – thanks!
I understand you well, Glaturan36. Especially when books are meant to have a special place, it feels off if they just stick out or look awkward.
What I like to do in such cases, besides simply increasing the depth, is also to use shelves and sturdy back panels so that everything fits well and nothing tips over.
Sometimes other pieces of furniture can help as additions, serving as extensions. It's not an easy solution, but for me, it’s often less stressful than buying a new shelving unit entirely.
What I like to do in such cases, besides simply increasing the depth, is also to use shelves and sturdy back panels so that everything fits well and nothing tips over.
Sometimes other pieces of furniture can help as additions, serving as extensions. It's not an easy solution, but for me, it’s often less stressful than buying a new shelving unit entirely.
G
Glaturan3626 Jul 2021 08:30LIELCHEN schrieb:
Sure, this "simple" wooden board as an extension is a classic.I understand the criticism well; the shelf does look a bit bulky that way. But my apartment doesn’t have space for larger shelves, so I have to live with an extension.
Still, it would be interesting to see how such an extension could be made visually appealing. Do you have any ideas? Maybe painting it in color, covering it with fabric, or something similar?
dijan schrieb:
A bit of DIY with paint or handles makes the whole thing even more personal – turning KALLAX into a bookshelf upgrade with character. 🙂That sounds like a good approach! More depth plus a personalized design – how exactly did you do it?
@Glaturan36
Exactly, I simply painted thin MDF panels in the desired color and screwed them to the back wall. The screws were covered with colored caps, which makes them look more like an intentional design feature.
In front, I placed small wooden boxes equipped with colored handles. This way, they serve as practical containers for loose items, and the books don’t just hang freely at the front.
It gives the whole area a personal touch and makes that corner more enjoyable! 🙂
Exactly, I simply painted thin MDF panels in the desired color and screwed them to the back wall. The screws were covered with colored caps, which makes them look more like an intentional design feature.
In front, I placed small wooden boxes equipped with colored handles. This way, they serve as practical containers for loose items, and the books don’t just hang freely at the front.
It gives the whole area a personal touch and makes that corner more enjoyable! 🙂
Glaturan36 schrieb:
how to visually enhance such an extensionYou could consider using wallpaper or a film that you apply to the front or back of the additional wooden panels. This adds texture and makes the extension board appear less bulky—especially if you use patterns or a wood grain design.
Additionally, suitable internal lighting can provide a visual upgrade.
This way, the extension becomes more of a design feature rather than a distraction.
LIELCHEN schrieb:
The shelf design should adapt to the books, not the other way around.Nice idea, but reality often looks different. Not everyone has the luxury apartment where you can order a custom-made shelf or rearrange the entire living space.
I think anyone clever can get a lot out of a piece of furniture with simple additions like attached panels, modular boxes, or even wood stains and lighting.
You don’t always have to act like a hipster designer; sometimes a bit of DIY is enough to make it fit and still look good. I agree with dunitan and dijan on that.
Anyone who dismisses KALLAX just because the depth doesn’t fit is missing out on an affordable and flexible solution.
Similar topics