Hello everyone,
I am considering using a Kallax shelving unit as a sideboard in my narrow hallway. However, I’m wondering if the Kallax module might appear too bulky for this purpose, especially since the hallway is only about 90 cm (35 inches) wide.
I would like to use the Kallax as a surface to place keys, mail, and similar items, but I am concerned that it might make the frequently used walking area too tight and possibly disrupt the traffic flow.
Has anyone had experience with using a Kallax in such a narrow hallway? Is it practical, or does it actually turn out to be too bulky and space-consuming? Is a depth of 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) sufficient, or does it make the unit look cumbersome?
I would really appreciate any tips, experiences, or alternative suggestions!
I am considering using a Kallax shelving unit as a sideboard in my narrow hallway. However, I’m wondering if the Kallax module might appear too bulky for this purpose, especially since the hallway is only about 90 cm (35 inches) wide.
I would like to use the Kallax as a surface to place keys, mail, and similar items, but I am concerned that it might make the frequently used walking area too tight and possibly disrupt the traffic flow.
Has anyone had experience with using a Kallax in such a narrow hallway? Is it practical, or does it actually turn out to be too bulky and space-consuming? Is a depth of 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) sufficient, or does it make the unit look cumbersome?
I would really appreciate any tips, experiences, or alternative suggestions!
PASCALGU schrieb:
I am considering using a Kallax shelf as a sideboard in my narrow hallway.Why specifically a Kallax? By definition, it’s not really a sideboard but more of an open shelving system. In a tight hallway, it often feels quite bulky due to its depth—even 30 cm (12 inches) is significant.
The issue with Kallax is that people either love it or find it visually overwhelming very quickly. Also, imagine someone walking through with a toddler and stroller. It can become quite inconvenient.
My advice: if you want something like this, go for a narrower wall-mounted console or a custom-made solution—not always the standard IKEA stuff ;-)
I completely understand your concern. We had a similarly tight space in our hallway and chose a narrow wall shelf that doesn’t protrude too much into the room.
That’s exactly what put me off as well, especially since the hallway is the first impression, and if it feels cramped there, it quickly becomes uncomfortable.
Maybe you could also use the Kallax with open boxes, so it doesn’t look so bulky? Or there are versions with less depth – I would start by measuring and testing how it feels to walk by.
GALEO4 schrieb:
Some solutions look visually overwhelming.
That’s exactly what put me off as well, especially since the hallway is the first impression, and if it feels cramped there, it quickly becomes uncomfortable.
Maybe you could also use the Kallax with open boxes, so it doesn’t look so bulky? Or there are versions with less depth – I would start by measuring and testing how it feels to walk by.
For pure planning purposes: a hallway width of 90 cm (35 inches) is considered very narrow. The minimum passage width should be at least 60 cm (24 inches), with around 80 cm (31 inches) being ideal.
With a Kallax unit measuring 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) deep, the passage width is consequently reduced to 50-60 cm (20-24 inches). This can significantly limit movement, especially when carrying items or with multiple people.
An alternative is to use narrower sideboards or wall-mounted solutions that are about 20 cm (8 inches) deep. If shelf space is more important, a custom-made solution is recommended to optimize the hallway dimensions without appearing bulky.
It should also be noted that Kallax units have an open structure, which looks less solid but may cause dust and organization issues in a small hallway.
With a Kallax unit measuring 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) deep, the passage width is consequently reduced to 50-60 cm (20-24 inches). This can significantly limit movement, especially when carrying items or with multiple people.
An alternative is to use narrower sideboards or wall-mounted solutions that are about 20 cm (8 inches) deep. If shelf space is more important, a custom-made solution is recommended to optimize the hallway dimensions without appearing bulky.
It should also be noted that Kallax units have an open structure, which looks less solid but may cause dust and organization issues in a small hallway.
Interesting question! I’m currently working professionally on space planning, so here’s a technical perspective: Kallax typically comes in a depth of 33 cm (13 inches) in the classic 4x4 version.
With a hallway width of 90 cm (35 inches), that leaves about 57 cm (22 inches) of clear passage – which is really at the lower end for comfortable movement.
It’s also important to consider that the hallway is frequently used in everyday life and may need to accommodate bulky items occasionally (groceries, strollers).
Exactly – for such narrow hallways, I definitely recommend a solution with a maximum depth of 20 cm (8 inches). Alternatively, you can use Kallax for vertical storage, maybe just two rows high and narrower in width.
What is the overall size of the hallway? Its length and any other furniture you need to fit in?
With a hallway width of 90 cm (35 inches), that leaves about 57 cm (22 inches) of clear passage – which is really at the lower end for comfortable movement.
It’s also important to consider that the hallway is frequently used in everyday life and may need to accommodate bulky items occasionally (groceries, strollers).
andre3 schrieb:
One alternative is to use narrower sideboards or wall-mounted solutions
Exactly – for such narrow hallways, I definitely recommend a solution with a maximum depth of 20 cm (8 inches). Alternatively, you can use Kallax for vertical storage, maybe just two rows high and narrower in width.
What is the overall size of the hallway? Its length and any other furniture you need to fit in?
Similar topics