ᐅ KALLAX collapses after mounting TV – Overload?

Hello everyone,

I recently used my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit to mount my TV. The installation was done according to the instructions, and I used a special TV bracket designed for up to 25 kg (55 lbs). My TV weighs about 18 kg (40 lbs). Despite all precautions, the shelving unit suddenly collapsed after some time with the TV mounted.

My question is: Does anyone have experience with whether the KALLAX shelving unit is actually suitable for hanging a TV, or is this a case of overloading?

It seems to me that the stability of the shelving is designed for static loads like books or decorations, but the weight and leverage from the TV might have exceeded the structure’s capacity.

Who can explain possible causes or has tips on how to use the shelving safely without risk of collapse? Thank you in advance!

Dangu2 schrieb:
Does anyone here have experience with whether the KALLAX shelf is actually suitable for mounting a television, or would this cause overloading?

KALLAX is not designed for TV mounting. The material is not intended to withstand point loads with leverage. It is likely an overload. For televisions, it is better to use a wall-mounted TV bracket directly attached to the wall.

Dangu2 schrieb:
the shelf suddenly collapsed after some time

Oh, that sounds really frustrating! 😊 KALLAX is really more suitable for books, plants, and similar items, not for TVs. The panels and connections simply aren’t strong enough for that—it’s almost surprising how little weight it takes to cause a collapse.

If you want to keep the TV on it, I would personally recommend either a sturdy cabinet or a proper wall mount. Safety first! 🙂

islaron schrieb:
KALLAX is not designed to support a TV.

That makes sense to me. However, I’m puzzled that the shelf didn’t collapse immediately but only after a few days with the TV mounted.

Katan schrieb:
how little weight it can take before collapsing.

Could it be that the material was weakened by the continuous load, causing it to fail after some time?

Does anyone here have technical knowledge about the construction of the KALLAX or about the load dynamics that can occur when a weight is hanging with a lever arm at the top? I want to understand better where the weak point exactly is to avoid similar mistakes.

Dangu2 schrieb:
Could it be that the material was weakened by the continuous load and eventually failed after some time?

That is exactly the case. The KALLAX shelf unit is mainly made of particleboard with a veneered surface, designed for vertical loads and static stress. Mounting a TV using a bracket creates not only a permanent load but also a point load with leverage.

The resulting forces lead to material fatigue. The attachment points on the back panel and the edge gluing are not designed to withstand such tensile and shear forces and can fail over time.

For safely mounting a TV, wall mounting with anchors and suitable fixings is required, or alternatively furniture specifically designed to carry such loads. A shelf unit like the KALLAX is not intended for this purpose.

Dangu2 schrieb:
I want to better understand exactly where the weak point is to avoid similar mistakes.

I think it’s great that you’re asking such detailed questions. I recently faced a similar issue— you see shelves, assume it’s enough, and then suddenly it collapses. It’s truly shocking.

Maybe you could try additional reinforcement methods? For example, metal brackets that you screw onto the back panel? Or a second supporting layer to better distribute the load?

I really respect that you’re researching this yourself, because sometimes it helps a lot to be well-informed before making modifications. If you want, I can look into which DIY solutions are realistic. 🙂