ᐅ Color Differences in KALLAX Upon Repurchase – Has Anyone Experienced This?

Hello everyone,

I’ve noticed that when buying additional parts for my KALLAX shelf, there are significant color differences. The newly purchased elements look quite different compared to the older ones, both in color depth and even in gloss level.

I’m mainly interested to know if others here in the forum have observed the same? Maybe it’s due to production updates or batch variations?

I bought the shelf about a year ago and now wanted to expand it — the color discrepancies are quite obvious to me on close inspection.

How do you handle cases like this? Are there any tricks to visually harmonize the appearance? Looking forward to your experiences and opinions!

Oleksiipa schrieb:
color differences appear when I buy individual parts later

I know that too. With KALLAX, there are often small variations due to new production lines. Just try to get exactly the same batches or ask IKEA for an exchange.

Good morning,

regarding additional KALLAX units and color differences: the issue usually arises from three main causes.

1. Production batches: Colors and finishes can vary slightly between different batches, especially if manufacturing equipment has been updated.

2. Aging: Older shelves often develop slight shifts in tone due to exposure to light and the environment, particularly white or light colors turning yellowish or grayish.

3. Product variants: When purchasing additional KALLAX units, they may come from a different series, for example with different surface textures or material compositions.

My advice: It’s best to expand the entire set as close in time as possible, and when buying more, compare on site and try to choose units from the same batch or production period.

Also, gently wiping the surface with a damp cloth can help, since new shelves often have a factory film that makes the color appear a bit glossier.

If you have any further questions, I’m happy to help!

Oleksiipa schrieb:
The newly purchased components look quite different in color depth and even in gloss compared to the older ones.

Oh yes, I know exactly what you mean, it’s really annoying! When I bought additional KALLAX units, a couple of them were slightly different shades stacked next to each other 🙈. What I did was simply even them out a bit using some sandpaper and a paint marker from the hardware store. Not perfect, but good enough for a comfortable look. 🙂

Sometimes you just have to do a little upcycling and take it all with a sense of humor. 🙂

This is not uncommon with KALLAX. Different production batches and slight variations in the finishes are the reason. IKEA often does not offer replacements in the exact same color shade. Therefore, it is best to try to purchase everything at the same time.

Hello Oleksiipa,

I can completely understand your observations regarding color variations when purchasing additional KALLAX shelving parts. The issue is indeed related to production and storage of the products.

To give you a better idea: The surface coatings on IKEA shelves are produced in different batches. Even if the color code is identical, slight variations in the composition of the paints can occur. After drying, these result in differences that are particularly noticeable with white or light colors.

Additionally, aging of the existing shelf parts can lead to discoloration, which further increases the effect. Sunlight and humidity also have an impact.

When buying a new KALLAX unit, it’s worthwhile to compare the shades in daylight beforehand – often the differences become visible only under certain lighting conditions.

You can also try cleaning the new and old surfaces, as dirt or grease from use can accumulate and alter the color tone.

Finally: If the difference is very noticeable and bothersome, it is perfectly reasonable to contact IKEA and try to arrange an exchange – especially if the new item was recently purchased.

I hope this helps you with your KALLAX project!