Hello everyone,
I have a Kallax shelf unit from Ikea at home, which I mainly want to use for storing manga. However, I noticed that the individual compartments are much too tall and wide for most of my manga volumes, which are usually in the typical size of 13 x 18 cm (5 x 7 inches). Because of this, the books tend to move around or don’t stand securely, which I find neither attractive nor practical. Do you have any tips on how to reduce the size of the compartments or use suitable inserts to adapt the shelf perfectly to the manga format? I would also appreciate solutions that don’t require expensive accessories and might even help organize series or reading order. 🙂
Thanks in advance!
I have a Kallax shelf unit from Ikea at home, which I mainly want to use for storing manga. However, I noticed that the individual compartments are much too tall and wide for most of my manga volumes, which are usually in the typical size of 13 x 18 cm (5 x 7 inches). Because of this, the books tend to move around or don’t stand securely, which I find neither attractive nor practical. Do you have any tips on how to reduce the size of the compartments or use suitable inserts to adapt the shelf perfectly to the manga format? I would also appreciate solutions that don’t require expensive accessories and might even help organize series or reading order. 🙂
Thanks in advance!
Hello,
The issue with Kallax compartments and manga sizes is well known. The standard compartment dimensions (about 33 x 33 cm (13 x 13 inches)) are significantly larger than typical manga volumes. A commonly used and effective solution is to use inserts or dividers that fit precisely inside the compartments. For this purpose, specially made plastic or wooden boxes are suitable, which can be either purchased or custom-built.
Alternatively, simple spacers made from thick cardboard or corrugated board can be cut to size and placed inside. This not only reduces shifting but also allows for better organization. It is important that the inserted edges are stable so that the manga do not tip over when removed.
The issue with Kallax compartments and manga sizes is well known. The standard compartment dimensions (about 33 x 33 cm (13 x 13 inches)) are significantly larger than typical manga volumes. A commonly used and effective solution is to use inserts or dividers that fit precisely inside the compartments. For this purpose, specially made plastic or wooden boxes are suitable, which can be either purchased or custom-built.
Alternatively, simple spacers made from thick cardboard or corrugated board can be cut to size and placed inside. This not only reduces shifting but also allows for better organization. It is important that the inserted edges are stable so that the manga do not tip over when removed.
Hi Vin_ba,
I had the same issue with my Kallax. A good and affordable solution is to use shelf dividers like those often found for bookcases – made of wood or MDF. You can cut them to the height that fits your manga perfectly. There are also adjustable dividers that match the width of the shelves, giving you a lot of flexibility.
If you’re not very handy, some Etsy shops or furniture accessory manufacturers offer ready-made inserts specifically designed for this problem.
Another idea: simply place two rows of manga one behind the other to make better use of the space if you don’t need to take them all out at once.
I had the same issue with my Kallax. A good and affordable solution is to use shelf dividers like those often found for bookcases – made of wood or MDF. You can cut them to the height that fits your manga perfectly. There are also adjustable dividers that match the width of the shelves, giving you a lot of flexibility.
If you’re not very handy, some Etsy shops or furniture accessory manufacturers offer ready-made inserts specifically designed for this problem.
Another idea: simply place two rows of manga one behind the other to make better use of the space if you don’t need to take them all out at once.
Hello everyone,
I would like to take the opportunity to address some details and potential challenges when customizing the Kallax compartments for manga storage, as this topic is quite complex.
First of all, the Kallax compartments measure about 33 x 33 cm (13 x 13 inches), which is significantly larger than the standard manga format. This causes two issues when storing: on one hand, the mangas can easily tip over or fall, and on the other hand, pushing the volumes together wastes unnecessary space.
The first step is to determine the exact dimensions of your collection. You should measure not only the width and height but also the thickness of the volumes precisely. Mangas can vary in thickness, from slim to very thick in collected editions. Therefore, I recommend customizing individual shelf dividers as accurately as possible.
From a technical standpoint, there are several options:
1. DIY dividers made of wood or MDF boards: you can have these cut to size at a hardware store or cut them yourself if you have the right tools. It is important to add a non-slip material, such as felt on the bottom, to prevent sliding within the compartments.
2. Using bookends made of metal or wood, which you place inside the compartments to separate individual sections. However, these are generally more flexible for single rows.
3. Structuring the space with inserts made from sturdy cardboard. Make sure to pay attention to stability, protect them better against moisture, and check regularly, as cardboard wears out faster.
4. Another technical option is stacking the mangas side by side in two rows, which makes optimal use of the Kallax depth. However, access to the back rows is more difficult.
In conclusion: for a large-scale implementation, I recommend taking precise measurements and looking for tailored solutions. Some users build custom inserts that fit exactly in the Kallax, which requires effort but results in the best appearance and functionality.
I hope this helps. I’m interested in how large and extensive your collection is to provide further advice.
I would like to take the opportunity to address some details and potential challenges when customizing the Kallax compartments for manga storage, as this topic is quite complex.
First of all, the Kallax compartments measure about 33 x 33 cm (13 x 13 inches), which is significantly larger than the standard manga format. This causes two issues when storing: on one hand, the mangas can easily tip over or fall, and on the other hand, pushing the volumes together wastes unnecessary space.
The first step is to determine the exact dimensions of your collection. You should measure not only the width and height but also the thickness of the volumes precisely. Mangas can vary in thickness, from slim to very thick in collected editions. Therefore, I recommend customizing individual shelf dividers as accurately as possible.
From a technical standpoint, there are several options:
1. DIY dividers made of wood or MDF boards: you can have these cut to size at a hardware store or cut them yourself if you have the right tools. It is important to add a non-slip material, such as felt on the bottom, to prevent sliding within the compartments.
2. Using bookends made of metal or wood, which you place inside the compartments to separate individual sections. However, these are generally more flexible for single rows.
3. Structuring the space with inserts made from sturdy cardboard. Make sure to pay attention to stability, protect them better against moisture, and check regularly, as cardboard wears out faster.
4. Another technical option is stacking the mangas side by side in two rows, which makes optimal use of the Kallax depth. However, access to the back rows is more difficult.
In conclusion: for a large-scale implementation, I recommend taking precise measurements and looking for tailored solutions. Some users build custom inserts that fit exactly in the Kallax, which requires effort but results in the best appearance and functionality.
I hope this helps. I’m interested in how large and extensive your collection is to provide further advice.
Surela schrieb:
I’m curious about the exact size and scope of your collectionGood question. At the moment, I have just under 200 volumes, mostly standard shonen format, each about 13 cm (5 inches) wide, 18 cm (7 inches) high, and between 1.3 and 2 cm (0.5 and 0.8 inches) thick. The shelf has 8 sections stacked vertically, and I fill each section with roughly two rows of books, one behind the other, but because the shelf is quite deep, it looks rather empty and there’s a lot of space around the books. I prefer to avoid improvising too much and want a solution that looks more professional without requiring a lot of effort. Materials like wood or MDF would be acceptable if it doesn’t get too complicated.
P
PeoDaniel22 May 2023 13:57Vin_ba,
With 200 volumes and the planned organization, this means you will have about 25 volumes per compartment if you plan for two rows per compartment. This is realistic as long as the shelf dividers are slim.
I would recommend a mix of custom-made wooden or MDF shelf dividers and bookends. Adjustable shelf dividers can be cut precisely to height and width – many hardware stores offer boards that can be cut to size. The more exact the measurements in millimeters, the more stable everything will be.
Bookends or metal dividers can also be used as supplements if you want to separate series or keep them in different rows.
Also: If you don’t need the backing of the Kallax shelf, you can possibly add braces with narrow wooden strips or hook-and-loop tape to make the dividers more stable.
A small tip: Paint or seal the wooden boards so they don’t react to moisture from the books or collect dust.
With 200 volumes and the planned organization, this means you will have about 25 volumes per compartment if you plan for two rows per compartment. This is realistic as long as the shelf dividers are slim.
I would recommend a mix of custom-made wooden or MDF shelf dividers and bookends. Adjustable shelf dividers can be cut precisely to height and width – many hardware stores offer boards that can be cut to size. The more exact the measurements in millimeters, the more stable everything will be.
Bookends or metal dividers can also be used as supplements if you want to separate series or keep them in different rows.
Also: If you don’t need the backing of the Kallax shelf, you can possibly add braces with narrow wooden strips or hook-and-loop tape to make the dividers more stable.
A small tip: Paint or seal the wooden boards so they don’t react to moisture from the books or collect dust.
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