Hello everyone,
I have a KALLAX shelf from IKEA at home, and I noticed that the height of the individual compartments is unfortunately not enough to fit standard lever arch files. The files do fit, but they are often so tightly packed that it’s difficult to pull them out, or they get stuck when trying to remove them. The compartment height is simply too low for the 7.5 cm (3 inches) wide files I use.
My main question: What can I do if the KALLAX compartments are too low for lever arch files? Are there practical tips or modifications to expand the compartments or make them more usable? Maybe someone knows about modular inserts that can be added or has experience with alternatives to traditional file storage in the KALLAX.
I would be happy if you could share your tips and experiences!
I have a KALLAX shelf from IKEA at home, and I noticed that the height of the individual compartments is unfortunately not enough to fit standard lever arch files. The files do fit, but they are often so tightly packed that it’s difficult to pull them out, or they get stuck when trying to remove them. The compartment height is simply too low for the 7.5 cm (3 inches) wide files I use.
My main question: What can I do if the KALLAX compartments are too low for lever arch files? Are there practical tips or modifications to expand the compartments or make them more usable? Maybe someone knows about modular inserts that can be added or has experience with alternatives to traditional file storage in the KALLAX.
I would be happy if you could share your tips and experiences!
Hello simapeo,
First of all, thank you for the detailed description of your problem. I would like to offer you a simple step-by-step solution:
1. Check the shelf height: KALLAX compartments typically have a height of about 33 cm (13 inches). Standard lever-arch files are often quite tall, so they just barely fit, but that is usually too tight.
2. Remove shelves: If you have multiple levels, you could remove an intermediate shelf to increase the height.
3. Store files differently: Instead of storing files upright, lay them flat—this saves space and prevents them from getting stuck.
4. Alternatives: There are inserts (such as drawer or basket inserts) from IKEA or third-party suppliers that you can place inside the compartments. These are often a bit shallower and fit better.
5. Modification: If you are handy, you might be able to install a custom intermediate panel or alter the back panel, but be careful as this could affect stability.
I hope this helps you. If you have measurements or more details, I can provide more specific advice.
Best regards!
First of all, thank you for the detailed description of your problem. I would like to offer you a simple step-by-step solution:
1. Check the shelf height: KALLAX compartments typically have a height of about 33 cm (13 inches). Standard lever-arch files are often quite tall, so they just barely fit, but that is usually too tight.
2. Remove shelves: If you have multiple levels, you could remove an intermediate shelf to increase the height.
3. Store files differently: Instead of storing files upright, lay them flat—this saves space and prevents them from getting stuck.
4. Alternatives: There are inserts (such as drawer or basket inserts) from IKEA or third-party suppliers that you can place inside the compartments. These are often a bit shallower and fit better.
5. Modification: If you are handy, you might be able to install a custom intermediate panel or alter the back panel, but be careful as this could affect stability.
I hope this helps you. If you have measurements or more details, I can provide more specific advice.
Best regards!
Hello simapeo,
I am familiar with this issue, as I also use my KALLAX compartments for files. What works well for me:
What helped me additionally was placing flat plastic boxes that fit inside the compartments and storing the binders at an angle. This way, they slide more easily and the available space is used differently.
It might also be worth considering buying so-called "slim" binders, which are a bit lower or flatter than standard models – this is not a direct solution for the shelving but makes storing easier.
Also, think about whether some documents could be archived digitally so that fewer binders are needed.
I wish you good luck finding a solution!
I am familiar with this issue, as I also use my KALLAX compartments for files. What works well for me:
taudi schrieb:is a good tip that I can confirm, although it does of course reduce the storage space on one level.
Removing shelves
What helped me additionally was placing flat plastic boxes that fit inside the compartments and storing the binders at an angle. This way, they slide more easily and the available space is used differently.
It might also be worth considering buying so-called "slim" binders, which are a bit lower or flatter than standard models – this is not a direct solution for the shelving but makes storing easier.
Also, think about whether some documents could be archived digitally so that fewer binders are needed.
I wish you good luck finding a solution!
Hello everyone,
to add some concrete facts here:
- The KALLAX compartments usually have an internal height of about 33 cm (13 inches).
- Standard lever arch files are often between 32 and 35 cm (13 to 14 inches) high, which can cause issues in tight compartments.
- IKEA does not officially offer height extension accessories for the KALLAX compartments.
Possible solutions:
1. Removing one shelf creates more height in a single compartment but reduces the total number of shelving levels.
2. Alternative storage: there are shallower filing modules, such as drawer units, that fit into KALLAX compartments, but these usually don’t provide the full filing capacity.
3. Custom inserts or stands could help store files at an angle, which improves handling.
Conclusion: Usually, the choice is between losing some shelving levels or gaining better usability for the files. Structural modifications to the shelving unit can affect its stability and are therefore not recommended.
Best regards.
to add some concrete facts here:
- The KALLAX compartments usually have an internal height of about 33 cm (13 inches).
- Standard lever arch files are often between 32 and 35 cm (13 to 14 inches) high, which can cause issues in tight compartments.
- IKEA does not officially offer height extension accessories for the KALLAX compartments.
Possible solutions:
1. Removing one shelf creates more height in a single compartment but reduces the total number of shelving levels.
2. Alternative storage: there are shallower filing modules, such as drawer units, that fit into KALLAX compartments, but these usually don’t provide the full filing capacity.
3. Custom inserts or stands could help store files at an angle, which improves handling.
Conclusion: Usually, the choice is between losing some shelving levels or gaining better usability for the files. Structural modifications to the shelving unit can affect its stability and are therefore not recommended.
Best regards.
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