ᐅ KALLAX compartments too narrow for A4-sized books – any tips?
Created on: 28 Jan 2020 19:27
L
Lomorad59L
Lomorad5928 Jan 2020 19:27Hello everyone,
I recently bought a KALLAX shelf from IKEA and mainly wanted to use it to store books in A4 format – for example, larger coffee table books, binders, and similar items. However, I have now realized that the height, especially the depth and width of the individual compartments, is quite limited, so many books don’t fit properly or stick out too much.
Has anyone had experience with how to best solve this problem? Are there clever solutions to make the compartments more flexible for A4 books, or do you have to switch to other types of shelving? Modifications, removing shelves, or other options are also of interest.
Looking forward to tips and discussion, thanks in advance!
I recently bought a KALLAX shelf from IKEA and mainly wanted to use it to store books in A4 format – for example, larger coffee table books, binders, and similar items. However, I have now realized that the height, especially the depth and width of the individual compartments, is quite limited, so many books don’t fit properly or stick out too much.
Has anyone had experience with how to best solve this problem? Are there clever solutions to make the compartments more flexible for A4 books, or do you have to switch to other types of shelving? Modifications, removing shelves, or other options are also of interest.
Looking forward to tips and discussion, thanks in advance!
The Kallax compartments are somewhat tight for books in DIN A4 size, as they are designed with a back panel and fixed shelf heights. A common approach is to remove the back panel to increase the storage depth slightly. However, this requires some DIY skills and slightly reduces the stability.
Another option is to modify parts of the shelf by removing intermediate shelves or replacing them with larger shelves to create a compartment with sufficient interior dimensions. For very large-format books, specially designed bookcases with adjustable shelving are usually better suited, as the Kallax series is generally intended for smaller formats.
Another option is to modify parts of the shelf by removing intermediate shelves or replacing them with larger shelves to create a compartment with sufficient interior dimensions. For very large-format books, specially designed bookcases with adjustable shelving are usually better suited, as the Kallax series is generally intended for smaller formats.
Hello Lomorad59,
I’m familiar with your issue because I also store photo books and A4 binders on my KALLAX shelves. It’s important to first know that the internal dimensions of each compartment are about 33 x 33 cm (13 x 13 inches), which just fits A4-sized books standing up, but can be tight with particularly thick books or photography volumes.
This tip is often helpful if your shelving unit has enough overall space. Laying the books flat prevents them from sticking out at the top.
That’s a good option, but you should definitely keep stability in mind, perhaps by adding extra brackets or support strips. Also, without a back panel, loose shelves might be more prone to slipping.
If modifications aren’t possible, you might also consider using narrow boxes or containers that fit inside the compartment and hold the books upright without them being too loose. I hope this helps you a bit! 🙂
I’m familiar with your issue because I also store photo books and A4 binders on my KALLAX shelves. It’s important to first know that the internal dimensions of each compartment are about 33 x 33 cm (13 x 13 inches), which just fits A4-sized books standing up, but can be tight with particularly thick books or photography volumes.
glapu schrieb:
Alternatively, store them lying down instead of standing, if there’s enough room.
This tip is often helpful if your shelving unit has enough overall space. Laying the books flat prevents them from sticking out at the top.
BOSULE schrieb:
Removing the back panel of the shelf to slightly increase the storage depth.
That’s a good option, but you should definitely keep stability in mind, perhaps by adding extra brackets or support strips. Also, without a back panel, loose shelves might be more prone to slipping.
If modifications aren’t possible, you might also consider using narrow boxes or containers that fit inside the compartment and hold the books upright without them being too loose. I hope this helps you a bit! 🙂
I really understand your problem, I’ve looked into this myself and found it frustrating when nice large books simply don’t fit properly into the KALLAX. The shelves are actually very practical, but not always the perfect solution for oversized books.
One idea I found noteworthy is to omit the back panel, as BOSULE suggests, and then use wooden strips or thin metal profiles as guides for the shelves. This requires a bit more effort, but it gives you much more flexibility.
I found that very helpful too. It not only keeps things organized, but also protects the books and makes them easier to handle. Maybe even stackable.
Don’t stress too much, sometimes these practical solutions are better than looking for a completely new shelving system. 🙂
One idea I found noteworthy is to omit the back panel, as BOSULE suggests, and then use wooden strips or thin metal profiles as guides for the shelves. This requires a bit more effort, but it gives you much more flexibility.
LENNAU schrieb:
If renovation work is not an option, you could also consider using narrow boxes or crates
I found that very helpful too. It not only keeps things organized, but also protects the books and makes them easier to handle. Maybe even stackable.
Don’t stress too much, sometimes these practical solutions are better than looking for a completely new shelving system. 🙂
To the point: The external dimensions of the KALLAX shelving unit and its layout follow a modular grid height of 33 cm (13 inches) per compartment. A standard A4 binder is about 31 cm (12 inches) tall, which should theoretically fit.
In practice, however, the usable interior space of each compartment is limited by the thickness of the back panel and the material thickness of the sides. The depth of the KALLAX is approximately 39 cm (15 inches), which is sufficient for A4 books, provided the books do not have unusually deep covers or dust jackets.
A practical step is to remove the back panel, and if stability is a concern, to add metal brackets or diagonal braces at the back. The unit should be anchored to the wall to minimize wobbling.
Alternatively, IKEA itself offers other modular shelving systems (e.g., BESTÅ or Billy) with greater depth and adjustable compartment heights. If the manufacturer provides options for customization, this is usually the most reliable solution.
In summary: There is no direct fault with the KALLAX, but its design and materials impose limitations. Modifications and reinforcement are necessary if larger compartment sizes are desired.
In practice, however, the usable interior space of each compartment is limited by the thickness of the back panel and the material thickness of the sides. The depth of the KALLAX is approximately 39 cm (15 inches), which is sufficient for A4 books, provided the books do not have unusually deep covers or dust jackets.
A practical step is to remove the back panel, and if stability is a concern, to add metal brackets or diagonal braces at the back. The unit should be anchored to the wall to minimize wobbling.
Alternatively, IKEA itself offers other modular shelving systems (e.g., BESTÅ or Billy) with greater depth and adjustable compartment heights. If the manufacturer provides options for customization, this is usually the most reliable solution.
In summary: There is no direct fault with the KALLAX, but its design and materials impose limitations. Modifications and reinforcement are necessary if larger compartment sizes are desired.
Similar topics