ᐅ KALLAX Compartments Too Small for Large Coffee Table Books – Is It Possible to Modify Them?
Created on: 8 Aug 2023 17:39
T
TubauHello everyone,
I’m facing the issue that the individual compartments of my IKEA KALLAX shelf are simply too small for my large coffee table books. Many of these books are usually over 33 cm (13 inches) tall, while the KALLAX compartments are only about 33 cm (13 inches) high. Even when placing them sideways, they often don’t fit properly, and it doesn’t look neat.
So my question is: Are there practical and sturdy ways to modify or adjust the KALLAX shelf to make the compartments a bit taller or larger, so that big coffee table books fit without having to buy a different, more expensive solution?
How have you solved this? Does anyone have experience with modifications to the KALLAX, such as removing shelves or using external inserts?
I’m looking forward to tips and instructions or alternative suggestions on how to better use the shelf for large coffee table books.
I’m facing the issue that the individual compartments of my IKEA KALLAX shelf are simply too small for my large coffee table books. Many of these books are usually over 33 cm (13 inches) tall, while the KALLAX compartments are only about 33 cm (13 inches) high. Even when placing them sideways, they often don’t fit properly, and it doesn’t look neat.
So my question is: Are there practical and sturdy ways to modify or adjust the KALLAX shelf to make the compartments a bit taller or larger, so that big coffee table books fit without having to buy a different, more expensive solution?
How have you solved this? Does anyone have experience with modifications to the KALLAX, such as removing shelves or using external inserts?
I’m looking forward to tips and instructions or alternative suggestions on how to better use the shelf for large coffee table books.
Hello Tubau,
The compartments in the KALLAX system are generally about 33x33 cm (13x13 inches) in size – one of the design basics is this modular, consistent dimension. Modifying it to increase the compartment height would require significant effort since every shelf supports weight, and changing this would reduce the overall stability of the unit.
A common approach is to remove individual shelves to create a double-height compartment, effectively doubling the height. This works well if you want to store large-format books, for example. However, you should pay attention to the side panels and the unit as a whole because the sides will have less support.
Alternatively, I recommend expanding the KALLAX using external adapters or top units to gain more height without altering the original unit.
Practical too are sturdy wooden boards as additional intermediate shelves, which you can cut to exact measurements. This is not an official solution, but often some DIY skills and materials are needed to get the dimensions right.
In summary: modification is possible, but with limitations and no standardized procedure.
The compartments in the KALLAX system are generally about 33x33 cm (13x13 inches) in size – one of the design basics is this modular, consistent dimension. Modifying it to increase the compartment height would require significant effort since every shelf supports weight, and changing this would reduce the overall stability of the unit.
A common approach is to remove individual shelves to create a double-height compartment, effectively doubling the height. This works well if you want to store large-format books, for example. However, you should pay attention to the side panels and the unit as a whole because the sides will have less support.
Alternatively, I recommend expanding the KALLAX using external adapters or top units to gain more height without altering the original unit.
Practical too are sturdy wooden boards as additional intermediate shelves, which you can cut to exact measurements. This is not an official solution, but often some DIY skills and materials are needed to get the dimensions right.
In summary: modification is possible, but with limitations and no standardized procedure.
I understand your problem well, Tubau. Large coffee table books are a bit like works of art, and they deserve the right place!
I had the same dilemma for years with my KALLAX. For me, it helped not only to consider the height but also the type of storage – laying them flat is usually more stable and looks tidier.
If you’re already thinking about modifying the shelf, I can encourage you: carefully remove the intermediate shelves and reinforce them with sturdy battens or brackets to prevent the unit from wobbling. You almost feel like a furniture maker, which can be stressful at times, but the warm feeling when everything fits is worth it.
I’m curious to see what you decide and if you want to try other ideas.
I had the same dilemma for years with my KALLAX. For me, it helped not only to consider the height but also the type of storage – laying them flat is usually more stable and looks tidier.
If you’re already thinking about modifying the shelf, I can encourage you: carefully remove the intermediate shelves and reinforce them with sturdy battens or brackets to prevent the unit from wobbling. You almost feel like a furniture maker, which can be stressful at times, but the warm feeling when everything fits is worth it.
I’m curious to see what you decide and if you want to try other ideas.
Hello Tubau,
I want to address this topic in more detail because the KALLAX issue is often underestimated. The shelf is designed as a modular unit with compartment sizes up to 33x33 cm (13x13 inches). The shelves are not just visual dividers but provide essential load support for the side panels and overall stability.
If you want to create a taller compartment by removing the middle shelf, please consider the following points:
- The load capacity changes. The taller compartment will have less lateral support, which can cause the side panels to bend.
- To ensure stability, I recommend using thicker side reinforcements. Metal brackets inside, screwed to the shelf base and side panels, work well for this.
- Depending on how many compartments you combine, there is an increased risk of twisting, especially if you cannot secure the shelf to the wall.
- Another approach is to use solid wood shelves as additional supports, placing them where the original shelves were and fixing them with sturdy screws.
I would like to know how many compartments you plan to modify and the size of the coffee table books. Existing wall mounts or the intended location (living room, office) are also relevant for a reliable assessment of feasibility.
I’m happy to assist you with a customized solution.
I want to address this topic in more detail because the KALLAX issue is often underestimated. The shelf is designed as a modular unit with compartment sizes up to 33x33 cm (13x13 inches). The shelves are not just visual dividers but provide essential load support for the side panels and overall stability.
If you want to create a taller compartment by removing the middle shelf, please consider the following points:
- The load capacity changes. The taller compartment will have less lateral support, which can cause the side panels to bend.
- To ensure stability, I recommend using thicker side reinforcements. Metal brackets inside, screwed to the shelf base and side panels, work well for this.
- Depending on how many compartments you combine, there is an increased risk of twisting, especially if you cannot secure the shelf to the wall.
- Another approach is to use solid wood shelves as additional supports, placing them where the original shelves were and fixing them with sturdy screws.
I would like to know how many compartments you plan to modify and the size of the coffee table books. Existing wall mounts or the intended location (living room, office) are also relevant for a reliable assessment of feasibility.
I’m happy to assist you with a customized solution.
GOLO42 schrieb:
I would like to know how many compartments you want to modify and what the dimensions of the large-format books are.Thank you for the detailed overview, GOLO42.
I would like to modify at least three of the compartments, removing the shelves in each to gain about 66 cm (26 inches) in height. The large-format books are often around 38 cm (15 inches) tall, with most just over 35 cm (14 inches).
The bookshelf is located in a fairly stable area in the living room, so it can be easily fixed to the wall. The overall depth of the bookshelf is 39 cm (15 inches), which makes placing large books horizontally more difficult but still possible with careful arrangement.
I am primarily looking for a sturdy and visually appealing solution.
One more question: Is it possible to insert custom-cut wood panels instead of the original IKEA shelves to individually adjust the compartment height? Or would this cause issues with stability?
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