ᐅ Kallax doors always swing open – is a magnetic catch the solution?

Hello everyone,

Some time ago, I bought a Kallax shelf unit from IKEA and installed doors on it to keep my documents neatly stored inside. The problem is that the doors don’t stay properly closed and tend to open repeatedly. I’ve noticed that the existing latches hardly hold – it probably needs something with a stronger grip.

My question: Has anyone had experience retrofitting magnetic catches on Kallax doors? Do they work reliably? How difficult is the installation, and what type of magnetic catches would you recommend that won’t damage the shelf or make it too complicated?

I look forward to your tips, suggestions, or experiences with what worked best for you. Thanks in advance!

PAFRA9 schrieb:
Has anyone here had experience retrofitting magnetic catches on Kallax doors? Does it work reliably?

Yes, it works well. You need small neodymium magnets and metal plates. Just attach them to the doors and the cabinet; they hold very securely.

As a supplement: Magnetic catches provide a practical solution to securely fasten Kallax doors. It is important to use strong neodymium magnets combined with suitable metal plates.

Installation is usually done by simply screwing or gluing the magnets and plates to the edges of the doors and the frame. Magnetic catches designed specifically for furniture and doors are recommended, as they offer appropriate holding force for wooden surfaces.

Keep in mind that the magnetic force must be strong enough to prevent unintended opening, but still allow easy opening. Thoughtful positioning is crucial, typically at the top or bottom on the inside of the door.

Additionally, it is advisable to test the magnetic effect beforehand with a small trial to avoid damage and faulty investment.

Hello PAFRA9,

I can understand your situation well – the Kallax doors often do not close perfectly, which is due to the simple plug-and-turn mechanism. Magnetic catches are a common and effective solution.

Above all, you should be careful not to use magnets that are too strong, as they can easily damage the wood or, if installed incorrectly, bend the door frames. A simple approach is to use small magnetic strips or round magnets with matching counterparts and attach them with double-sided tape if you don’t want to drill.

Important: Test the holding strength beforehand, as otherwise the doors might be either too stiff or too loose. If you have some handyman skills, you can also buy clip- or latch-style magnetic catches designed for these purposes.

If you need help choosing, I recommend checking Ikea-specific forums or DIY websites for magnetic catches for Kallax – you’ll often find perfectly fitting solutions there.

Laurence schrieb:
First of all, you should be careful not to use magnets that are too strong, as they can easily damage the wood or bend the door frames if installed incorrectly.

This is very good advice! I once indirectly had a problem because I used magnets that were too strong. As a result, the Kallax doors became slightly deformed at the contact points.

My tip: choose magnets of medium strength and attach them more securely using wood glue or double-sided tape. Alternatively, you can buy magnetic catches with plastic or metal housings that protect the contact surface.

In general, I find magnetic solutions easier to adjust and visually appealing when the magnets are installed on the inside.

AUSTINREN schrieb:
Magnetic catches provide a practical solution to securely close Kallax doors.

I generally agree with this, but I’d like to offer a critical perspective. While magnetic catches are often practical, they don’t always guarantee a fully secure locking—especially with heavier doors or when the shelving unit is placed in high-traffic areas.

Some users overlook that magnets can lose their holding power over time due to dust, moisture, or minor vibrations. In addition, frequent opening and closing may cause the adhesive mounting points to come loose.

As an alternative, mechanical snap locks or small latches that hold firmly could be considered. Although usually requiring more effort to install, they tend to provide better long-term durability.