ᐅ Is it possible to retrofit magnetic closing mechanisms for Kallax doors?

Hello everyone, I am currently working on fitting doors to my Kallax shelves and am looking for a simple solution to make the doors close magnetically. My specific question is: Is there a way to retrofit Kallax doors with a magnetic closing mechanism that works reliably and discreetly?

I don’t want to make any major structural changes, but the current situation is that the doors either don’t close properly or, when closed, don’t stay shut firmly. Ideally, I’m looking for a retrofit kit or an easy method using magnetic catches or something similar that can be installed cleanly without damaging the shelf unit.

Does anyone have experience with such retrofits? Which products work well and what should I pay attention to – for example, when it comes to installation, magnet strength, or door thickness?

I would appreciate any tips, instructions, or product recommendations, including advice on common issues during installation. Thanks!

Yes, that is possible. You can buy simple built-in magnetic catches that are installed under the door frame or shelf. It is important that the magnetic force is strong enough for the door.

Make sure the screws are not too long to avoid damaging the shelf.

Usually, these are small plates with a counterpart, which you can find at hardware stores or online.

Hello Bau65,

A few months ago, I completed the same project and would like to share my approach, which worked well.

1. Selection of the magnet system: I chose neodymium pin magnets combined with metal plates. These are strong enough to keep the Kallax doors securely closed even with frequent use.

2. Preparation of the doors and shelf parts: It is important to carefully and precisely mark the spots for the magnets and metal plates before attaching them. For the Kallax doors, I also made small indentations with a center punch to ensure the magnets sit flush and even later on.

3. Installation: I drilled small holes to recess the magnets as much as possible and fixed them in place with some construction adhesive. The metal plates were attached to the outside of the shelf frame with short screws.

4. Testing and fine-tuning: After installation, open and close the doors several times to make sure the magnetic force is neither too weak nor so strong that the doors close too abruptly.

An important tip: Avoid magnets that are too strong, requiring excessive force, or too weak, which won’t hold reliably. Also, ensure precise alignment, as any misalignment can make closing difficult.

If you have any questions about the installation, feel free to ask!

Jensson schrieb:
An important tip: Avoid magnets that are too strong and require excessive force, or magnets that are too weak and don’t hold reliably.

That is a very good point. Additionally, I can mention that the material thickness of Kallax doors is often between 1.5 and 2 cm (0.6 and 0.8 inches). If the magnets are positioned incorrectly, the door might touch the shelving unit or fail to close flush.

It is also advisable to use small plastic spacers between the shelf and the door to allow for slight adjustment. This helps the magnets hold more reliably.

The mechanical strength of the mounting must be ensured, as screws or adhesive can weaken over time due to frequent opening and closing.

Otherwise, retrofit kits available at hardware stores, designed specifically for furniture fronts, are often more affordable and precisely matched for similar purposes. However, it is best to verify the exact measurements.

Finally, if you provide more details about your specific Kallax door model, advice can be even more tailored.