ᐅ Kallax doors open by themselves due to drafts – how can this be prevented?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my Kallax shelving unit. The doors move quite smoothly, but unfortunately, they keep opening by themselves whenever there is a draft in the room. This is particularly annoying because I store some delicate items inside that I don’t want to have to secure constantly. I’m wondering what practical and long-lasting solutions are available to prevent the doors from opening due to drafts without affecting the look or functionality of the Kallax. Has anyone had experience with this or can share effective tips? Which methods are reliable in the long term? Thank you in advance!

The issue with Kallax doors opening due to drafts is a well-known problem. Since the Kallax system does not have built-in magnetic locks, using self-adhesive magnetic catches is a practical solution. These are easy to install, inexpensive, and effectively prevent unintended opening. Alternatively, dampers or door hinges with an integrated stop mechanism can be installed, but this requires more effort. Simple adhesive handles or double-sided tape are generally not recommended, as they tend to come loose with frequent use. Additionally, it’s worth checking whether the doors are properly aligned within the shelf, as even slight misalignments can cause them to open. Drafts can potentially be reduced by using door bottom seals or sealing gaps around the furniture.

Hello lujebau, I’m familiar with that issue as well. The doors of the Kallax shelf unit are constructed so lightly that they tend to open unintentionally even from a slight breeze. In my apartment, I solved this by attaching small magnetic catches to the inside of the doors. They are barely visible, don’t interfere with opening, and hold the doors securely closed. It’s important to clean thoroughly before installation to ensure the adhesive sticks well. Sometimes adding a small felt bumper to the back helps reduce the noise when the door closes. If you prefer not to drill holes, adhesive magnets are the best option.

Magnetic locks are glued, no screws. Identify and seal the source of drafts. If necessary, adjust the door hinge.

liskar schrieb:
Alternatively, dampers or door hinges with built-in stop mechanisms can be installed

I would like to elaborate on this, as it is often overlooked. There are so-called soft-close dampers or hinges, which are especially suitable for lightweight doors and gently control the opening and closing. Especially for Kallax doors, which are inherently simple and plain, a more robust hinge can reduce the problem of drafts because the door is no longer as prone to wobbling.

However, installation requires precise measurements and, if necessary, adjustment of the drill holes, which demands some basic carpentry skills. It is also important that the dampers only work if the door fits properly and is not warped.

Additionally, you should check the surroundings: Where is the draft coming from? If it involves frequently used windows or doors, sealing the window frames or using draft stoppers would be a helpful complementary measure.

In summary, I recommend a multi-faceted approach: mechanical improvement of the doors plus reduction of drafts in the room.

I have a similar issue with my Kallax shelf near a window that is often tilted open. At first, I found it quite annoying that the doors kept opening by themselves, either letting dirt inside or causing things to fall out. What helped me was a small trick: I attached a self-adhesive rubber strip to the inside edge of one door, which presses gently against the frame when closing. This creates a slight resistance that prevents the door from swinging open, but it’s barely noticeable when opening.

Sometimes I consider using magnetic catches, but I don’t want to spoil the look. Maybe I’ll try what Surela suggested with the dampers, but I wouldn’t want to give up the simple rubber strip solution.