ᐅ Kallax in the Children's Room: How to Secure It?

Created on: 15 Aug 2022 08:37
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DALIS30
Hello everyone,

I am planning to install an IKEA Kallax shelving unit in my daughter’s bedroom. Since the shelf will be quite tall and needs to be stable, I am wondering how best to secure the Kallax to ensure maximum safety without unnecessarily damaging the walls. The room has textured wallpaper on drywall, and I am concerned about fixing it to the wall, especially given the potential load from items placed on the shelf.

Has anyone had experience securing Kallax units in a child’s room and can offer advice on effective methods? Are there specific brackets, wall anchors, or safety systems that have proven reliable? Any insights on how to anchor it properly in this type of wall material would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
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Alberto51
15 Aug 2022 16:03
I completely understand how unsettling the idea is that a shelf could tip over, especially when children are around. What helped me increase safety was using not only metal brackets but also these anti-tip straps. They are secured with adhesive tape to both the shelf and the wall, providing extra protection in case a child pulls on or climbs the furniture.

It was important to me not to put too much strain on the walls, as we also had a drywall (plasterboard) wall. The brackets and the securing straps have a very reassuring effect. Especially with furniture like this, I believe it’s important not to cut corners. :-)

How does the shelf feel at your place now? Has anyone had experience with this kind of setup?
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DULIS
15 Aug 2022 17:22
Anti-tip straps are usually sufficient if installed correctly. For drywall, it is really important to use metal expansion anchors. Screwing directly into the wall provides little stability. If possible, use two anchoring points with metal brackets as well – this will make the shelf truly secure.
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meGreg
15 Aug 2022 18:44
I think Kallax is a real classic for the nursery – and safety is absolutely essential here! :-)

I like Alberto51’s idea of using anti-tip safety straps. They can be installed almost invisibly, and it gives you great peace of mind when little ones are around. Who doesn’t appreciate a bit of extra safety? 😉

Here’s another tip from me: if you’re placing the shelf directly on the floor anyway, non-slip screw feet or felt pads under the shelf would be brilliant. This prevents slipping and further reduces the risk of tipping without needing to drill.

Has anyone ever tried using these felt pads in a nursery?
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gauvin37
16 Aug 2022 08:01
Felt pads are great for protecting the floor from scratches caused by the shelf, but they do not provide any safety. The most important thing is securing the shelf to the wall with the correct anchors and brackets. Without wall fastening, it will not prevent tipping over.
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DALIS30
16 Aug 2022 11:25
Lotizar schrieb:
Metal anchors, often known by names like "toggle anchors" or "metal expansion anchors"

Thanks for the precise anchor tips!
Alberto51 schrieb:
I have used anti-tip safety straps. They are secured to the shelf and the wall with adhesive tape

How reliable are these anti-tip straps? Do you need to drill holes for them, or can they be installed completely without drilling?
meGreg schrieb:
If you are placing the shelf on the floor anyway, non-slip screw feet or felt pads under the shelf would be great

I already have felt pads, but that alone is probably not enough. Your answers help me a lot; I am now considering a combination of metal brackets with metal expansion anchors PLUS anti-tip straps to be absolutely safe.
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AUSTINREN
17 Aug 2022 09:46
DALIS30 schrieb:
How reliable are these anti-tip straps? Do you need to drill for them, or can they be installed completely without holes?

Anti-tip straps that stick with adhesive tape should be considered additional protection rather than a full securing method. Over time, they may come loose, especially on textured wallpapers. For truly reliable safety, it is always best to use drill-based fixings. There are options with screws and ones with adhesive tape; I recommend the screwed systems for securing Kallax units in children's rooms.