ᐅ KALLAX Insert Too Tight for Large Boxes – Suggestions for New Dimensions?
Created on: 30 Jan 2022 18:07
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Freddy61Hello everyone,
I have a problem with an Ikea KALLAX shelf unit, where I want to fit larger boxes or storage containers. However, the standard compartment dimensions seem too tight for many of the bigger boxes I found – they just don’t fit properly, especially the depth and height don’t seem right. I’m wondering if there are any tips or experiences on how to adjust the internal dimensions effectively or which alternative sizes are recommended to fit larger boxes into a KALLAX shelf – maybe custom modifications when cutting or alternative box sizes in relation to the shelf dimensions.
Who has practical experience with this? I’m looking for as precise measurements as possible, ideally also with information about maximum load capacity or similar. Thanks a lot!
I have a problem with an Ikea KALLAX shelf unit, where I want to fit larger boxes or storage containers. However, the standard compartment dimensions seem too tight for many of the bigger boxes I found – they just don’t fit properly, especially the depth and height don’t seem right. I’m wondering if there are any tips or experiences on how to adjust the internal dimensions effectively or which alternative sizes are recommended to fit larger boxes into a KALLAX shelf – maybe custom modifications when cutting or alternative box sizes in relation to the shelf dimensions.
Who has practical experience with this? I’m looking for as precise measurements as possible, ideally also with information about maximum load capacity or similar. Thanks a lot!
Hello Freddy61,
your question is well formulated and addresses a common issue with KALLAX shelves: the external dimensions of the boxes are often not perfectly matched to the individual compartments, especially with larger containers.
The typical compartment size of a KALLAX is about 33 cm (13 inches) wide, 33 cm (13 inches) high, and 39 cm (15 inches) deep. However, you should keep in mind that the boxes need to be slightly smaller to fit comfortably – I recommend at least 1 to 1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 inches) less in each dimension, so roughly 31.5 x 31.5 x 37.5 cm (12.4 x 12.4 x 14.8 inches) as approximate internal dimensions. For large boxes, I would keep the height around 30 cm (12 inches), since frame elements can quickly reduce available space.
If you build the boxes yourself, these dimensions are ideal. For store-bought boxes, it’s better to measure before purchasing and consider this tolerance. The load capacity is determined by the shelf and is usually around 13-15 kg (29-33 lbs) per compartment.
I hope this helps you.
your question is well formulated and addresses a common issue with KALLAX shelves: the external dimensions of the boxes are often not perfectly matched to the individual compartments, especially with larger containers.
The typical compartment size of a KALLAX is about 33 cm (13 inches) wide, 33 cm (13 inches) high, and 39 cm (15 inches) deep. However, you should keep in mind that the boxes need to be slightly smaller to fit comfortably – I recommend at least 1 to 1.5 cm (0.4 to 0.6 inches) less in each dimension, so roughly 31.5 x 31.5 x 37.5 cm (12.4 x 12.4 x 14.8 inches) as approximate internal dimensions. For large boxes, I would keep the height around 30 cm (12 inches), since frame elements can quickly reduce available space.
If you build the boxes yourself, these dimensions are ideal. For store-bought boxes, it’s better to measure before purchasing and consider this tolerance. The load capacity is determined by the shelf and is usually around 13-15 kg (29-33 lbs) per compartment.
I hope this helps you.
Hello Freddy61,
I would like to add that in practice, the thickness of the KALLAX panels also plays a role in the area of the shelf dividers. Although the shelf is officially specified with certain dimensions, the actual interior space changes due to the panel thickness (1.5 cm to 1.8 cm) (0.6 inches to 0.7 inches).
This is exactly why many standard boxes do not fit perfectly. I especially recommend measuring in advance when using larger boxes to determine whether to adjust the depth or the height—usually depth is more crucial for bigger boxes.
What also often helps is using more flexible fabric boxes that can adapt slightly when placed. Alternatively, it makes sense to remove the shelf dividers (if possible) and combine a custom shelf size with tailor-made wooden boxes.
If you are looking into cutting, a margin of about 2 cm (0.8 inches) should always be left to ensure smooth insertion.
I hope this information helps you!
I would like to add that in practice, the thickness of the KALLAX panels also plays a role in the area of the shelf dividers. Although the shelf is officially specified with certain dimensions, the actual interior space changes due to the panel thickness (1.5 cm to 1.8 cm) (0.6 inches to 0.7 inches).
anken schrieb:
The typical compartment size of a KALLAX is about 33 cm wide, 33 cm high, and 39 cm deep.
This is exactly why many standard boxes do not fit perfectly. I especially recommend measuring in advance when using larger boxes to determine whether to adjust the depth or the height—usually depth is more crucial for bigger boxes.
What also often helps is using more flexible fabric boxes that can adapt slightly when placed. Alternatively, it makes sense to remove the shelf dividers (if possible) and combine a custom shelf size with tailor-made wooden boxes.
If you are looking into cutting, a margin of about 2 cm (0.8 inches) should always be left to ensure smooth insertion.
I hope this information helps you!
N
NICOLELIS31 Jan 2022 08:39Freddy61,
take a look, the KALLAX is designed for standard boxes, approximately 33 x 33 x 39 cm (13 x 13 x 15 inches). For larger boxes, you either have to build your own or choose boxes that are smaller than the compartment. Dimensions around 31.5 x 31.5 x 37 cm (12.4 x 12.4 x 15 inches) give you enough clearance.
take a look, the KALLAX is designed for standard boxes, approximately 33 x 33 x 39 cm (13 x 13 x 15 inches). For larger boxes, you either have to build your own or choose boxes that are smaller than the compartment. Dimensions around 31.5 x 31.5 x 37 cm (12.4 x 12.4 x 15 inches) give you enough clearance.
Freddy61 schrieb:
I’m wondering if there are any tips or experiences on how to adjust the internal dimensions effectively or which alternative sizes are recommended to fit larger boxes into a KALLAX shelfHonestly, there’s not much you can change about the KALLAX shelf without compromising its stability. You should rather consider alternative shelving units that are designed from the start with larger dimensions.
anken schrieb:
I recommend reducing each dimension by at least 1 to 1.5 cm, so approximately 31.5 x 31.5 x 37.5 cm as an approximate internal measurementThat’s a reasonable workaround, but it’s actually a bit of a waste of time if you really want large-volume boxes.
So my advice: reconsider the concept, look for shelves with bigger compartments or ready-made frames designed specifically to accommodate large boxes. Trying to adapt the KALLAX will only make things unnecessarily complicated.
Hello Freddy61,
I would like to briefly address the technical details, as they are often overlooked.
The KALLAX has a shelf depth of about 39 cm (15 inches), of which approximately 3 cm (1 inch) is taken up by the back panel. This means the actual interior depth is around 36 cm (14 inches). The width and height are also slightly reduced by frame profiles and connectors. This often explains why larger boxes do not fit.
If you plan to build or have custom boxes made, I would suggest dimensions of about 31.5 cm (12.5 inches) wide x 31.5 cm (12.5 inches) high x 36 cm (14 inches) deep to allow enough clearance. Avoid modifying the shelf divisions or frame in the unit, as this could compromise stability.
It is also important to regularly consider the weight load; the KALLAX is designed for a maximum load of approximately 15 kilograms (33 pounds) per shelf. Always be cautious with large boxes containing heavy contents.
I hope this helps.
I would like to briefly address the technical details, as they are often overlooked.
The KALLAX has a shelf depth of about 39 cm (15 inches), of which approximately 3 cm (1 inch) is taken up by the back panel. This means the actual interior depth is around 36 cm (14 inches). The width and height are also slightly reduced by frame profiles and connectors. This often explains why larger boxes do not fit.
If you plan to build or have custom boxes made, I would suggest dimensions of about 31.5 cm (12.5 inches) wide x 31.5 cm (12.5 inches) high x 36 cm (14 inches) deep to allow enough clearance. Avoid modifying the shelf divisions or frame in the unit, as this could compromise stability.
It is also important to regularly consider the weight load; the KALLAX is designed for a maximum load of approximately 15 kilograms (33 pounds) per shelf. Always be cautious with large boxes containing heavy contents.
I hope this helps.
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