Hello everyone,
I have a sizable vinyl collection, but unfortunately my Ikea KALLAX shelf has become too small. The current layout no longer works, mainly because of the depth and the number of compartments. I’m considering modifying the KALLAX or expanding it with simple methods to safely accommodate more records without buying new bulky furniture. Does anyone have experience with effectively customizing KALLAX shelves? I’m especially interested in:
- Are there reliable ways to increase the depth of the compartments?
- How can more storage space be created without compromising the appearance?
- Would a combination of modification and accessories like narrow extensions or extra shelves be suitable?
I would really appreciate tips on remodeling, enlarging, or adding on. I’m reasonably handy, but I’m looking for practical DIY ideas rather than professional-level solutions.
Best regards!
I have a sizable vinyl collection, but unfortunately my Ikea KALLAX shelf has become too small. The current layout no longer works, mainly because of the depth and the number of compartments. I’m considering modifying the KALLAX or expanding it with simple methods to safely accommodate more records without buying new bulky furniture. Does anyone have experience with effectively customizing KALLAX shelves? I’m especially interested in:
- Are there reliable ways to increase the depth of the compartments?
- How can more storage space be created without compromising the appearance?
- Would a combination of modification and accessories like narrow extensions or extra shelves be suitable?
I would really appreciate tips on remodeling, enlarging, or adding on. I’m reasonably handy, but I’m looking for practical DIY ideas rather than professional-level solutions.
Best regards!
The compartments in the KALLAX are actually a bit shallow for LPs; most 33rpm LPs are 31cm (12 inches) wide, but the shelf itself is only 33cm (13 inches) deep in total.
A simple solution is to remove the back panel and move the shelf further back. Alternatively, you can place several KALLAX units side by side to create more horizontal capacity.
A simple solution is to remove the back panel and move the shelf further back. Alternatively, you can place several KALLAX units side by side to create more horizontal capacity.
Hello tarpa,
I’m familiar with your problem, as my vinyl collection keeps growing as well. Here’s a brief guide on how you could modify your KALLAX shelf unit:
1. Remove the back panel: The fixed back limits the depth. If you carefully remove it, you can screw the shelves into the rear part of the unit to gain some extra depth. Make sure the stability is not compromised.
2. Adjust the shelves: If you’re handy, you can make new shelves from slightly thicker material that fit the new dimensions exactly.
3. Modular expansion: Ikea offers KALLAX add-ons that allow you to adjust the width and number of compartments without having to buy a completely new piece of furniture.
4. Increase depth with an external backing: You can attach an additional wooden back panel to extend the depth of the compartment—this way your LPs will sit safely and evenly in the shelf.
It’s important to keep load capacity in mind. The KALLAX unit is designed for the weight of the original shelves, so ensure the shelf stays stable to avoid any structural issues.
Good luck with your project! 🙂
I’m familiar with your problem, as my vinyl collection keeps growing as well. Here’s a brief guide on how you could modify your KALLAX shelf unit:
1. Remove the back panel: The fixed back limits the depth. If you carefully remove it, you can screw the shelves into the rear part of the unit to gain some extra depth. Make sure the stability is not compromised.
2. Adjust the shelves: If you’re handy, you can make new shelves from slightly thicker material that fit the new dimensions exactly.
3. Modular expansion: Ikea offers KALLAX add-ons that allow you to adjust the width and number of compartments without having to buy a completely new piece of furniture.
4. Increase depth with an external backing: You can attach an additional wooden back panel to extend the depth of the compartment—this way your LPs will sit safely and evenly in the shelf.
It’s important to keep load capacity in mind. The KALLAX unit is designed for the weight of the original shelves, so ensure the shelf stays stable to avoid any structural issues.
Good luck with your project! 🙂
WARREN schrieb:
Remove the back panel and move the shelf further back Interesting suggestion, but I think it’s also worth considering whether a piece of furniture designed specifically for LPs from the start wouldn’t be more practical than modifying a unit originally intended for decorative items or books.
Guyju schrieb:
Expand modularly and add exterior cladding That sounds stylish, but at what point does it stop being DIY and start looking like an awkward patchwork? Especially with LPs, I feel it’s a shame if the appearance of the shelf suffers.
Maybe a completely new shelf with more depth and additional compartments is actually the better long-term solution? Just offering a different perspective to modifying existing furniture. :-)
Of course, it depends on space and budget, and I agree with you on that, tarpa.
Similar topics