ᐅ My KALLAX shelf makes a rattling noise when I insert storage boxes – how can I reduce the noise?
Created on: 2 Aug 2024 08:37
L
laumarHello everyone,
Some time ago, I equipped my IKEA KALLAX shelf with speaker boxes, but the shelf rattles quite a lot as soon as I put the speakers in or even move them slightly. The speakers are placed directly in the compartments without a secure fit, so they make noise when touched, which is really annoying when listening to music.
I suspect the rattling is caused by the speakers’ vibrations and the lack of stability within the compartment. Has anyone had experience with how to dampen the shelf or the speakers without making major modifications to the furniture? I’m thinking of materials like foam, felt, or other padding layers, but which ones work well and are easy to apply?
I would really appreciate any advice on the best ways to reduce noise and vibrations in the KALLAX.
Thanks in advance!
Some time ago, I equipped my IKEA KALLAX shelf with speaker boxes, but the shelf rattles quite a lot as soon as I put the speakers in or even move them slightly. The speakers are placed directly in the compartments without a secure fit, so they make noise when touched, which is really annoying when listening to music.
I suspect the rattling is caused by the speakers’ vibrations and the lack of stability within the compartment. Has anyone had experience with how to dampen the shelf or the speakers without making major modifications to the furniture? I’m thinking of materials like foam, felt, or other padding layers, but which ones work well and are easy to apply?
I would really appreciate any advice on the best ways to reduce noise and vibrations in the KALLAX.
Thanks in advance!
Hello,
to minimize rattling, I recommend the following three-step approach:
1. Intermediate layer: Use self-adhesive acoustic foam pads or felt mats, which you can stick onto the support surfaces of the shelf. These act as cushioning and dampen both vibrations and impacts.
2. Check contact surfaces: Make sure the boxes are as fully surrounded by the cushioning material as possible, or at least that they don’t touch any hard surfaces on the shelf. A secure fit helps prevent rattling.
3. Additional securing: If the boxes still have some play, you can use small edge protection profiles or rubber, for example from old cable or window seals. These can be easily cut to size and prevent movement.
Common mistakes include using materials that are too thin or that compress over time and lose their effectiveness. So make sure the material has sufficient thickness and firmness.
I hope this helps!
to minimize rattling, I recommend the following three-step approach:
1. Intermediate layer: Use self-adhesive acoustic foam pads or felt mats, which you can stick onto the support surfaces of the shelf. These act as cushioning and dampen both vibrations and impacts.
2. Check contact surfaces: Make sure the boxes are as fully surrounded by the cushioning material as possible, or at least that they don’t touch any hard surfaces on the shelf. A secure fit helps prevent rattling.
3. Additional securing: If the boxes still have some play, you can use small edge protection profiles or rubber, for example from old cable or window seals. These can be easily cut to size and prevent movement.
Common mistakes include using materials that are too thin or that compress over time and lose their effectiveness. So make sure the material has sufficient thickness and firmness.
I hope this helps!
fredle schrieb:
Make sure the boxes are fully surrounded by the cushioning material or at least do not touch any hard surfaces on the shelf.That hits the mark very well.
In addition, I would recommend checking the surfaces of both the boxes and the shelf compartments. Smooth wood or particleboard can quickly cause rattling or vibrations when in direct contact. A few millimeters of felt or foam at the corners or edges work wonders.
I had similar issues and, after several attempts, achieved very good results by using felt pads on the underside of the boxes. It’s also important that the boxes don’t wobble, as that amplifies the noises.
If you provide more details about the construction of your boxes and their materials, I can offer more targeted advice.
For additional information:
The rattling mainly occurs due to loose contacts that allow vibrations to transmit freely through the shelf. To minimize the mechanical transfer of vibrations from the speakers to the wood, so-called decoupling materials are ideal.
Good examples include:
- Soft rubber or silicone pads placed under the speakers
- Special speaker isolators that dampen vibrations
Most simple materials like felt are good for scratch protection but often provide less effective vibration damping.
If the shelf vibrates significantly, it is also worth checking whether it is securely fixed to the wall or if it wobbles. A stable setup noticeably reduces noise.
The rattling mainly occurs due to loose contacts that allow vibrations to transmit freely through the shelf. To minimize the mechanical transfer of vibrations from the speakers to the wood, so-called decoupling materials are ideal.
Good examples include:
- Soft rubber or silicone pads placed under the speakers
- Special speaker isolators that dampen vibrations
Most simple materials like felt are good for scratch protection but often provide less effective vibration damping.
If the shelf vibrates significantly, it is also worth checking whether it is securely fixed to the wall or if it wobbles. A stable setup noticeably reduces noise.
I can really understand the frustration; that kind of noise is really annoying when listening to music.
Personally, it helped me to use several layers of different materials in this order: first, a thin layer of felt or velvet, then an insulation layer made of closed-cell foam or sponge rubber – this not only absorbs vibrations but also prevents the box from sliding around.
I also made sure to regularly check that everything was still properly in place – especially with flexible shelving units like KALLAX, things tend to shift and the noise comes back.
With the right combination, the furniture feels more stable, and I almost enjoy listening to music again. 🙂
Personally, it helped me to use several layers of different materials in this order: first, a thin layer of felt or velvet, then an insulation layer made of closed-cell foam or sponge rubber – this not only absorbs vibrations but also prevents the box from sliding around.
I also made sure to regularly check that everything was still properly in place – especially with flexible shelving units like KALLAX, things tend to shift and the noise comes back.
With the right combination, the furniture feels more stable, and I almost enjoy listening to music again. 🙂
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