ᐅ My KALLAX unit is too low for my vacuum cleaner – any suggestions?
Created on: 28 Sep 2019 07:56
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NaulegendN
Naulegend28 Sep 2019 07:56Hello everyone,
I have a practical issue with my KALLAX shelving system from IKEA. The compartment where I want to place my vacuum cleaner is unfortunately too low. While the vacuum fits in terms of width, the height is simply not sufficient—the handle or upper part hits the edge. I’m reluctant to completely rebuild the shelving since it’s built-in and the vacuum cleaner is intended to have a fixed spot there anyway.
I am therefore looking for ideas on how to increase the internal height of the KALLAX compartment or otherwise accommodate the vacuum cleaner. Possible solutions could include raising the compartment, cutting out a back panel, adding adjustable options, or alternative modular solutions.
Maybe someone has had a similar experience or tips on how to make such a modification to the KALLAX in a practical and stable way? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
I have a practical issue with my KALLAX shelving system from IKEA. The compartment where I want to place my vacuum cleaner is unfortunately too low. While the vacuum fits in terms of width, the height is simply not sufficient—the handle or upper part hits the edge. I’m reluctant to completely rebuild the shelving since it’s built-in and the vacuum cleaner is intended to have a fixed spot there anyway.
I am therefore looking for ideas on how to increase the internal height of the KALLAX compartment or otherwise accommodate the vacuum cleaner. Possible solutions could include raising the compartment, cutting out a back panel, adding adjustable options, or alternative modular solutions.
Maybe someone has had a similar experience or tips on how to make such a modification to the KALLAX in a practical and stable way? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
C
cassandra28 Sep 2019 09:03I am familiar with the issue of limited height in the KALLAX system. Since KALLAX is modular, the best way to adjust it is by removing or swapping individual modules.
Here is a structured suggestion:
1. Check if your KALLAX consists of multiple separate shelving units that you can replace with taller modules (e.g., the larger KALLAX units with 77 cm (30 inches) height instead of the smaller ones with 33 cm (13 inches)).
2. If you cannot swap modules, you can create more vertical space inside by removing an inner false ceiling or cutting out parts of the back panel.
3. Alternatively, you can raise the base of the module, for example with a support panel that holds the vacuum cleaner at an angle so that the upper handle has room.
Be careful: Any changes must not compromise the stability of the KALLAX. Use plywood panels for reinforcing wherever possible.
One more note: If the vacuum cleaner is quite tall, it might be worth comparing this model with another vacuum vertically or storing it lying down if it fits that way.
Here is a structured suggestion:
1. Check if your KALLAX consists of multiple separate shelving units that you can replace with taller modules (e.g., the larger KALLAX units with 77 cm (30 inches) height instead of the smaller ones with 33 cm (13 inches)).
2. If you cannot swap modules, you can create more vertical space inside by removing an inner false ceiling or cutting out parts of the back panel.
3. Alternatively, you can raise the base of the module, for example with a support panel that holds the vacuum cleaner at an angle so that the upper handle has room.
Be careful: Any changes must not compromise the stability of the KALLAX. Use plywood panels for reinforcing wherever possible.
One more note: If the vacuum cleaner is quite tall, it might be worth comparing this model with another vacuum vertically or storing it lying down if it fits that way.
Naulegend schrieb:Could you explain how the shelving is installed? Is it possible to at least modify the back panels or the shelves?
I would rather not completely rebuild the shelving unit since it is fixed in place and the vacuum cleaner is intended to have a permanent spot there anyway.
As an addition:
I have a similar KALLAX system myself and can say from experience that the issue with the back panel is often underestimated. The back panel is usually just a thin hardboard sheet, which can be cut or adjusted with some basic DIY skills without compromising stability, as long as the side walls remain intact.
Steps I would recommend:
1. Measure the vacuum cleaner including the handle very precisely (height, depth, width).
2. Also measure the internal dimensions of the KALLAX module carefully.
3. Check if the top panel of the module is possibly height-adjustable or at least can be loosened.
4. If the shelf is fixed and the top boundary cannot be altered, the best solution is to cut out or modify the back panel. For example, removing the upper half of the back panel so the handle protrudes from the storage space.
5. Be careful, the back panel is important for lateral stability. Therefore, the cutout should be done neatly and reinforced if necessary with thin metal brackets or additional panels.
Personally, I would also recommend placing a thin rubber mat or anti-slip layer at the bottom of the module so the vacuum cleaner doesn’t slip when the shelf is modified.
How large exactly is the difference between the vacuum cleaner height and the internal height of the module? Is the dimension in the range of 5–10cm (2–4 inches)? That would be important to know for recommendations on raises or modifications.
I have a similar KALLAX system myself and can say from experience that the issue with the back panel is often underestimated. The back panel is usually just a thin hardboard sheet, which can be cut or adjusted with some basic DIY skills without compromising stability, as long as the side walls remain intact.
Steps I would recommend:
1. Measure the vacuum cleaner including the handle very precisely (height, depth, width).
2. Also measure the internal dimensions of the KALLAX module carefully.
3. Check if the top panel of the module is possibly height-adjustable or at least can be loosened.
4. If the shelf is fixed and the top boundary cannot be altered, the best solution is to cut out or modify the back panel. For example, removing the upper half of the back panel so the handle protrudes from the storage space.
5. Be careful, the back panel is important for lateral stability. Therefore, the cutout should be done neatly and reinforced if necessary with thin metal brackets or additional panels.
Personally, I would also recommend placing a thin rubber mat or anti-slip layer at the bottom of the module so the vacuum cleaner doesn’t slip when the shelf is modified.
How large exactly is the difference between the vacuum cleaner height and the internal height of the module? Is the dimension in the range of 5–10cm (2–4 inches)? That would be important to know for recommendations on raises or modifications.
I had the same issue with my Kallax vacuum compartment – I came up with a very simple solution: I placed a small wooden wedge underneath the vacuum to slightly tilt it, which creates more space at the top for the handle. It works fantastic and is really quick to do! 🙂
You can also put a thin rubber mat underneath to prevent slipping. I think this is the simplest solution without having to saw anything or modify the shelf!
Another tip: sometimes it helps to store the vacuum differently, for example by wrapping the hose around the vacuum body, which frees up a few centimeters (inches) of space.
Oh yes, that information would be really important because different solutions make sense depending on whether the difference is only 2–3 cm (1–1.2 inches) or more.
You can also put a thin rubber mat underneath to prevent slipping. I think this is the simplest solution without having to saw anything or modify the shelf!
Another tip: sometimes it helps to store the vacuum differently, for example by wrapping the hose around the vacuum body, which frees up a few centimeters (inches) of space.
kulau schrieb:
Wie groß genau ist denn die Differenz zwischen Staubsaugerhöhe und Innenhöhe des Moduls?
Oh yes, that information would be really important because different solutions make sense depending on whether the difference is only 2–3 cm (1–1.2 inches) or more.
Hey, great discussion here!
Another idea: you could look for a suitable adapter or a custom-made insert that doesn’t let the vacuum cleaner sit directly on the floor but raises it up and maybe even holds it at an angle. This can create really cool effects and provides more storage space above.
I once built something like this out of plywood — a small platform with routed grooves for the vacuum cleaner, covered with non-slip tape. It looks good and makes the vacuum almost “float” in the KALLAX niche :-)
If you’re interested, I can gladly send you detailed instructions on how I made it, if that fits your project!
I agree — better to raise it cleverly than to start cutting. 🙂
Another idea: you could look for a suitable adapter or a custom-made insert that doesn’t let the vacuum cleaner sit directly on the floor but raises it up and maybe even holds it at an angle. This can create really cool effects and provides more storage space above.
I once built something like this out of plywood — a small platform with routed grooves for the vacuum cleaner, covered with non-slip tape. It looks good and makes the vacuum almost “float” in the KALLAX niche :-)
If you’re interested, I can gladly send you detailed instructions on how I made it, if that fits your project!
PERON schrieb:
the simplest solution, without much sawing or modifying the shelving!
I agree — better to raise it cleverly than to start cutting. 🙂
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