ᐅ My living room quickly looks messy because of the KALLAX shelving unit – any tips?

Created on: 5 Apr 2022 08:13
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NASHAKIR
Hello everyone,

I have been using the IKEA KALLAX shelving system in my living room for several months now because I find the modular design and appearance really practical. However, I’m now facing the issue that my living room still looks cluttered very quickly, despite the tidy shelves. This is mainly because the shelf compartments often appear fully packed or slightly overloaded, which overall creates a messy impression. What bothers me most is that small items and cables are often scattered around with no clear organization.

My question to you: What effective tips or strategies do you recommend for keeping the living room neat and structured over the long term using the KALLAX system? How do you organize your compartments to avoid clutter? Do you have tested storage solutions, additional organizing aids, or design approaches that enhance and simplify the whole setup?

I’m looking forward to your experiences and advice!
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Fitigu
5 Apr 2022 17:39
From my experience, combinations of fixed boxes and a designated place for each item are essential when using the KALLAX system. It is also important to consider the weight of the items and avoid overloading individual compartments.

Furthermore, I recommend avoiding visual distractions caused by too many different colors and shapes within the compartments. Uniform boxes contribute to a calm and orderly appearance.

Finally, maintaining a regular tidying routine is crucial. A brief weekly cleanup prevents clutter from accumulating.
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nojaus
6 Apr 2022 08:22
I am familiar with this issue as well – KALLAX solutions look great but often end up as catch-alls in practice, which quickly leads to clutter. What helps me is a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

I use open shelves only for visually appealing items or books that I like to see. Small items consistently go into boxes. Additionally, I have my KALLAX right next to a drawer chest, so everyday things don’t end up on the shelves.
rickey schrieb:
a fixed category per compartment
I fully support this. It creates clarity and significantly reduces mess.
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CARLA
6 Apr 2022 09:55
In addition to using storage boxes, I recommend choosing transparent boxes or those with drawer functions to quickly view the contents.

For cables, I also use so-called cable boxes, where I hide extension cords and power strips; this greatly reduces visible cable clutter.

From my perspective, it is also important to only use KALLAX units that are appropriate for the room size to avoid overwhelming the overall appearance.
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Bilujon
7 Apr 2022 08:48
My practical tip: instead of stuffing everything into the KALLAX, also use decorative trays or small dressers next to the shelf for items you use frequently. This helps to declutter.
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NASHAKIR
7 Apr 2022 10:20
Thank you for all the helpful responses! Since yesterday, I’ve been using fabric boxes with labels in different compartments, and I already feel like it looks tidier. I’ve also implemented the ‘one fixed category per compartment’ strategy, which definitely makes sorting easier.
Cecilera66 schrieb:
Stick labels on boxes

The tip about labels was really practical — I put it into use immediately!

I’m still curious about how you handle seasonal items or things you rarely use. Do you store them outside the living room, or do you distribute them within the KALLAX compartments?