ᐅ Positioning KALLAX with Other IKEA Furniture at a Corner – How to Connect Them?

Hello everyone, I have a specific question that’s been bothering me: I want to place a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA together with another IKEA furniture piece – specifically a BESTÅ lowboard – positioned at a corner so that the two fit together securely and don’t just stand loosely side by side. The challenge is how to create a clean and secure joint between the two furniture pieces without any wobbling or damage later on. Does anyone have experience connecting KALLAX with other IKEA furniture at a corner? Are there special connectors, screw techniques, or setups that have proven effective? I’m not looking for improvised solutions but rather a durable, strong connection. If it matters: the furniture is already assembled in the standard way, so I don’t want to completely disassemble and redesign it. Thanks in advance for any helpful tips!

Regarding the topic of connecting KALLAX at a corner with another IKEA furniture piece, this is indeed an interesting challenge with various aspects. Fundamentally, the KALLAX is designed more as a shelving system with an open structure and not necessarily intended for corner connections with another unit like the BESTÅ. Nevertheless, it can be done technically – the key lies in the connection method and the right fastening materials.

One of the simplest and most sturdy methods is to use so-called angle metal brackets (e.g., angle brackets with screw fastenings). It is important to place these so the connection points hit the stable frame or side panels of the furniture, and not on thin panels that might split when screwed.

My tip: You should fix a sturdy angle bracket with screws at the lower corner on the outside and place a corresponding bracket on the BESTÅ in the matching spot. Be sure to pre-drill to protect the wood and prevent splitting.

Furthermore, if you want to improve the visual transition, a self-adhesive trim or clamping strip at the joint can help create a smooth edge line.

Finally, a question for better classification: What is the total size of the furniture, and should it be fixed permanently (for example, braced against the wall), or should the connection stand on the floor and remain movable? This greatly affects the choice of connection technique.

It is best to use metal brackets and screws that can be fastened into the sides of the KALLAX and BESTÅ furniture. Pre-drilling is important to prevent the wood from splitting. Alternatively, some IKEA parts offer connector kits, but these are not always compatible.

Therefore: attach brackets, screw them in, and you’re done. Nothing more is needed.

gauvin37 schrieb:
It’s best to use metal brackets and screws that are attached to the sides of the KALLAX and BESTÅ furniture.

That is basically true, but I would add that not every bracket is equally suitable. There are special corner brackets with reinforced edges that are better because they put less stress on the wood. Some also have elongated holes for fine adjustment of alignment – this can help if you want to arrange the furniture as precisely square as possible.

Fukin schrieb:
I don’t want improvised solutions, but rather a durable, load-bearing connection.

Therefore, using wooden dowels or even connector fittings like cam locks could be considered, but usually the furniture needs to be partially disassembled for this – which you excluded.

One solution I have used several times: To make the connection more stable, apply double-sided mounting tape on the contact surfaces, then the brackets, and additionally secure everything with clamps while drying (when using a suitable adhesive).

By the way, I wonder: How exactly does the KALLAX fit on the corner to the BESTÅ? Are the heights and depths compatible, or are there differences you need to compensate for? That can create additional requirements for the connection.

I would like to provide a clear step-by-step guide on how to connect a KALLAX with a BESTÅ lowboard at a right angle without fully disassembling either piece of furniture:

1. Preparation: Precisely measure the contact surfaces on both the KALLAX and BESTÅ. Check whether the heights are as close as possible; if not, you will need small shims to level them.

2. Obtain fastening materials: Get metal angle brackets about 40x40 mm (1.6x1.6 inches) in size with pre-drilled holes, along with screws of an appropriate diameter (usually 4 mm (0.16 inches) works well for IKEA furniture).

3. Pre-drill: Very important! Use a drill bit thinner than the screw diameter to avoid splitting the wood.

4. Assembly: Attach the metal brackets to the inner corners where the two furniture pieces meet. First screw into the KALLAX, then into the BESTÅ. Make sure to align the furniture precisely at a right angle before fully tightening the fasteners.

5. Additional stabilization: It is ideal to fix the furniture to the wall as well—especially important for the KALLAX for stability and safety.

6. Appearance: To conceal screw heads, you can use small cover caps or color-matched trim pieces.

Common mistake: Never screw directly into thin panels; always fasten into the frame or solid parts to prevent damage.

This is a relatively simple and secure solution without dismantling the furniture and has proven effective in practice. If you want to carry more complex loads on the furniture, you can also insert threaded inserts into the drilled holes to increase screw stability.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!