ᐅ Converting a KALLAX Shelf Unit into a Wine Rack – How to Do It?
Created on: 3 Feb 2020 19:03
L
LyndonchenL
Lyndonchen3 Feb 2020 19:03Hello everyone,
I am considering using my IKEA KALLAX shelf as a wine rack and want to store the bottles safely and in an organized way. The classic KALLAX compartments are square and quite large, so I’m wondering what the best solution is to prevent the bottles from rolling around or getting damaged. The plan is to place the shelf in the kitchen or living room, where the temperature is not ideal for wine storage – so I’m also curious about options for adding suitable insulation or a removable divider.
How have you approached this? Have you used special shelves, holders, or other modifications to store the bottles securely and save space? I’m also interested in tips regarding stability, weight distribution, and protection from sunlight. I look forward to your experiences and ideas!
I am considering using my IKEA KALLAX shelf as a wine rack and want to store the bottles safely and in an organized way. The classic KALLAX compartments are square and quite large, so I’m wondering what the best solution is to prevent the bottles from rolling around or getting damaged. The plan is to place the shelf in the kitchen or living room, where the temperature is not ideal for wine storage – so I’m also curious about options for adding suitable insulation or a removable divider.
How have you approached this? Have you used special shelves, holders, or other modifications to store the bottles securely and save space? I’m also interested in tips regarding stability, weight distribution, and protection from sunlight. I look forward to your experiences and ideas!
Basically, the KALLAX is very suitable for conversion into wine storage, as it already features sturdy shelves and is characterized by modular design.
The main points are:
1. Securing bottles: It is recommended to use bottle holders or divider inserts. Custom wooden slats or grids can help keep the bottles lying down and prevent them from rolling.
2. Weight: Keep in mind that wine bottles of about 750 ml (25 fl oz), along with the additional wooden inserts, will put more weight on the shelf than usual. Therefore, ensure proper anchoring and stability.
3. Temperature: Without additional measures, storage in living areas is suboptimal. One option is to line the interior surfaces with insulation material or place the shelf in a cooler location.
In summary: Adjusting the internal structure, securing the bottles, and controlling the temperature are key.
The main points are:
1. Securing bottles: It is recommended to use bottle holders or divider inserts. Custom wooden slats or grids can help keep the bottles lying down and prevent them from rolling.
2. Weight: Keep in mind that wine bottles of about 750 ml (25 fl oz), along with the additional wooden inserts, will put more weight on the shelf than usual. Therefore, ensure proper anchoring and stability.
3. Temperature: Without additional measures, storage in living areas is suboptimal. One option is to line the interior surfaces with insulation material or place the shelf in a cooler location.
In summary: Adjusting the internal structure, securing the bottles, and controlling the temperature are key.
Hello,
I find your question very practical. As a small addition: many people modify the KALLAX units by making semicircular cutouts in wooden panels, which are then placed inside the compartments. This way, bottles won’t roll away and stay stable.
You can also combine individual compartments with champagne baskets or smaller bottle holders that can be purchased separately.
Regarding temperature control, there is no direct solution for the KALLAX units. Perhaps you could insert a separate cooling panel or use it simply as a display surface.
Good luck!
I find your question very practical. As a small addition: many people modify the KALLAX units by making semicircular cutouts in wooden panels, which are then placed inside the compartments. This way, bottles won’t roll away and stay stable.
You can also combine individual compartments with champagne baskets or smaller bottle holders that can be purchased separately.
Regarding temperature control, there is no direct solution for the KALLAX units. Perhaps you could insert a separate cooling panel or use it simply as a display surface.
Good luck!
Good morning,
Some time ago, I also converted my KALLAX shelf into a wine rack and would be happy to share my approach:
1. Preparation: I first cut wooden boards to fit the interior dimensions of the shelves and made semicircular cutouts tailored to the bottle diameter (about 7 cm (3 inches) diameter). These boards rest loosely on the shelves.
2. Installation: This way, the bottles sit securely and do not shift, even if slightly moved. It also prevents bottles from touching each other, which can be a problem with glass.
3. Stability: It is important to fix the entire unit to the wall, as the additional weight of the bottles increases the risk of tipping due to the height of the KALLAX.
4. Temperature: Since I don’t have a wine cellar, I deliberately placed the shelf against the coolest wall and used an opaque cover to minimize UV exposure.
Tips: Apply a moisture barrier to the wooden parts to prevent mold growth. A small thermo-hygrometer can help monitor the conditions.
I hope this helps with your project!
Some time ago, I also converted my KALLAX shelf into a wine rack and would be happy to share my approach:
1. Preparation: I first cut wooden boards to fit the interior dimensions of the shelves and made semicircular cutouts tailored to the bottle diameter (about 7 cm (3 inches) diameter). These boards rest loosely on the shelves.
2. Installation: This way, the bottles sit securely and do not shift, even if slightly moved. It also prevents bottles from touching each other, which can be a problem with glass.
3. Stability: It is important to fix the entire unit to the wall, as the additional weight of the bottles increases the risk of tipping due to the height of the KALLAX.
4. Temperature: Since I don’t have a wine cellar, I deliberately placed the shelf against the coolest wall and used an opaque cover to minimize UV exposure.
Tips: Apply a moisture barrier to the wooden parts to prevent mold growth. A small thermo-hygrometer can help monitor the conditions.
I hope this helps with your project!
giabau schrieb:
At first, I cut wooden boards to fit inside the shelf compartments and made semi-circular cutoutsGood idea and solid execution!
I would like to add a helpful tip: If you paint or oil the wood, it not only looks nicer but also resists moisture better. Plus, the bottles will slide in more easily. 🙂
Oh, and don’t place the shelf in direct sunlight, or your wines will start to sweat – nobody likes that!
Regarding the construction, I would like to add that there should always be some space between individual bottles to prevent temperature fluctuations and pressure points. Since the KALLAX shelving unit has a more universal layout, a simple solution could be to create custom inserts using decorative profiles or wooden strips as precisely as possible. This way, the storage space is used optimally.
Additionally, if you have expensive wines, a UV-resistant cover or at least placing them in darker areas might be advisable. Another consideration is air circulation, which is rather limited in a classic KALLAX. If you plan to store several bottles at once, a ventilation slot could be helpful.
Additionally, if you have expensive wines, a UV-resistant cover or at least placing them in darker areas might be advisable. Another consideration is air circulation, which is rather limited in a classic KALLAX. If you plan to store several bottles at once, a ventilation slot could be helpful.
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