Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I bought a KALLAX shelf unit from Ikea and am now considering the best way to add a back panel. Originally, it only comes with a simple white backing, but I want something more sturdy and visually appealing, as I plan to use the shelf as a room divider.
Does anyone have experience with suitable materials? I am thinking of something like plywood, MDF, or perhaps even a furniture foil to customize the back. What should I keep in mind regarding the attachment, especially in terms of stability? Of course, the solution shouldn’t be too complicated—I prefer practical and durable options.
I appreciate any ideas, recommendations, and tips!
Some time ago, I bought a KALLAX shelf unit from Ikea and am now considering the best way to add a back panel. Originally, it only comes with a simple white backing, but I want something more sturdy and visually appealing, as I plan to use the shelf as a room divider.
Does anyone have experience with suitable materials? I am thinking of something like plywood, MDF, or perhaps even a furniture foil to customize the back. What should I keep in mind regarding the attachment, especially in terms of stability? Of course, the solution shouldn’t be too complicated—I prefer practical and durable options.
I appreciate any ideas, recommendations, and tips!
futena schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with which materials work well?MDF boards are sturdy and easy to cut. A thickness of 3-5 mm (0.1-0.2 inches) is ideal. You can attach the back panel using mounting clips or screws, depending on how much flexibility you want.
futena schrieb:
I’m thinking of something like plywood, MDF, or maybe even a furniture foil to customize the back panel.The choice of back panel largely depends on its intended use. Plywood is durable but less smooth than MDF and can warp when exposed to moisture. MDF has a smooth surface, is ideal for painting or applying adhesives, and offers good stability with low weight.
For a room divider where aesthetics also matter, I recommend an MDF board with a foil coating or laminate that is easy to clean. Installation is done on the sides of the KALLAX unit using angle brackets or special mounting kits from Ikea to ensure stability.
A thinner back panel (about 4 mm (0.16 inches)) is usually sufficient to provide the necessary stability without significantly increasing the overall weight.
That’s great that you want to customize your KALLAX shelf so individually! 🙂
I made my back panel from painted MDF and then covered it with self-adhesive furniture foil in a wood finish. It looks very elegant and is much more durable than the original back panel.
Exactly my experience.
For mounting, I attached small brackets at the bottom on the sides; this holds very securely and the back panel can easily be removed if needed. If you have some DIY skills, this is a very neat and long-lasting solution :-) Good luck!
I made my back panel from painted MDF and then covered it with self-adhesive furniture foil in a wood finish. It looks very elegant and is much more durable than the original back panel.
toril schrieb:
For a room divider where visual aspects also play a role, I recommend an MDF board with a foil coating or laminate
Exactly my experience.
For mounting, I attached small brackets at the bottom on the sides; this holds very securely and the back panel can easily be removed if needed. If you have some DIY skills, this is a very neat and long-lasting solution :-) Good luck!
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