ᐅ Tips for Attractive Handles on Kallax Doors?

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for tips and advice on how to install nice handles on Kallax doors. My main concern is that the handles are not only functional but also visually complement the simple design of the Kallax shelves. I’m especially interested in which materials or types of handles are recommended, how to technically install them in the easiest way, and what to watch out for when drilling or gluing to avoid damaging the doors or having the handles become loose.

Has anyone had experience with adding handles to Kallax doors afterwards? Maybe even alternatives to classic screws, such as magnetic systems or adhesive handles?

Looking forward to your tips!

Hey lourens_le,

“What materials or handle types do you recommend, and what is the easiest technical way to install them?” — you’ve picked quite a detailed set of questions right away! :-)

In my experience with Kallax doors, leather handles have worked really well so far. They can be mounted easily with just a few screws. Leather is durable, elegant, and quite resistant to scratches. If you prefer a minimalist look, simple leather loops are perfect—you don’t need big handles, just two holes and screws, and they hold very firmly.

Regarding drilling: just pre-drill with a small drill bit so the wood doesn’t split. This is really crucial for Kallax doors, otherwise you might end up with rough edges that don’t look nice. Alternatively, I see more and more DIY enthusiasts using magnetic handles—they attach them with double-sided tape—but I’m not yet sure how durable that is, especially with frequent use.

Adhesive handles are great if you don’t want any holes, but beware: not all adhesives bond well to the melamine-coated surface, so you need to prepare the area with rubbing alcohol to make sure it’s completely grease-free.

Wooden handles are also very attractive; you can either drill them in or mount them with screws from the inside if you built the doors yourself.

Hope this helps you for now! 🙂

Nauman5 schrieb:
Regarding drilling: Simply pre-drill with a small drill bit to prevent the wood from splitting.

That sums it up quite well. I’d like to elaborate a bit, especially since Kallax doors are usually made from thin, melamine-coated particleboard. The material tends to split very easily if you’re not careful.

My advice: Always use a drill bit with a small tip (e.g., 2-3 mm (0.08–0.12 inches)) for pre-drilling and drill slowly if possible. It can also help to secure the drilling spot with masking tape. This prevents the surface from tearing when the drill bit enters.

Besides drilling, the alternative of gluing is often underestimated. Many assume adhesive fittings are quick and easy to apply, but without perfect surface cleaning, ideal room conditions, and high-quality adhesive tape, things can quickly go wrong. If you choose adhesive fittings, I recommend securing them with a second fastener when possible, such as small screws from the inside or double-sided mounting plates.

One last point: Pay attention to the thickness of the doors when buying handles! Some handles are designed for door fronts made from fully assembled wood, but Kallax doors are thin—so screws can be too long and cause issues on the inside later.

What kind of doors do you have—original IKEA or self-made? That significantly affects your choice of fastening method. 🙂

Nauman5 schrieb:
Alternatively, I see more and more DIY enthusiasts using magnetic handles – they attach them to the doors with double-sided tape

I find this idea interesting, but I’m also skeptical. Magnetic handles that are only glued on can lose their bond quickly depending on the quality of the materials, especially with frequent opening and closing of the doors. The problem is that the surfaces of Kallax doors are often smooth and non-porous, which makes it difficult for adhesive tapes to stick properly.

It’s also important to consider the desired “look.” A simple, functional handle is fine, but when it comes to design, in my opinion, you should avoid just “sticking them on.”

Furthermore, I’d like to ask: What has been your experience with alternative handle options in furniture making? I once tried routing recessed finger pulls. This works on chipboard like with Kallax, but you need the necessary tools and know-how. The look, however, is unbeatable in its minimalism.

Of course, this isn’t for everyone, and it’s a matter of effort versus benefit. Still, I think it’s definitely worth it, especially for solid self-build projects.

One more question for lourens_le: What are your requirements for the handles? More durable, easy to maintain, or decorative? There are different approaches depending on your priorities.

pilous schrieb:
Magnetic handles that are only glued on can lose their bond quickly depending on the quality of the material

I completely agree with you. Adhesive magnets only work if the doors are really clean and smooth—and even then, only for lightweight doors or drawers. With heavier use or thicker doors, there’s a higher risk that the handles will come off. But hey, for temporary solutions or offices where you don’t use them constantly, they work just fine 🙂

Surela schrieb:
When buying handles, pay attention to the thickness of the doors! Some handles are designed for pre-assembled wood fronts, but Kallax doors are thin

Many people actually underestimate this. I once ordered handles that didn’t fit properly because they were meant for much thicker panels. So it’s best to always measure the thickness beforehand 🙂

And @lourens_le, if you’re looking for something cool: leather handles with rivets look amazing and are really easy to install.

I’d be interested to hear what you decide!