ᐅ How does KALLAX best integrate with BESTÅ?

Hello everyone, I am currently looking into the best way to combine the KALLAX shelving system with the BESTÅ cabinets from IKEA.

I am especially interested in how to connect both series visually and functionally to create a harmonious overall look while also benefiting from the advantages of both systems.

Do you have any experience, planning tips, or perhaps specific combinations where KALLAX and BESTÅ work well together? It would also be helpful to know if there are any particular modular features or design tricks you would recommend to achieve a smooth transition between the two furniture types.

Hello tankin,

I think your question is very well formulated and important, as KALLAX and BESTÅ differ in their basic concepts but can complement each other perfectly. KALLAX is more open and looks like a shelving system with square compartments, whereas BESTÅ often consists of more closed cabinets with doors.

One tip would be to pay attention to matching or similar color and front options. For example, BESTÅ comes in white or black-brown, which works well with common KALLAX colors. Additionally, you can use KALLAX as a room divider or an open display unit, while BESTÅ provides closed storage.

Regarding height, try to coordinate the dimensions so that they don’t look too different. Some people also connect them by placing KALLAX on top of BESTÅ bases or leveling KALLAX modules with BESTÅ plinths. This creates a harmonious line.

Maybe this helps you as initial ideas—feel free to ask for more if you like!

Hey tankin,

I find the topic "How to best connect KALLAX with BESTÅ?" really fascinating. You could almost say it’s like the interaction between two siblings who are totally different but live in the same house 😁.

Personally, I like playing with colors: KALLAX in white, BESTÅ in a wood finish, so the overall look doesn’t feel too rigid. Adding some plants or colorful boxes inside the KALLAX cubes also helps to lighten up the appearance.

Additionally, it’s helpful to include shared elements, such as handles or legs, that are visually coordinated. This creates a subtle design bridge between the furniture pieces. And honestly, a bit of boldness in mixing things up often makes the whole setup more exciting! 😉

Tankin, I would recommend the following:

Use KALLAX open as shelving and BESTÅ closed for storage. Adjust the sizes, preferably in the same color.

This clear separation creates order while maintaining a harmonious look.

It is also important to consider the depth of the furniture. KALLAX is usually shallower than BESTÅ.

If you want to combine them, you should either choose BESTÅ with a lower depth or KALLAX with an appropriate gap to avoid anything protruding awkwardly.

Matthewt48 schrieb:
One tip would be to pay attention to matching or similar color and front styles.

Thanks for this advice! I’m curious if anyone has specific examples of how to best achieve color coordination, since I see that IKEA offers almost endless options.

rekijan schrieb:
Personally, I like playing with colors: KALLAX in white, BESTÅ in a wood look, so the overall effect doesn’t feel too rigid.

That sounds like a good idea – but I wonder if it could backfire if the different materials stand out too much? Has anyone tried that before?