ᐅ Which compartments for the Kallax unit are recommended?

Hello everyone, I am considering buying a Kallax shelving system from IKEA but am unsure which compartments are really recommended. There is quite a variety – from boxes, doors, and drawers to baskets. My main use is a combination of decorative display and practical storage for books, smaller electronic devices, and some files. I am therefore interested in which types of compartments are best suited for the long term to combine stable functionality, design, and flexibility. Are there any recommendations or experiences regarding which compartments are the most durable and easy to maintain? Thanks in advance for your insights!

Open shelves are best for books, as they allow quick access. For electronics and files, doors with soft-close hinges or boxes are ideal to keep everything dust-free.

In general, I recommend the following layout for the Kallax system: open compartments for frequently used items such as books, so-called plastic storage boxes for smaller electronic parts with cables, and doors with soft-close magnetic locks for documents to protect them from dust and prying eyes. This combination ensures both functionality and a tidy appearance.

barda6 schrieb:
For books, open shelves are best

I have some reservations about that. While open shelves do provide easy access, they tend to accumulate more dust, especially with frequent use, and can appear less tidy. This raises the question: Is dust sensitivity more important than aesthetics? Additionally, I would be interested to know if electronic devices with cables will be stored here, and how exactly that will be managed.

Victor54 schrieb:
Open shelves do offer quick access but tend to accumulate more dust, especially with frequent use, and can appear less tidy.

That is true, of course, but for many people, the practical benefits outweigh this, and regular dusting is usually manageable.

I would like to go into more detail here, as "recommended compartments" greatly depend on the intended use. For example, if you plan to store electronic devices like chargers or small Bluetooth speakers, I strongly recommend compartments with doors or boxes that you can open. Why? This helps to better conceal tangled cables and, most importantly, prevents damage from dust or accidental knocking over. High load capacity is also important: many IKEA Kallax doors and inserts are made from thinner wood or MDF, so they are not necessarily suitable for very heavy books. A tip: use sturdy baskets made of plastic or felt, as these offer flexibility and are also easy to clean. How exactly do you plan to use the space? Are you thinking of items that need to be moved frequently or things that will be stored permanently?