Hello everyone, I am considering creating a custom open shelving system using Ikea Platsa units. I especially want to focus on open shelves that are both visually appealing and functional. From your experience, which PLATSA modules work best for open shelving? I am thinking of units without doors or back panels but still offering stability, as they need to support some weight. Are there specific modules or combinations you would recommend for this? I am also interested in how to effectively combine different depths and heights of the units for open shelves without compromising stability. Thanks in advance for your opinions and experiences!
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Marlenepa13 Sep 2023 10:34Hello, I would like to add some information regarding the planning: If you want to use the PLATSA frames as open units, that is, without doors or back panels, you should definitely consider a secure attachment to the wall, especially for taller elements.
The 60cm (24 inch) deep units provide more storage space and stability than the smaller 40cm (16 inch) frames, but of course they are also bulkier. If you only have space for 40cm (16 inch) depth, you can also combine the smaller frames, which are lighter and appear more delicate.
Areas used as open shelving should not be heavily loaded, as one disadvantage of the open design is that the modules are more prone to warping under uneven loads.
Also, pay attention to whether you can attach the shelves to the wall or if they need to be freestanding. For freestanding open shelves, I recommend modules with side panels and possibly the optional back panel, which you can also decorate.
If you have any questions about assembly or necessary materials, feel free to ask!
The 60cm (24 inch) deep units provide more storage space and stability than the smaller 40cm (16 inch) frames, but of course they are also bulkier. If you only have space for 40cm (16 inch) depth, you can also combine the smaller frames, which are lighter and appear more delicate.
Areas used as open shelving should not be heavily loaded, as one disadvantage of the open design is that the modules are more prone to warping under uneven loads.
Also, pay attention to whether you can attach the shelves to the wall or if they need to be freestanding. For freestanding open shelves, I recommend modules with side panels and possibly the optional back panel, which you can also decorate.
If you have any questions about assembly or necessary materials, feel free to ask!
Summary from a technical perspective:
- PLATSA frames in 60x40 cm (24x16 inches) and 60x60 cm (24x24 inches) are suitable for open shelving due to their higher stability, as they include a base panel and fixed sidewalls.
- Omitting back panels increases the sense of openness but significantly reduces angular stability. Therefore, wall mounting is strongly recommended.
- For modules of varying heights, it is advisable to use connector fittings (from Ikea or third-party suppliers) to prevent shifting or tipping.
- With a depth of only 40 cm (16 inches), the load capacity is lower than at 60 cm (24 inches), but still sufficient for rows of books or light decorations if not overloaded.
Thus, the 60 cm (24 inches) widths with a height of 40 cm (16 inches) or more offer the best compromise between openness and stability. Important: additional wall mounting and occasional bracing to increase stability.
This also aligns with my extensive tests and experience with similar projects.
- PLATSA frames in 60x40 cm (24x16 inches) and 60x60 cm (24x24 inches) are suitable for open shelving due to their higher stability, as they include a base panel and fixed sidewalls.
- Omitting back panels increases the sense of openness but significantly reduces angular stability. Therefore, wall mounting is strongly recommended.
- For modules of varying heights, it is advisable to use connector fittings (from Ikea or third-party suppliers) to prevent shifting or tipping.
- With a depth of only 40 cm (16 inches), the load capacity is lower than at 60 cm (24 inches), but still sufficient for rows of books or light decorations if not overloaded.
Thus, the 60 cm (24 inches) widths with a height of 40 cm (16 inches) or more offer the best compromise between openness and stability. Important: additional wall mounting and occasional bracing to increase stability.
This also aligns with my extensive tests and experience with similar projects.
I would like to add some details that are often overlooked when it comes to open shelving with Ikea PLATSA:
- The material of the PLATSA modules mainly consists of composite wood and a melamine coating. This makes for fairly durable furniture, but it is not indestructible.
- Open shelves without a back panel or doors are more exposed to lateral forces, so it is essential to ensure proper anchoring. The back panels in the closed modules play a structural role and prevent deformation.
- When combining different module sizes, it is advisable to create a base rack or surface (for example, several frames placed side by side on a stable board) to make the entire structure uniform.
- The feet on PLATSA are more decorative than load-bearing. For open shelves, I would recommend adding reinforcement beneath the bottom panel, especially if heavy books or equipment will be placed on them.
- An alternative is to screw the modules together as part of a continuous construction using connectors and/or side profiles, creating larger fronts that are stable yet still have an open appearance.
- Question: Are you planning to mount the shelves to a fixed wall, or should they stand freely? This makes a significant difference in the approach to stability.
I hope these technical details help you make the right choice!
- The material of the PLATSA modules mainly consists of composite wood and a melamine coating. This makes for fairly durable furniture, but it is not indestructible.
- Open shelves without a back panel or doors are more exposed to lateral forces, so it is essential to ensure proper anchoring. The back panels in the closed modules play a structural role and prevent deformation.
- When combining different module sizes, it is advisable to create a base rack or surface (for example, several frames placed side by side on a stable board) to make the entire structure uniform.
- The feet on PLATSA are more decorative than load-bearing. For open shelves, I would recommend adding reinforcement beneath the bottom panel, especially if heavy books or equipment will be placed on them.
- An alternative is to screw the modules together as part of a continuous construction using connectors and/or side profiles, creating larger fronts that are stable yet still have an open appearance.
- Question: Are you planning to mount the shelves to a fixed wall, or should they stand freely? This makes a significant difference in the approach to stability.
I hope these technical details help you make the right choice!
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