ᐅ Which storage boxes fit well with Ikea PLATSA shelving units?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to complement my Ikea PLATSA shelving units with suitable storage boxes. I want to make sure that the boxes fit the shelves both in terms of dimensions and design. It is also important to me that the boxes are sturdy enough to safely store somewhat heavier items, but at the same time not too bulky, so the minimalist look of PLATSA is preserved. Additionally, I would be interested to know if anyone has experience with specific materials like plastic, fabric, or wood that work particularly well, or if there are specific models designed specifically for PLATSA that you can recommend. Perhaps there are also issues when combining boxes with the shelf compartments that one should be aware of before purchasing. Who can provide good tips and concrete product recommendations?

Hello Webster51, thank you for your detailed question; it makes answering easier. Basically, the best boxes for Ikea PLATSA shelves are those that match the internal dimensions of the individual compartments. Often, these are boxes measuring about 33 cm (13 inches) wide and 38 cm (15 inches) deep, but since the PLATSA modules vary, you should measure carefully beforehand.

What I would recommend: fabric boxes made of sturdy canvas or similar materials, because they are flexible and easy to handle. They are also easy to pull out and look elegant. Plastic boxes made of durable materials like polypropylene are also an option if you value wipeability and durability. Wooden boxes are less common because they tend to be heavier and don’t always fit the exact sizes.

A small tip at the end: make sure the boxes are not too tall, as this can prevent the doors of the PLATSA shelves from closing completely. It’s also worth looking for boxes with handles to make pulling them out easier.

I would recommend using boxes made of sturdy plastic, ideally similar in size to those offered by IKEA. Alternatively, boxes from well-known brands that measure 33x38 cm (13x15 inches) or 35x40 cm (14x16 inches) would also work. Fabric boxes look nice but are not suitable for heavy items.

Good morning, Webster51! Your question is very precise, which makes it much easier to provide advice. Let me add a few technical details that are crucial when choosing suitable storage boxes for the PLATSA shelving units.

First, the geometry: The width and depth of the compartments in PLATSA are usually 40x40 cm (16x16 inches) or 40x60 cm (16x24 inches), depending on the module. It is important that the boxes fit snugly to minimize shifting or tipping risks. A maximum depth of 38 cm (15 inches) and a width of 33 cm (13 inches) are recommended so the boxes can slide in and out smoothly.

Next, the materials: Plastic is advantageous if you want to wipe them down with moisture, but low-quality plastics can deform quickly. Fabric boxes, on the other hand, are visually appealing and lightweight but less stable. It is worth choosing sturdy cotton canvas or blended fabrics here. Wooden boxes must be precisely crafted to avoid gaps that can collect dust.

Also: If you plan to use boxes with lids, make sure there is enough clearance in height, as the internal height of the shelves can vary between 35 and 40 cm (14 and 16 inches), depending on the construction variant and whether doors are attached.

Regarding design: Ikea offers the SAMLA boxes, which are quite robust but sometimes stand out visually due to their yellowish lids. Good alternatives are suitable boxes from Orthex or even the MOPPE drawers, which fit well.

Feel free to specify what kind of items you plan to store in the boxes, so I can give you more targeted recommendations.

As a reference: Did you set up your PLATSA shelves with or without doors? This significantly influences the choice of boxes.

kulau schrieb:
For orientation: Did you set up your PLATSA shelves with or without doors? That significantly affects the choice of boxes.

This is a very important point because if you have doors, it is better to use lower storage boxes. Otherwise, the doors may not close properly or there can be drafts. Webster51, if you have doors, I recommend boxes no taller than 30–32 cm (12–13 inches), preferably with handles on top, so they remain easily accessible.