ᐅ Who has an effective solution for dust protection in open KALLAX compartments?
Created on: 17 Jan 2020 08:37
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TedapeHello everyone,
I have a KALLAX shelf with several open compartments that I use to store books and decorative items. Unfortunately, dust is quite a problem there because there are no doors or covers.
So my question to the community is: Who has a good, practical, and preferably visually appealing solution to effectively prevent dust in open KALLAX compartments?
I am interested in both DIY ideas and store-bought products that can be well integrated. It is important to me that it is not too complicated, as I want to keep the compartments easily usable and accessible.
Are there any tips for special covers, glass doors, or other clever tricks to keep dust away without changing the character of the KALLAX shelf too much?
Thanks for your support!
I have a KALLAX shelf with several open compartments that I use to store books and decorative items. Unfortunately, dust is quite a problem there because there are no doors or covers.
So my question to the community is: Who has a good, practical, and preferably visually appealing solution to effectively prevent dust in open KALLAX compartments?
I am interested in both DIY ideas and store-bought products that can be well integrated. It is important to me that it is not too complicated, as I want to keep the compartments easily usable and accessible.
Are there any tips for special covers, glass doors, or other clever tricks to keep dust away without changing the character of the KALLAX shelf too much?
Thanks for your support!
Hello Tedape,
Your question is very relevant, especially for open KALLAX compartments, as dust tends to accumulate quickly there. I looked for a solution some time ago myself and would like to share a structured approach with you:
1. Retrofit glass doors: IKEA offers official glass doors for KALLAX that are easy to install and effectively keep dust out. Advantage: visibility is maintained, and cleaning becomes easier.
2. Custom-cut acrylic or plexiglass panels: If the official doors are too expensive or you prefer a different look. Note: Poorly cut edges can be sharp or prone to chipping – it’s better to hire a professional or choose polished edges.
3. Roller blinds or curtains: For a flexible solution, fabric curtains can be mounted in front of the compartments. Advantage: easy to wash and customizable. Disadvantage: dust protection is not always completely airtight.
4. Drawer boxes or collapsible fabric boxes: These can be placed inside the compartments and offer some dust protection. However, they are not ideal for books, as they block visibility.
Common mistakes:
- No gap between the cover and the shelving unit (dust tends to settle on uneven surfaces)
- Use of materials that build up static electricity and attract dust
Summary: Glass doors are best because they are visually appealing and effectively block dust. Alternatives are acrylic panels or sturdy curtains.
If you have any questions about installation or measurements, feel free to ask!
Your question is very relevant, especially for open KALLAX compartments, as dust tends to accumulate quickly there. I looked for a solution some time ago myself and would like to share a structured approach with you:
1. Retrofit glass doors: IKEA offers official glass doors for KALLAX that are easy to install and effectively keep dust out. Advantage: visibility is maintained, and cleaning becomes easier.
2. Custom-cut acrylic or plexiglass panels: If the official doors are too expensive or you prefer a different look. Note: Poorly cut edges can be sharp or prone to chipping – it’s better to hire a professional or choose polished edges.
3. Roller blinds or curtains: For a flexible solution, fabric curtains can be mounted in front of the compartments. Advantage: easy to wash and customizable. Disadvantage: dust protection is not always completely airtight.
4. Drawer boxes or collapsible fabric boxes: These can be placed inside the compartments and offer some dust protection. However, they are not ideal for books, as they block visibility.
Common mistakes:
- No gap between the cover and the shelving unit (dust tends to settle on uneven surfaces)
- Use of materials that build up static electricity and attract dust
Summary: Glass doors are best because they are visually appealing and effectively block dust. Alternatives are acrylic panels or sturdy curtains.
If you have any questions about installation or measurements, feel free to ask!
LANICOLE schrieb:
Glass doors are best because they look appealing and effectively keep out dust.I completely agree! 🙂 I cut Plexiglas sheets myself (it's important to carefully deburr the edges with a hand sander) and that way the shelf stays completely dust-free.
However, for books, I would leave some air circulation; otherwise, it can quickly get musty inside.
One more tip from me: don’t use material that’s too thin, or everything will wobble when touched. Sturdy and transparent – and you have the perfect dust-proof shelf. ;-)
Hello Tedape,
I would like to add some technical points to LANICOLE’s post that you should consider when designing dust protection for your KALLAX compartments.
First, regarding the choice of material: glass looks high-quality but can be difficult to handle for DIY assembly. Acrylic glass (Plexiglas) is a good alternative, but it needs to be UV-stabilized to prevent yellowing over time. Also, make sure to properly deburr the edges to avoid any abrasion.
Installation tips:
- Flexible adhesive pads or small plastic hinges work well for installing movable doors.
- Ensure the panels fit snugly enough to prevent dust entering through gaps, but not so tight that air circulation is blocked.
A very effective trick is combining a glass or acrylic panel with small magnets recessed on the inside. This allows easy opening and closing without visible screws, which improves aesthetics.
Alternatively, you could consider custom sliding doors. However, these require a bigger investment and precise measurements.
A quick question: How large and how many compartments do you want to cover exactly? And how often will the compartments need to be opened? This will influence how complex the solution should be.
I would like to add some technical points to LANICOLE’s post that you should consider when designing dust protection for your KALLAX compartments.
First, regarding the choice of material: glass looks high-quality but can be difficult to handle for DIY assembly. Acrylic glass (Plexiglas) is a good alternative, but it needs to be UV-stabilized to prevent yellowing over time. Also, make sure to properly deburr the edges to avoid any abrasion.
Installation tips:
- Flexible adhesive pads or small plastic hinges work well for installing movable doors.
- Ensure the panels fit snugly enough to prevent dust entering through gaps, but not so tight that air circulation is blocked.
A very effective trick is combining a glass or acrylic panel with small magnets recessed on the inside. This allows easy opening and closing without visible screws, which improves aesthetics.
Alternatively, you could consider custom sliding doors. However, these require a bigger investment and precise measurements.
A quick question: How large and how many compartments do you want to cover exactly? And how often will the compartments need to be opened? This will influence how complex the solution should be.
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