ᐅ Who is using Kallax as a kitchen shelf? I find it impractical.
Created on: 17 Dec 2018 08:27
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Kernreo
Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I bought an IKEA Kallax shelf to use it in my kitchen as additional storage and workspace. However, I am starting to doubt whether this is really a practical solution. Especially when working regularly in the kitchen, the shelf doesn’t seem very convenient to use: the compartments are fairly spacious, but the height is limited, making it hardly suitable for larger items. Besides, I find it difficult to clean and it quickly looks messy when storing things like spices, dishes, or kitchen appliances.
So my question to you is: who actually uses Kallax as a kitchen shelf? What are your experiences with it – especially regarding usability, cleaning, and stability? I just find it impractical for everyday use and wonder if I am approaching this the wrong way or if there are better furniture solutions for the kitchen. Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Some time ago, I bought an IKEA Kallax shelf to use it in my kitchen as additional storage and workspace. However, I am starting to doubt whether this is really a practical solution. Especially when working regularly in the kitchen, the shelf doesn’t seem very convenient to use: the compartments are fairly spacious, but the height is limited, making it hardly suitable for larger items. Besides, I find it difficult to clean and it quickly looks messy when storing things like spices, dishes, or kitchen appliances.
So my question to you is: who actually uses Kallax as a kitchen shelf? What are your experiences with it – especially regarding usability, cleaning, and stability? I just find it impractical for everyday use and wonder if I am approaching this the wrong way or if there are better furniture solutions for the kitchen. Thanks in advance for your feedback!
In summary, I see the issue as follows: The Kallax is primarily designed as a room divider or for living areas. Its open design lacks protection against dust and moisture, which is the main reason why it is often impractical as kitchen shelving.
It becomes more practical when using drawers or boxes, but this reduces storage space and makes handling more complicated.
If design and budget allow, a piece of furniture specifically designed for kitchens with glass doors or closed fronts is much more practical. This allows for easier cleaning, better protection of contents, and often more versatile storage options.
Using the Kallax as kitchen shelving is possible, but you need to be fully aware of its limitations.
It becomes more practical when using drawers or boxes, but this reduces storage space and makes handling more complicated.
If design and budget allow, a piece of furniture specifically designed for kitchens with glass doors or closed fronts is much more practical. This allows for easier cleaning, better protection of contents, and often more versatile storage options.
Using the Kallax as kitchen shelving is possible, but you need to be fully aware of its limitations.
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Demetrius18 Dec 2018 09:38I also use Kallax in my kitchen, but only as additional shelving, not as the main storage for kitchen utensils. At first, I was concerned about dust accumulation, but using fabric baskets works quite well.
I completely agree. It’s a good supplement, but nothing more. Especially in a small kitchen, such shelving can provide extra storage space, as long as you understand it’s not a custom-built solution.
The downside: If you overload it or store heavy items, the stability suffers and the overall appearance quickly becomes cluttered.
Timofa schrieb:
if you don’t misuse the shelving as the main workspace
I completely agree. It’s a good supplement, but nothing more. Especially in a small kitchen, such shelving can provide extra storage space, as long as you understand it’s not a custom-built solution.
The downside: If you overload it or store heavy items, the stability suffers and the overall appearance quickly becomes cluttered.
Kernreo schrieb:
I find that it is difficult to clean and quickly looks untidyCleaning obstacles arise from the open compartments and the lack of smooth, wipeable surfaces. Additionally, the material tends to react poorly when it absorbs moisture.
If you use the Kallax in the kitchen, I strongly recommend using inserts or boxes—preferably ones with lids and made of materials that are easy to wipe clean. This considerably reduces maintenance effort.
For professional or frequent kitchen use, Kallax is generally not the most practical solution.
Enrico4 schrieb:
Cleaning barriers are caused by the open compartmentsThat’s exactly what I mean. An open design is always a compromise. Additionally, Kallax is often made from laminated wood panels, which can be sensitive to moisture.
Considering the effort required for cleaning and protective items (boxes), the shelf quickly loses efficiency compared to a suitable kitchen cabinet.
So, the problem isn’t just the material itself but the intended use – and the fact that Kallax was not designed as a kitchen shelving unit.
Demetrius schrieb:
It’s a good addition, but nothing more.Yes, that matches my observation quite well. I had expected the Kallax to be more flexible or better suited to kitchen needs and to be able to store pots, pans, or even pantry jars neatly. But as it is, it quickly becomes cluttered and impractical.
Thanks to everyone for the clear answers and the suggestions for alternatives. I’m actually thinking of switching to a kitchen shelving unit with doors and greater depth—the Kallax can then serve as an extra for the “lighter” items, perhaps with baskets as suggested.
I appreciate the open discussion here about the limitations of the shelving unit; it really helps me with planning.
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