Hello everyone,
I recently took a closer look at the new KALLAX shelving units from IKEA and noticed that the corners of these models are significantly more rounded compared to the older versions. I am very interested to understand why IKEA chose these less sharp, rounded corners in the new KALLAX shelving units.
My thoughts go in different directions: Is it intended to increase safety, for example to reduce injuries in households with children? Or is there more of an aesthetic reason, aiming for a more modern and softer appearance? Could there also be a manufacturing-related consideration, such as improving stability or durability?
Are there perhaps any statements from IKEA on this, or experiences from other users that could shed some light? I would like to understand this change better, since it doesn’t seem to be just a minor design detail, but rather a clear adjustment from the earlier product version.
Thanks for your insights!
I recently took a closer look at the new KALLAX shelving units from IKEA and noticed that the corners of these models are significantly more rounded compared to the older versions. I am very interested to understand why IKEA chose these less sharp, rounded corners in the new KALLAX shelving units.
My thoughts go in different directions: Is it intended to increase safety, for example to reduce injuries in households with children? Or is there more of an aesthetic reason, aiming for a more modern and softer appearance? Could there also be a manufacturing-related consideration, such as improving stability or durability?
Are there perhaps any statements from IKEA on this, or experiences from other users that could shed some light? I would like to understand this change better, since it doesn’t seem to be just a minor design detail, but rather a clear adjustment from the earlier product version.
Thanks for your insights!
Hello sauneo40,
Thank you for your detailed question.
Basically, IKEA has rounded the corners on newer furniture pieces like the KALLAX for two main reasons: Firstly, product safety is a priority. Sharp edges pose a risk, especially in households with children, considering that the KALLAX is often placed close to the floor where accidental bumps can easily happen. By having blunter, softer corners, this risk is significantly reduced.
Secondly, aesthetics also play a role. Modern design trends have leaned towards softer lines and rounded shapes in recent years, as these are perceived as more visually pleasing and less harsh. This gives a friendlier appearance and is preferred by many customers.
Regarding production, new models use different edge profiles and coatings that are not only durable but also make it easier to achieve a rounded finish. Overall, this contributes to greater longevity, as rounded corners are less prone to damage such as chipping.
I hope these points help you.
Thank you for your detailed question.
Basically, IKEA has rounded the corners on newer furniture pieces like the KALLAX for two main reasons: Firstly, product safety is a priority. Sharp edges pose a risk, especially in households with children, considering that the KALLAX is often placed close to the floor where accidental bumps can easily happen. By having blunter, softer corners, this risk is significantly reduced.
sauneo40 schrieb:
Is this intended to increase safety, for example to minimize injuries in households with children?
Secondly, aesthetics also play a role. Modern design trends have leaned towards softer lines and rounded shapes in recent years, as these are perceived as more visually pleasing and less harsh. This gives a friendlier appearance and is preferred by many customers.
Regarding production, new models use different edge profiles and coatings that are not only durable but also make it easier to achieve a rounded finish. Overall, this contributes to greater longevity, as rounded corners are less prone to damage such as chipping.
I hope these points help you.
A good question that draws attention to a often underestimated detail.
The rounded corners on the new KALLAX models can also be well explained from a technical perspective. IKEA now uses a combination of melamine-coated particleboard and an optimized routing process for edge finishing on these shelves. The previously sharp edges have been replaced by a so-called round-over milling. In this process, a special router creates a radius on the component edges, which relieves stress on the edge.
As you already mentioned, safety plays a significant role. Especially with sturdy, closed shelving units like KALLAX, a more rounded corner also provides better protection against injuries from bumping or leaning.
There is also a benefit in the manufacturing process: roundings reduce the surface's susceptibility to abrasion and scratches, as damage caused by sharp impacts is minimized. For IKEA, this means fewer complaints in customer service, which is economically sensible.
A question for you: do you use the KALLAX in an environment with children or pets? Sometimes it’s helpful to consider the usage conditions to better understand adjustments.
Additionally, it is interesting that IKEA follows a global design guideline promoting sustainability and durability. Rounded edges help maintain the material’s stability for a longer time, which in turn supports the environmental strategy.
The rounded corners on the new KALLAX models can also be well explained from a technical perspective. IKEA now uses a combination of melamine-coated particleboard and an optimized routing process for edge finishing on these shelves. The previously sharp edges have been replaced by a so-called round-over milling. In this process, a special router creates a radius on the component edges, which relieves stress on the edge.
Lis53 schrieb:
This appears friendlier and is requested by many customers.
As you already mentioned, safety plays a significant role. Especially with sturdy, closed shelving units like KALLAX, a more rounded corner also provides better protection against injuries from bumping or leaning.
There is also a benefit in the manufacturing process: roundings reduce the surface's susceptibility to abrasion and scratches, as damage caused by sharp impacts is minimized. For IKEA, this means fewer complaints in customer service, which is economically sensible.
A question for you: do you use the KALLAX in an environment with children or pets? Sometimes it’s helpful to consider the usage conditions to better understand adjustments.
Additionally, it is interesting that IKEA follows a global design guideline promoting sustainability and durability. Rounded edges help maintain the material’s stability for a longer time, which in turn supports the environmental strategy.
I think the whole topic is a bit overrated. Sure, rounded corners are safer and might look more modern, but this isn’t something IKEA is really selling as a revolutionary feature.
Hmm, I doubt that these minimal rounds in production noticeably improve durability in everyday use. The surface of a KALLAX shelf is much more likely to be stressed by daily activities – putting books in, spills, moving, and so on.
In my opinion, these rounded corners are mainly a marketing move to create an impression of “more safety” and “modern design.”
And to be honest, many older pieces of furniture have lasted forever and been used extensively—sharp corners or not. Other factors like material quality, workmanship, and surface treatment probably play a much bigger role than the shape of the edge corners.
Still interesting that so much thought is given to a small design change here. Maybe IKEA sells fewer side furniture pieces that feel awkward or uncomfortable because of this. Ultimately, customers just prefer it better, and that’s what counts in the end.
glamo schrieb:
Rounding reduces the surface’s susceptibility to wear and scratches
Hmm, I doubt that these minimal rounds in production noticeably improve durability in everyday use. The surface of a KALLAX shelf is much more likely to be stressed by daily activities – putting books in, spills, moving, and so on.
In my opinion, these rounded corners are mainly a marketing move to create an impression of “more safety” and “modern design.”
And to be honest, many older pieces of furniture have lasted forever and been used extensively—sharp corners or not. Other factors like material quality, workmanship, and surface treatment probably play a much bigger role than the shape of the edge corners.
Still interesting that so much thought is given to a small design change here. Maybe IKEA sells fewer side furniture pieces that feel awkward or uncomfortable because of this. Ultimately, customers just prefer it better, and that’s what counts in the end.
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