ᐅ Would you buy your KALLAX again? Looking for long-term opinions!

Hello everyone, a few years ago I bought a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA and have been using it daily since then. Now I am especially interested in your long-term opinions: Would you choose to buy your KALLAX shelving unit again if you had to decide today?

I am particularly curious about the following points: How durable is the shelving unit after several years of everyday use? How does it perform when combining different uses (books, decorations, heavier items)? Are there any noticeable signs of wear or material issues?

I am considering whether to use the KALLAX again for other rooms or to choose alternative shelving systems instead. Looking forward to your experiences and opinions!

Hi Elvin32,

thanks for your detailed question! I have had my KALLAX for almost six years now and would definitely buy it again.

The shelf is sturdy, can easily hold heavy books, and shows only minor signs of use, like small scratches here and there. I mainly use it for books and decorations, but also sometimes for storing folders.

It is important to assemble it correctly and secure it to the wall – then it stands very firmly. I haven’t had any problems with the material or workmanship so far.

If you have any questions about assembly or maintenance, I’m happy to help!

I would buy it again. The price-performance ratio is good, stable and flexible. Just be careful during transport, as edges can get damaged easily.

benon schrieb:
I have had my KALLAX for almost six years now and would definitely buy it again.

Let me question that: How measurable is the durability of KALLAX compared to other shelving systems?

KALLAX is affordable and versatile, but in long-term use, the particleboard material can cause issues—such as swelling due to moisture.

If you have zero tolerance for minor damage, solid wood shelves might be a better choice. I would be interested if someone could provide objective experience or comparative data.

I understand that the question of material quality is especially important in everyday use.

Regarding Josefane: You make a good point about moisture. I had the KALLAX in my bedroom for years, sometimes near windows. Despite some humidity, I did not experience significant warping.

Still, I can see the concern if you want to use it long-term. It’s important to consider the intended location and the level of stress it will be subjected to.

Perhaps others here also have experience with more challenging conditions?

I have been using it for 7 years and find the KALLAX great. Of course, it’s not solid wood quality, but sturdy enough for my needs.

Just avoid using too much water when cleaning, and it will last a long time.