IKEA offers its customers a huge range of shelving options that are well-liked due to their simple designs, small space accommodation, and easy customization, with KALLAX shelves being a popular choice among IKEA customers.
So if you’re looking to purchase a KALLAX shelf from IKEA to add sophistication to your interiors, here are 11 things you should know before and after buying them!
IKEA KALLAX Shelves
IKEA’s KALLAX series includes simply designed cube storage units that come in a range of sizes, colors, and finishes. The range offers easy customization with additional drawers, dividers, and shelving that can be added to any KALLAX unit. Its versatility makes it popular among ‘hack’ enthusiasts.
If you want to learn more about whether KALLAX units are of good quality, what are the dimensions of a standard KALLAX unit, and much more, keep reading!
Is IKEA KALLAX Good Quality?
Customer reviews generally describe the IKEA KALLAX shelving units as sturdy and durable.
Like most IKEA furniture, they stand the test of time and are solid enough to hold weight for a long time.
Additionally, the KALLAX unit is very popular among IKEA ‘hack’ enthusiasts who use KALLAX shelves to create new styles and put them to different uses.
IKEA KALLAX Shelves Dimensions
IKEA KALLAX shelves come in a few standard varieties, and you can find the dimensions of each of these standard KALLAX shelves listed below:
- KALLAX Shelf Unit, 16 1/2” X 57 7/8”: Stacks four cubes vertically, 1×4
- KALLAX Shelf Unit, 30 3/8” X 30 3/8”: Four cubes stacked 2×2
- KALLAX Shelf Unit, 30 3/8” X 57 7/8”: Stacks eight cubes, 2×4
- KALLAX Shelf Unit, 44 1/8” X 44 1/8”: Stacks nine cubes, 3×3
- KALLAX Shelf Unit, 44 1/8” X 57 7/8”: Stacks twelve cubes, 4×3
- KALLAX Shelf Unit, 57 7/8” X 57 7/8”: Stacks sixteen cubes, 4×4
- KALLAX Shelf Unit, 71 5/8” X 71 5/8”: Stacks twenty-five cubes, 5×5
How Can You Add Shelves To A KALLAX Unit?
There are a few ways to add shelves to the IKEA KALLAX shelf unit.
Firstly, you can pair together units to create more shelving space, i.e., by matching two identical units or by adding a 1×4 unit to add an extra column of shelves.
Alternatively, you can add shelves to your existing KALLAX shelf by purchasing the different customizations available with IKEA.
Note that there are a few different dividers available to create shelves inside your unit, including glass shelf dividers, and bottle shelf dividers.
Are The IKEA KALLAX Shelves Easy To Assemble?
Like all IKEA furniture, the KALLAX shelving units come with easy-to-follow instructions on how to assemble the units.
If you decide to assemble the unit yourself and get stuck, several YouTube tutorials show a step-by-step guide on assembling the KALLAX unit.
However, if you prefer someone else to assemble your unit, you can hire someone through IKEA’s TaskRabbit service.
Can You Modify IKEA KALLAX Shelves?
IKEA offers a variety of different additions for KALLAX shelves, as well as premade shelves with drawers and cupboard doors attached.
The additional products in the KALLAX series include glass shelving dividers, drawers in varying materials, and cupboard inserts.
On top of the range offered by IKEA, KALLAX shelves are also popular among IKEA ‘hack’ bloggers, with endless possibilities on how you can customize and modify KALLAX units to suit your needs.
You can search about IKEA KALLAX hacks on the internet to try customizations such as adding wicker baskets, decals, fabrics, and lighting to your unit.
Can You Hang KALLAX Shelves On The Wall?
The IKEA KALLAX series page states that KALLAX shelves can be mounted onto walls, and a number of YouTube tutorials show exactly how this can be done safely.
Note that while the KALLAX series comes with parts that allow you to attach the unit to the wall for safety, you will need extra supplies to hang it properly.
Additionally, the IKEA instructions don’t suggest hanging these shelving units from the walls; however, a number of online DIY experts have successfully achieved this.
Can You Sit On IKEA KALLAX Units?
IKEA KALLAX shelves have been hacked into a number of different uses, including benches and beds.
This would suggest that the units are strong enough for a person to sit on.
Can You Drill Holes In IKEA KALLAX Shelves?
Extra screws can be added to IKEA KALLAX shelves to make them more secure or to mount them onto walls and other units more securely.
You can do this by using a small drill, but you should ensure that the drill size is suitable for your screw of choice.
Is It Safe To Stack IKEA KALLAX Shelves?
It is safe to stack IKEA KALLAX shelves, though customers recommend securing stacked shelves safely to walls as the units are quite heavy.
This would help prevent any unexpected breakages and ensure that your KALLAX units function well for a longer period of time.
How Much Weight Can An IKEA KALLAX Shelf Support?
According to customer reviews, IKEA states that each shelf cube can hold around 29 lbs (13 kg).
If you need to add more weight, you should consider buying additional units and stacking them together.
Do IKEA KALLAX Shelves Sag?
If too much weight is placed on an IKEA KALLAX shelf for a long period of time, the shelf may start to sag.
You can avoid this by evenly distributing the weight on the shelves and adding extra support to the shelves.
If you are looking to learn more about IKEA, you can also see our related posts on where IKEA furniture is manufactured, the IKEA LACK table, and how long IKEA furniture lasts.
Conclusion
The IKEA KALLAX shelving units are a diverse and versatile series offered by IKEA. They are considered good quality and come in a range of sizes and color options.
The shelves are easily customized and can be used in a variety of ways around your home. If you need more shelving space, the units can be stacked and additional shelves can be added as well.
Each KALLAX cube can hold around 29lbs, and can also be mounted onto walls for security.
